http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1830 2013-05-22T03:53:19Z 2013-05-22T03:53:19Z Roscoe, Philip John Chillas, Shiona Allison http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3537 2013-05-20T15:31:03Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: In this paper we pursue a dialogue between Callon’s (1998) ‘performativity thesis’ and Critical Management Studies (CMS). We make use of the performativity thesis to elaborate on the construction of a market and the generation of calculative and rational economic agency in a specific empirical setting: the markets for relationships offered by dating services. We find evidence for ‘effective’ performativity, where technical processes and outcomes are shaped by academic theory. We link the performativity analysis with three critical perspectives: a novel enclosure in the commodification and sale of relationships; the politics of standardisation, classification, expertise and responsibility; and the enactment of instrumentally rational, self-interested social relations through the individualist assumptions of matching systems. We argue that a performativity analysis must begin with a critical politics: what kind of world would we like to see performed?

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z Roscoe, Philip John Chillas, Shiona Allison In this paper we pursue a dialogue between Callon’s (1998) ‘performativity thesis’ and Critical Management Studies (CMS). We make use of the performativity thesis to elaborate on the construction of a market and the generation of calculative and rational economic agency in a specific empirical setting: the markets for relationships offered by dating services. We find evidence for ‘effective’ performativity, where technical processes and outcomes are shaped by academic theory. We link the performativity analysis with three critical perspectives: a novel enclosure in the commodification and sale of relationships; the politics of standardisation, classification, expertise and responsibility; and the enactment of instrumentally rational, self-interested social relations through the individualist assumptions of matching systems. We argue that a performativity analysis must begin with a critical politics: what kind of world would we like to see performed? Nutley, Sandra Margaret Powell, Alison Elizabeth Davies, Huw Talfryn Oakley http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3518 2013-05-10T17:01:04Z 2013-02-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Making better use of evidence is essential if public services are to deliver more for less. Central to this challenge is the need for a clearer understanding about standards of evidence that can be applied to the research informing social policy. This paper reviews the extent to which it is possible to reach a workable consensus on ways of identifying and labelling evidence. It does this by exploring the efforts made to date and the debates that have ensued. Throughout, the focus is on evidence that is underpinned by research, rather than other sources of evidence such as expert opinion or stakeholder views.

2013-02-01T00:00:00Z Nutley, Sandra Margaret Powell, Alison Elizabeth Davies, Huw Talfryn Oakley Making better use of evidence is essential if public services are to deliver more for less. Central to this challenge is the need for a clearer understanding about standards of evidence that can be applied to the research informing social policy. This paper reviews the extent to which it is possible to reach a workable consensus on ways of identifying and labelling evidence. It does this by exploring the efforts made to date and the debates that have ensued. Throughout, the focus is on evidence that is underpinned by research, rather than other sources of evidence such as expert opinion or stakeholder views. Whitehead, Ross Re, Daniel Xiao, Dengke Ozakinci, Gozde Perrett, David Ian http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3428 2013-05-12T04:10:52Z 2012-03-07T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption and ingestion of carotenoids have been found to be associated with human skin-color (yellowness) in a recent cross-sectional study. This carotenoid-based coloration contributes beneficially to the appearance of health in humans and is held to be a sexually selected cue of condition in other species. Methodology and Principal Findings: Here we investigate the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on skin-color longitudinally to determine the magnitude and duration of diet change required to change skin-color perceptibly. Diet and skin-color were recorded at baseline and after three and six weeks, in a group of 35 individuals who were without makeup, self-tanning agents and/or recent intensive UV exposure. Six-week changes in fruit and vegetable consumption were significantly correlated with changes in skin redness and yellowness over this period, and diet-linked skin reflectance changes were significantly associated with the spectral absorption of carotenoids and not melanin. We also used psychophysical methods to investigate the minimum color change required to confer perceptibly healthier and more attractive skin-coloration. Modest dietary changes are required to enhance apparent health (2.91 portions per day) and attractiveness (3.30 portions). Conclusions: Increased fruit and vegetable consumption confers measurable and perceptibly beneficial effects on Caucasian skin appearance within six weeks. This effect could potentially be used as a motivational tool in dietary intervention. Description: R Whitehead was funded by an ESRC Studentship.

2012-03-07T00:00:00Z Whitehead, Ross Re, Daniel Xiao, Dengke Ozakinci, Gozde Perrett, David Ian Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption and ingestion of carotenoids have been found to be associated with human skin-color (yellowness) in a recent cross-sectional study. This carotenoid-based coloration contributes beneficially to the appearance of health in humans and is held to be a sexually selected cue of condition in other species. Methodology and Principal Findings: Here we investigate the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on skin-color longitudinally to determine the magnitude and duration of diet change required to change skin-color perceptibly. Diet and skin-color were recorded at baseline and after three and six weeks, in a group of 35 individuals who were without makeup, self-tanning agents and/or recent intensive UV exposure. Six-week changes in fruit and vegetable consumption were significantly correlated with changes in skin redness and yellowness over this period, and diet-linked skin reflectance changes were significantly associated with the spectral absorption of carotenoids and not melanin. We also used psychophysical methods to investigate the minimum color change required to confer perceptibly healthier and more attractive skin-coloration. Modest dietary changes are required to enhance apparent health (2.91 portions per day) and attractiveness (3.30 portions). Conclusions: Increased fruit and vegetable consumption confers measurable and perceptibly beneficial effects on Caucasian skin appearance within six weeks. This effect could potentially be used as a motivational tool in dietary intervention. Ross, Laura Shuker, David M. Normark, Benjamin B. Pen, Ido http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3355 2013-02-13T10:31:02Z 2012-05-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: There is an extraordinary diversity in genetic systems across species, but this variation remains poorly understood. In part, this is because the mechanisms responsible for transitions between systems are often unknown. A recent hypothesis has suggested that conflict between hosts and endosymbiotic microorganisms over transmission could drive the transition from diplodiploidy to systems with male haploidy (haplodiploidy, including arrhenotoky and paternal genome elimination [PGE]). Here, we present the first formal test of this idea with a comparative analysis across scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Scale insects are renowned for their large variation in genetic systems, and multiple transitions between diplodiploidy and haplodiploidy have taken place within this group. Additionally, most species rely on endosymbiotic microorganisms to provide them with essential nutrients lacking in their diet. We show that species harboring endosymbionts are indeed more likely to have a genetic system with male haploidy, which supports the hypothesis that endosymbionts might have played a role in the transition to haplodiploidy. We also extend our analysis to consider the relationship between endosymbiont presence and transitions to parthenogenesis. Although in scale insects there is no such overall association, species harboring eukaryote endosymbionts were more likely to be parthenogenetic than those with bacterial symbionts. These results support the idea that intergenomic conflict can drive the evolution of novel genetic systems and affect host reproduction.

2012-05-01T00:00:00Z Ross, Laura Shuker, David M. Normark, Benjamin B. Pen, Ido There is an extraordinary diversity in genetic systems across species, but this variation remains poorly understood. In part, this is because the mechanisms responsible for transitions between systems are often unknown. A recent hypothesis has suggested that conflict between hosts and endosymbiotic microorganisms over transmission could drive the transition from diplodiploidy to systems with male haploidy (haplodiploidy, including arrhenotoky and paternal genome elimination [PGE]). Here, we present the first formal test of this idea with a comparative analysis across scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Scale insects are renowned for their large variation in genetic systems, and multiple transitions between diplodiploidy and haplodiploidy have taken place within this group. Additionally, most species rely on endosymbiotic microorganisms to provide them with essential nutrients lacking in their diet. We show that species harboring endosymbionts are indeed more likely to have a genetic system with male haploidy, which supports the hypothesis that endosymbionts might have played a role in the transition to haplodiploidy. We also extend our analysis to consider the relationship between endosymbiont presence and transitions to parthenogenesis. Although in scale insects there is no such overall association, species harboring eukaryote endosymbionts were more likely to be parthenogenetic than those with bacterial symbionts. These results support the idea that intergenomic conflict can drive the evolution of novel genetic systems and affect host reproduction. Kennedy, Sarah Dow, Lisa Oliver, Iain Angus Sweetman, Rebecca Jane Miller, Alan Henry David Campbell, Anne Davies, Christopher John McCaffery, John Philip Allison, Colin Green, Daryl Luxford, Julian Marcus Fawcett, Richard http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3332 2013-01-24T10:01:16Z 2012-12-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: St Andrews Cathedral is located on the East Coast of Scotland, construction started in 1160 and spanned Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. It was consecrated in 1318, four years after the battle of Bannockburn in the presence of King Robert the Bruce. For several hundred years, the Cathedral was one of the most important religious buildings in Europe and the centre of religious life in Scotland. During the Scottish Reformation, John Knox lead reformers in divesting the Cathedral of much of its finery. Thereafter it fell into disuse and decline. Today the impressive remains only hint at the former glory of this important building. Cultural Heritage encompasses physical aspects such as architecture and artifacts along with less tangible culture such as music, songs and stories. Open virtual worlds offer an extensible collaborative environment for developing historic scenes against the background of which material and ephemeral aspects of cultural heritage associated with a site may be explored through engagement with historic narratives. They offer the potential to reconstruct within a 3D computer environment both the physical structures of the past and important aspects of the light, music and life that once filled those structures. Virtual reconstructions enable scenarios to be created where individual pieces of art can be located and appreciated within the audio, visual and spacial contexts for which they were originally created. Bringing together architecture, sculpture, illumination, stained-glass, music, procession and lighting into a scene which can be explored from multiple spatial perspectives enables holistic experience and appreciation. Historic reconstructions may be created upon virtual stages allowing new and engaging Cultural Heritage perspectives to be accessible to diverse audiences. Through the example of St Andrews Cathedral reconstruction this paper presents an example of Open Virtual Worlds as a technology for supporting the creation and use of virtual reconstructions as a platform that promotes understanding of and engagement with Cultural Heritage. The use contexts discussed range from research based exploration of 3D spaces, to primary schools students using the reconstructions as a backdrop for tag. The digital literacies of the audience and goals of the use case impact on the appropriateness of the user interface. A range of interfaces are explored including games controllers, touch screens, tablets that provide location aware views into the model and hands free gesture control systems.

2012-12-01T00:00:00Z Kennedy, Sarah Dow, Lisa Oliver, Iain Angus Sweetman, Rebecca Jane Miller, Alan Henry David Campbell, Anne Davies, Christopher John McCaffery, John Philip Allison, Colin Green, Daryl Luxford, Julian Marcus Fawcett, Richard St Andrews Cathedral is located on the East Coast of Scotland, construction started in 1160 and spanned Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. It was consecrated in 1318, four years after the battle of Bannockburn in the presence of King Robert the Bruce. For several hundred years, the Cathedral was one of the most important religious buildings in Europe and the centre of religious life in Scotland. During the Scottish Reformation, John Knox lead reformers in divesting the Cathedral of much of its finery. Thereafter it fell into disuse and decline. Today the impressive remains only hint at the former glory of this important building. Cultural Heritage encompasses physical aspects such as architecture and artifacts along with less tangible culture such as music, songs and stories. Open virtual worlds offer an extensible collaborative environment for developing historic scenes against the background of which material and ephemeral aspects of cultural heritage associated with a site may be explored through engagement with historic narratives. They offer the potential to reconstruct within a 3D computer environment both the physical structures of the past and important aspects of the light, music and life that once filled those structures. Virtual reconstructions enable scenarios to be created where individual pieces of art can be located and appreciated within the audio, visual and spacial contexts for which they were originally created. Bringing together architecture, sculpture, illumination, stained-glass, music, procession and lighting into a scene which can be explored from multiple spatial perspectives enables holistic experience and appreciation. Historic reconstructions may be created upon virtual stages allowing new and engaging Cultural Heritage perspectives to be accessible to diverse audiences. Through the example of St Andrews Cathedral reconstruction this paper presents an example of Open Virtual Worlds as a technology for supporting the creation and use of virtual reconstructions as a platform that promotes understanding of and engagement with Cultural Heritage. The use contexts discussed range from research based exploration of 3D spaces, to primary schools students using the reconstructions as a backdrop for tag. The digital literacies of the audience and goals of the use case impact on the appropriateness of the user interface. A range of interfaces are explored including games controllers, touch screens, tablets that provide location aware views into the model and hands free gesture control systems. Zhou, Wuzong Yu, Fengjiao Greer, Heather Frances Jiang, Zheng Edwards, Peter P. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3304 2012-12-17T11:31:02Z 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have been used to investigate non-classic crystal growth of catalytic nanoparticles, such as zeolites, perovskites, metal and alloy particles. Growth mechanisms of some crystals with novel morphologies, for example, BiOBr flower-like particles and ZnO twin-crystals, have also been studied. A development of sampling method for soot particles inside a candle flame allows us to reveal all four well-known carbon forms, amorphous, graphitic, fullerenic and nanodiamond particles. This article demonstrates that electron microscopy is a powerful tool to study the microstructures of small particles, giving us more freedom to develop new materials.

2012-09-01T00:00:00Z Zhou, Wuzong Yu, Fengjiao Greer, Heather Frances Jiang, Zheng Edwards, Peter P. Scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have been used to investigate non-classic crystal growth of catalytic nanoparticles, such as zeolites, perovskites, metal and alloy particles. Growth mechanisms of some crystals with novel morphologies, for example, BiOBr flower-like particles and ZnO twin-crystals, have also been studied. A development of sampling method for soot particles inside a candle flame allows us to reveal all four well-known carbon forms, amorphous, graphitic, fullerenic and nanodiamond particles. This article demonstrates that electron microscopy is a powerful tool to study the microstructures of small particles, giving us more freedom to develop new materials. Allison, Colin Campbell, Anne Davies, Christopher John Dow, Lisa Kennedy, Sarah McCaffery, John Philip Miller, Alan Henry David Oliver, Iain Angus Perera, Galhenage Indika Udaya Shantha http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3272 2013-02-05T12:31:01Z 2012-11-25T00:00:00Z

Abstract: The growth in the range of disciplines that Virtual Worlds support for educational purposes is evidenced by recent applications in the fields of cultural heritage, humanitarian aid, space exploration, virtual laboratories in the physical sciences, archaeology, computer science and coastal geography. This growth is due in part to the flexibility of OpenSim, the open source virtual world platform which by adopting Second Life protocols and norms has created a de facto standard for open virtual worlds that is supported by a growing number of third party open source viewers. Yet while this diversity of use-cases is impressive and Virtual Worlds for open learning are highly popular with lecturers and learners alike immersive education remains an essentially niche activity. This paper identifies functional challenges in terms of Management, Network Infrastructure, the Immersive 3D Web and Programmability that must be addressed to enable the wider adoption of Open Virtual Worlds as a routine learning technology platform. We refer to specific use-cases based on OpenSim and abstract generic requirements which should be met to enable the growth in use of Open Virtual Worlds as a mainstream educational facility. A case study of a deployment to support a formal education curriculum and associated informal learning is used to illustrate key points.

2012-11-25T00:00:00Z Allison, Colin Campbell, Anne Davies, Christopher John Dow, Lisa Kennedy, Sarah McCaffery, John Philip Miller, Alan Henry David Oliver, Iain Angus Perera, Galhenage Indika Udaya Shantha The growth in the range of disciplines that Virtual Worlds support for educational purposes is evidenced by recent applications in the fields of cultural heritage, humanitarian aid, space exploration, virtual laboratories in the physical sciences, archaeology, computer science and coastal geography. This growth is due in part to the flexibility of OpenSim, the open source virtual world platform which by adopting Second Life protocols and norms has created a de facto standard for open virtual worlds that is supported by a growing number of third party open source viewers. Yet while this diversity of use-cases is impressive and Virtual Worlds for open learning are highly popular with lecturers and learners alike immersive education remains an essentially niche activity. This paper identifies functional challenges in terms of Management, Network Infrastructure, the Immersive 3D Web and Programmability that must be addressed to enable the wider adoption of Open Virtual Worlds as a routine learning technology platform. We refer to specific use-cases based on OpenSim and abstract generic requirements which should be met to enable the growth in use of Open Virtual Worlds as a mainstream educational facility. A case study of a deployment to support a formal education curriculum and associated informal learning is used to illustrate key points. Borchers, David http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3259 2012-12-12T16:13:47Z 2012-02-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Most capture-recapture studies are inherently spatial in nature, with capture probabilities depending on the location of traps relative to animals. The spatial component of the studies has until recently, however, not been incorporated in statistical capture-recapture models. This paper reviews capture-recapture models that do include an explicit spatial component. This is done in a non-technical way, omitting much of the algebraic detail and focussing on the model formulation rather than on the estimation methods (which include inverse prediction, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods). One can view spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models as an endpoint of a series of spatial sampling models, starting with circular plot survey models and moving through conventional distance sampling models, with and without measurement errors, through mark-recapture distance sampling (MRDS) models. This paper attempts a synthesis of these models in what I hope is a style accessible to non-specialists, placing SECR models in the context of other spatial sampling models.

2012-02-01T00:00:00Z Borchers, David Most capture-recapture studies are inherently spatial in nature, with capture probabilities depending on the location of traps relative to animals. The spatial component of the studies has until recently, however, not been incorporated in statistical capture-recapture models. This paper reviews capture-recapture models that do include an explicit spatial component. This is done in a non-technical way, omitting much of the algebraic detail and focussing on the model formulation rather than on the estimation methods (which include inverse prediction, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods). One can view spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models as an endpoint of a series of spatial sampling models, starting with circular plot survey models and moving through conventional distance sampling models, with and without measurement errors, through mark-recapture distance sampling (MRDS) models. This paper attempts a synthesis of these models in what I hope is a style accessible to non-specialists, placing SECR models in the context of other spatial sampling models. Borchers, David Louis Thomas, Len Buckland, Stephen Terrence Skaug, Hans Barlow, Jay http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3216 2012-12-12T10:20:18Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: This report contains the slides from a workshop on New Developments in Cetacean Survey Methods held on 27th November 2011 at the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Tampa, Florida. Review talks were given on Passive Acoustic Density Estimation (Len Thomas); Dealing with g(0)<1: Perception Bias (Stephen Buckland); Dealing with g(0)<1: Availability Bias (Hans Skaug); Dealing with Measurement Error (David Borchers); and Density Surface Modelling (Jay Barlow). The sessions were followed by a discussion, and this is summarized at the end of the report.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z Borchers, David Louis Thomas, Len Buckland, Stephen Terrence Skaug, Hans Barlow, Jay This report contains the slides from a workshop on New Developments in Cetacean Survey Methods held on 27th November 2011 at the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Tampa, Florida. Review talks were given on Passive Acoustic Density Estimation (Len Thomas); Dealing with g(0)<1: Perception Bias (Stephen Buckland); Dealing with g(0)<1: Availability Bias (Hans Skaug); Dealing with Measurement Error (David Borchers); and Density Surface Modelling (Jay Barlow). The sessions were followed by a discussion, and this is summarized at the end of the report. Evely, Anna C. Fazey, Ioan Lambin, Xavier Lambert, Emily Allen, Sarah Pinard, Michelle http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3063 2013-05-12T04:36:22Z 2010-12-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Cross-disciplinary research is advocated as a way of improving understanding of the complexity of environmental problems; cross-disciplinary projects, centres and academic institutes have increased. However, there is confusion over the nature of cross-disciplinary research. Through review of papers defining themselves as cross-disciplinary that aim to address conservation problems, and by standardizing the definition of cross-disciplinary research, it is possible to evaluate the potential research impact on peers and practitioners. When papers were reclassified by authors, those reclassified as transdisciplinary were perceived to have a greater impact on practitioners, and those reclassified as non cross-disciplinary had the greatest impact on colleagues. Having clear definitions for types of cross-disciplinary research would help establish a firm foundation, not only for improving research quality, but also for evaluating research impact. While the number of cross-disciplinary studies is increasing, cross-disciplinary research falls short of integrating disciplinary methods in much depth and does not have much impact on participants outside of academia.

2010-12-01T00:00:00Z Evely, Anna C. Fazey, Ioan Lambin, Xavier Lambert, Emily Allen, Sarah Pinard, Michelle Cross-disciplinary research is advocated as a way of improving understanding of the complexity of environmental problems; cross-disciplinary projects, centres and academic institutes have increased. However, there is confusion over the nature of cross-disciplinary research. Through review of papers defining themselves as cross-disciplinary that aim to address conservation problems, and by standardizing the definition of cross-disciplinary research, it is possible to evaluate the potential research impact on peers and practitioners. When papers were reclassified by authors, those reclassified as transdisciplinary were perceived to have a greater impact on practitioners, and those reclassified as non cross-disciplinary had the greatest impact on colleagues. Having clear definitions for types of cross-disciplinary research would help establish a firm foundation, not only for improving research quality, but also for evaluating research impact. While the number of cross-disciplinary studies is increasing, cross-disciplinary research falls short of integrating disciplinary methods in much depth and does not have much impact on participants outside of academia. Duncan, Ishbel Mary Macdonald Coull, Natalie, J http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3055 2013-05-12T04:15:38Z 2012-04-18T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Virtual Worlds have been used for online gaming, socialising, business advertising and education. As the educational uses become more sophisticated from early information advertising and teaching resources to simulated laboratory and scenarios, it is necessary to determine requirements for tools and virtual systems to achieve the optimal support possible. This paper discusses the current educational uses of Virtual Worlds and applies this to a set of support requirements derived for an evaluated support tool for learning to program. The result is a layered approach, or checklist, to support learning and evaluation for effective and adaptive online educational support tools including virtual world educational systems. Description: Paper number 65

2012-04-18T00:00:00Z Duncan, Ishbel Mary Macdonald Coull, Natalie, J Virtual Worlds have been used for online gaming, socialising, business advertising and education. As the educational uses become more sophisticated from early information advertising and teaching resources to simulated laboratory and scenarios, it is necessary to determine requirements for tools and virtual systems to achieve the optimal support possible. This paper discusses the current educational uses of Virtual Worlds and applies this to a set of support requirements derived for an evaluated support tool for learning to program. The result is a layered approach, or checklist, to support learning and evaluation for effective and adaptive online educational support tools including virtual world educational systems. Wang, Yue McKeown, Neil B. Msayib, Kadhum J. Turnbull, Graham A. Samuel, Ifor D. W. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3017 2013-05-19T00:34:08Z 2011-03-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: This work explores the use of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) as the active layer within a laser sensor to detect nitroaromatic-based explosive vapors. We show successful detection of dinitrobenzene (DNB) by monitoring the real-time photoluminescence. We also show that PIM-1 has an inherent memory, so that it accumulates the analyte during exposure. In addition, the optical gain and refractive index of the polymer were studied by amplified spontaneous emission and variable-angle ellipsometry, respectively. A second-order distributed feedback PIM-1 laser sensor was fabricated and found to show an increase in laser threshold of 2.5 times and a reduction of the laser slope efficiency by 4.4 times after a 5-min exposure to the DNB vapor. For pumping at 2 times threshold, the lasing action was stopped within 30 s indicating that PIM-1 has a very fast responsivity and as such has a potential sensing ability for ultra-low-concentration explosives.

2011-03-01T00:00:00Z Wang, Yue McKeown, Neil B. Msayib, Kadhum J. Turnbull, Graham A. Samuel, Ifor D. W. This work explores the use of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) as the active layer within a laser sensor to detect nitroaromatic-based explosive vapors. We show successful detection of dinitrobenzene (DNB) by monitoring the real-time photoluminescence. We also show that PIM-1 has an inherent memory, so that it accumulates the analyte during exposure. In addition, the optical gain and refractive index of the polymer were studied by amplified spontaneous emission and variable-angle ellipsometry, respectively. A second-order distributed feedback PIM-1 laser sensor was fabricated and found to show an increase in laser threshold of 2.5 times and a reduction of the laser slope efficiency by 4.4 times after a 5-min exposure to the DNB vapor. For pumping at 2 times threshold, the lasing action was stopped within 30 s indicating that PIM-1 has a very fast responsivity and as such has a potential sensing ability for ultra-low-concentration explosives. Hoskins, Gaylor Williams, Brian Jackson, Catherine Miriam Norman, Paul D. Donnan, Peter T. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3014 2013-05-12T04:14:49Z 2011-09-29T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Background: Assessing asthma control using standardised questionnaires is recommended as good clinical practice but there is little evidence validating their use within primary care. There is however, strong empirical evidence to indicate that age, weight, gender, smoking, symptom pattern, medication use, health service resource use, geographical location, deprivation, and organisational issues, are factors strongly associated with asthma control. A good control measure is therefore one whose variation is most explained by these factors. Method: Eight binary (Yes = poor control, No = good control) models of asthma control were constructed from a large UK primary care dataset: the Royal College of Physicians 3-Questions (RCP-3Qs); the Jones Morbidity Index; three composite measures; three single component models. Accounting for practice clustering of patients, we investigated the effects of each model for assessing control. The binary models were assessed for goodness-of-fit statistics using Pseudo R-squared and Akaikes Information Criteria (AIC), and for performance using Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic (AUROC). In addition, an expanded RCP-3Q control scale (0-9) was derived and assessed with linear modelling. The analysis identified which model was best explained by the independent variables and thus could be considered a good model of control assessment. Results: 1,205 practices provided information on 64,929 patients aged 13+ years. The RCP-3Q model provided the best fit statistically, with a Pseudo R-squared of 18%, and an AUROC of 0.79. By contrast, the composite model based on the GINA definition of controlled asthma had a higher AIC, an AUROC of 0.72, and only 10% variability explained. In addition, although the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) model had the lowest AIC, it had an AUROC of 71% and only 6% of variability explained. However, compared with the RCP-3Qs binary model, the linear RCP-3Q Total Score Model (Scale 0-9), was found to be a more robust 'tool' for assessing asthma control with a lower AIC (28,6163) and an R-squared of 33%. Conclusion: In the absence of a gold standard for assessing asthma control in primary care, the results indicate that the RCP-3Qs is an effective control assessment tool but, for maximum effect, the expanded scoring model should be used.

2011-09-29T00:00:00Z Hoskins, Gaylor Williams, Brian Jackson, Catherine Miriam Norman, Paul D. Donnan, Peter T. Background: Assessing asthma control using standardised questionnaires is recommended as good clinical practice but there is little evidence validating their use within primary care. There is however, strong empirical evidence to indicate that age, weight, gender, smoking, symptom pattern, medication use, health service resource use, geographical location, deprivation, and organisational issues, are factors strongly associated with asthma control. A good control measure is therefore one whose variation is most explained by these factors. Method: Eight binary (Yes = poor control, No = good control) models of asthma control were constructed from a large UK primary care dataset: the Royal College of Physicians 3-Questions (RCP-3Qs); the Jones Morbidity Index; three composite measures; three single component models. Accounting for practice clustering of patients, we investigated the effects of each model for assessing control. The binary models were assessed for goodness-of-fit statistics using Pseudo R-squared and Akaikes Information Criteria (AIC), and for performance using Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic (AUROC). In addition, an expanded RCP-3Q control scale (0-9) was derived and assessed with linear modelling. The analysis identified which model was best explained by the independent variables and thus could be considered a good model of control assessment. Results: 1,205 practices provided information on 64,929 patients aged 13+ years. The RCP-3Q model provided the best fit statistically, with a Pseudo R-squared of 18%, and an AUROC of 0.79. By contrast, the composite model based on the GINA definition of controlled asthma had a higher AIC, an AUROC of 0.72, and only 10% variability explained. In addition, although the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) model had the lowest AIC, it had an AUROC of 71% and only 6% of variability explained. However, compared with the RCP-3Qs binary model, the linear RCP-3Q Total Score Model (Scale 0-9), was found to be a more robust 'tool' for assessing asthma control with a lower AIC (28,6163) and an R-squared of 33%. Conclusion: In the absence of a gold standard for assessing asthma control in primary care, the results indicate that the RCP-3Qs is an effective control assessment tool but, for maximum effect, the expanded scoring model should be used. Ross, Laura Dealey, Elizabeth J. Beukeboom, Leo W. Shuker, David M. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/3007 2013-05-12T04:08:56Z 2011-05-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Environmental effects on sex allocation are common, yet the evolutionary significance of these effects remains poorly understood. Environmental effects might influence parents, such that their condition directly influences sex allocation by altering the relative benefits of producing sons versus daughters. Alternatively, the environment might influence the offspring themselves, such that the conditions they find themselves in influence their contribution to parental fitness. In both cases, parents might be selected to bias their sex ratio according to the prevailing environmental conditions. Here, we consider sex allocation in the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri, a species with an unusual genetic system in which paternal genes are lost from the germline in males. We test environmental factors that may influence either female condition directly (rearing temperature and food restriction) or that may be used as cues of the future environment (age at mating). Using cytological techniques to obtain primary sex ratios, we show that high temperature, older age at mating and starvation all affect sex allocation, resulting in female-biased sex ratios. However, the effect of temperature is rather weak, and food restriction appears to be strongly associated with reduced longevity and a truncation of the usual schedule of male and offspring production across a female's reproductive lifetime. Instead, facultative sex allocation seems most convincingly affected by age at mating, supporting previous work that suggests that social interactions experienced by adult P. citri females are used when allocating sex. Our results highlight that, even within one species, different aspects of the environment may have conflicting effects on sex allocation.

2011-05-01T00:00:00Z Ross, Laura Dealey, Elizabeth J. Beukeboom, Leo W. Shuker, David M. Environmental effects on sex allocation are common, yet the evolutionary significance of these effects remains poorly understood. Environmental effects might influence parents, such that their condition directly influences sex allocation by altering the relative benefits of producing sons versus daughters. Alternatively, the environment might influence the offspring themselves, such that the conditions they find themselves in influence their contribution to parental fitness. In both cases, parents might be selected to bias their sex ratio according to the prevailing environmental conditions. Here, we consider sex allocation in the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri, a species with an unusual genetic system in which paternal genes are lost from the germline in males. We test environmental factors that may influence either female condition directly (rearing temperature and food restriction) or that may be used as cues of the future environment (age at mating). Using cytological techniques to obtain primary sex ratios, we show that high temperature, older age at mating and starvation all affect sex allocation, resulting in female-biased sex ratios. However, the effect of temperature is rather weak, and food restriction appears to be strongly associated with reduced longevity and a truncation of the usual schedule of male and offspring production across a female's reproductive lifetime. Instead, facultative sex allocation seems most convincingly affected by age at mating, supporting previous work that suggests that social interactions experienced by adult P. citri females are used when allocating sex. Our results highlight that, even within one species, different aspects of the environment may have conflicting effects on sex allocation. Young, Adam M. H. Campbell, Elaine C. Lynch, Sarah Dunn, Malcolm H. Powis, Simon J. Suckling, John http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2984 2013-05-12T04:34:45Z 2012-06-11T00:00:00Z

Abstract: It is becoming clear that inflammation plays a significant role in a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Post mortem brain samples in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and most recently autism spectrum condition, all exhibit neuroglial activation and inflammatory markers within the CSF. Many questions remain about the underlying molecular mechanisms. By adding the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, to mouse brain tissue we demonstrated that the frontal lobes and temporal region, areas involved in higher functions such as memory and learning, are most susceptible to cytokine-induced inflammation via the NF-kappa B signalling pathway. We observed direct correlations between the volumetric increase and molecular expression indicating that therapeutic targets in these lobes may require different approaches when treating conditions with a central neuroinflammatory component.

2012-06-11T00:00:00Z Young, Adam M. H. Campbell, Elaine C. Lynch, Sarah Dunn, Malcolm H. Powis, Simon J. Suckling, John It is becoming clear that inflammation plays a significant role in a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Post mortem brain samples in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and most recently autism spectrum condition, all exhibit neuroglial activation and inflammatory markers within the CSF. Many questions remain about the underlying molecular mechanisms. By adding the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, to mouse brain tissue we demonstrated that the frontal lobes and temporal region, areas involved in higher functions such as memory and learning, are most susceptible to cytokine-induced inflammation via the NF-kappa B signalling pathway. We observed direct correlations between the volumetric increase and molecular expression indicating that therapeutic targets in these lobes may require different approaches when treating conditions with a central neuroinflammatory component. Oliver, Iain Angus Miller, Alan Henry David Allison, Colin http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2607 2012-12-12T09:04:28Z 2012-08-30T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Metaverses provide a framework for developing distributed 3D Internet applications where users gain presence through the proxy of an avatar. They offer much of the engagement of on line 3D games but support heterogeneous applications. From the network perspective metaverses are similar to games in that timeliness is important but differ in that their traffic is less regular and requires more bandwidth. The motivation for our study flows from using virtual worlds to support experiential learning and to promote cultural heritage; the applicability of the results is wider. The responsiveness of the system is effected by interactions between avatar activity, application traffic regulation and network conditions. Through measurement and analysis current virtual world traffic regulation is evaluated and compared with Transmission Control Protocol fair rate. The measurement study motivates the design of Mongoose, which adds measurement based packet regulation to open virtual world clients and servers. Mongoose combines isolating distinct functional components with efficient use of network esources and fairness to other traffic.

2012-08-30T00:00:00Z Oliver, Iain Angus Miller, Alan Henry David Allison, Colin Metaverses provide a framework for developing distributed 3D Internet applications where users gain presence through the proxy of an avatar. They offer much of the engagement of on line 3D games but support heterogeneous applications. From the network perspective metaverses are similar to games in that timeliness is important but differ in that their traffic is less regular and requires more bandwidth. The motivation for our study flows from using virtual worlds to support experiential learning and to promote cultural heritage; the applicability of the results is wider. The responsiveness of the system is effected by interactions between avatar activity, application traffic regulation and network conditions. Through measurement and analysis current virtual world traffic regulation is evaluated and compared with Transmission Control Protocol fair rate. The measurement study motivates the design of Mongoose, which adds measurement based packet regulation to open virtual world clients and servers. Mongoose combines isolating distinct functional components with efficient use of network esources and fairness to other traffic. Keller, Laurent Peer, Katharina Bernasconi, Christian Taborsky, Michael Shuker, David M. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2606 2013-05-12T04:14:16Z 2011-12-13T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Background: Local Mate Competition (LMC) theory predicts a female should produce a more female-biased sex ratio if her sons compete with each other for mates. Because it provides quantitative predictions that can be experimentally tested, LMC is a textbook example of the predictive power of evolutionary theory. A limitation of many earlier studies in the field is that the population structure and mating system of the studied species are often estimated only indirectly. Here we use microsatellites to characterize the levels of inbreeding of the bark beetle Xylosandrus germanus, a species where the level of LMC is expected to be high. Results: For three populations studied, genetic variation for our genetic markers was very low, indicative of an extremely high level of inbreeding (F-IS = 0.88). There was also strong linkage disequilibrium between microsatellite loci and a very strong genetic differentiation between populations. The data suggest that matings among non-siblings are very rare (3%), although sex ratios from X. germanus in both the field and the laboratory have suggested more matings between non-sibs, and so less intense LMC. Conclusions: Our results confirm that caution is needed when inferring mating systems from sex ratio data, especially when a lack of biological detail means the use of overly simple forms of the model of interest.

2011-12-13T00:00:00Z Keller, Laurent Peer, Katharina Bernasconi, Christian Taborsky, Michael Shuker, David M. Background: Local Mate Competition (LMC) theory predicts a female should produce a more female-biased sex ratio if her sons compete with each other for mates. Because it provides quantitative predictions that can be experimentally tested, LMC is a textbook example of the predictive power of evolutionary theory. A limitation of many earlier studies in the field is that the population structure and mating system of the studied species are often estimated only indirectly. Here we use microsatellites to characterize the levels of inbreeding of the bark beetle Xylosandrus germanus, a species where the level of LMC is expected to be high. Results: For three populations studied, genetic variation for our genetic markers was very low, indicative of an extremely high level of inbreeding (F-IS = 0.88). There was also strong linkage disequilibrium between microsatellite loci and a very strong genetic differentiation between populations. The data suggest that matings among non-siblings are very rare (3%), although sex ratios from X. germanus in both the field and the laboratory have suggested more matings between non-sibs, and so less intense LMC. Conclusions: Our results confirm that caution is needed when inferring mating systems from sex ratio data, especially when a lack of biological detail means the use of overly simple forms of the model of interest. O'Carroll, Veronica Ker, Jean http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2116 2012-12-12T10:19:22Z 2011-12-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: End of pilot report for FICSME, an ACT funded initiative. Description: Funding of the pilot was provided by ACT from both NHS Fife and NHS Tayside.

2011-12-01T00:00:00Z O'Carroll, Veronica Ker, Jean End of pilot report for FICSME, an ACT funded initiative. Murer, Jeffrey Stevenson http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2031 2012-12-12T09:09:36Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: A book review of Law and Outsiders: Norms, Processes and “Othering” in the 21st Century, by Cian Murphy and Penny Green

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z Murer, Jeffrey Stevenson A book review of Law and Outsiders: Norms, Processes and “Othering” in the 21st Century, by Cian Murphy and Penny Green Sibbett, Lorna Rosemary http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1970 2012-07-24T09:28:56Z 2011-08-01T00:00:00Z 2011-08-01T00:00:00Z Sibbett, Lorna Rosemary Buckland, Stephen T. Laake, Jeffrey L. Borchers, David L. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1928 2013-05-12T02:03:43Z 2010-03-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Double-observer line transect methods are becoming increasingly widespread, especially for the estimation of marine mammal abundance from aerial and shipboard surveys when detection of animals on the line is uncertain. The resulting data supplement conventional distance sampling data with two-sample mark–recapture data. Like conventional mark–recapture data, these have inherent problems for estimating abundance in the presence of heterogeneity. Unlike conventional mark–recapture methods, line transect methods use knowledge of the distribution of a covariate, which affects detection probability (namely, distance from the transect line) in inference. This knowledge can be used to diagnose unmodeled heterogeneity in the mark–recapture component of the data. By modeling the covariance in detection probabilities with distance, we show how the estimation problem can be formulated in terms of different levels of independence. At one extreme, full independence is assumed, as in the Petersen estimator (which does not use distance data); at the other extreme, independence only occurs in the limit as detection probability tends to one. Between the two extremes, there is a range of models, including those currently in common use, which have intermediate levels of independence. We show how this framework can be used to provide more reliable analysis of double-observer line transect data. We test the methods by simulation, and by analysis of a dataset for which true abundance is known. We illustrate the approach through analysis of minke whale sightings data from the North Sea and adjacent waters.

2010-03-01T00:00:00Z Buckland, Stephen T. Laake, Jeffrey L. Borchers, David L. Double-observer line transect methods are becoming increasingly widespread, especially for the estimation of marine mammal abundance from aerial and shipboard surveys when detection of animals on the line is uncertain. The resulting data supplement conventional distance sampling data with two-sample mark–recapture data. Like conventional mark–recapture data, these have inherent problems for estimating abundance in the presence of heterogeneity. Unlike conventional mark–recapture methods, line transect methods use knowledge of the distribution of a covariate, which affects detection probability (namely, distance from the transect line) in inference. This knowledge can be used to diagnose unmodeled heterogeneity in the mark–recapture component of the data. By modeling the covariance in detection probabilities with distance, we show how the estimation problem can be formulated in terms of different levels of independence. At one extreme, full independence is assumed, as in the Petersen estimator (which does not use distance data); at the other extreme, independence only occurs in the limit as detection probability tends to one. Between the two extremes, there is a range of models, including those currently in common use, which have intermediate levels of independence. We show how this framework can be used to provide more reliable analysis of double-observer line transect data. We test the methods by simulation, and by analysis of a dataset for which true abundance is known. We illustrate the approach through analysis of minke whale sightings data from the North Sea and adjacent waters. Sibbett, Lorna Rosemary http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1913 2012-12-12T09:11:50Z 2010-11-15T00:00:00Z

Abstract: Isolation of knowledge within disciplines, or for students, within the confines of single taught modules, diminishes the learner’s richness of understanding. Whilst flexible degree programmes are attractive to prospective students, there is a need to ensure that such programmes do not situate understanding within narrow contexts. The curriculum must provide both incentive and structure for students to develop transferability in their knowledge and skills. Transferability of skills is dependent upon transfer of both principles and dispositions. Teaching to maximise the former requires active development of student understanding of generalisable principles, this being a minimum aim of any educator. However, transfer of dispositions, for example towards critical thinking, is more problematic, particularly within the higher education (HE) sector where individual students are exposed to varied tutors and lecturers, each of whom has built a career upon arguing the uniqueness of their thoughts and approaches. In the University of St Andrews School of Biology, introduction of core skills teaching has facilitated and integrated learning across modules and from co-curricular activities. This structure has been successful in establishing transfer of both principles and dispositions. This reflexive analysis reviews the strategies and successes of this programme in relation to transfer conditions.

2010-11-15T00:00:00Z Sibbett, Lorna Rosemary Isolation of knowledge within disciplines, or for students, within the confines of single taught modules, diminishes the learner’s richness of understanding. Whilst flexible degree programmes are attractive to prospective students, there is a need to ensure that such programmes do not situate understanding within narrow contexts. The curriculum must provide both incentive and structure for students to develop transferability in their knowledge and skills. Transferability of skills is dependent upon transfer of both principles and dispositions. Teaching to maximise the former requires active development of student understanding of generalisable principles, this being a minimum aim of any educator. However, transfer of dispositions, for example towards critical thinking, is more problematic, particularly within the higher education (HE) sector where individual students are exposed to varied tutors and lecturers, each of whom has built a career upon arguing the uniqueness of their thoughts and approaches. In the University of St Andrews School of Biology, introduction of core skills teaching has facilitated and integrated learning across modules and from co-curricular activities. This structure has been successful in establishing transfer of both principles and dispositions. This reflexive analysis reviews the strategies and successes of this programme in relation to transfer conditions. Sibbett, Lorna Rosemary http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1912 2012-12-12T09:11:51Z 2008-12-09T00:00:00Z

Abstract: A survey of undergraduate biology students at the University of St Andrews provides evidence that both formal and informal learning are valued by students, but there are differences in the extent to which such value is manifest in student activities. Comparisons between students with with different entry qualifications, indicated that those with "A" Levels spent more hours in attending classes; private study and social engagement via volunteer groups; sports societies and creative arts. Those with Scottish Highers spent longer hours on online social networks. As we are a Scottish university, these outcomes might be expected due to the nature of students electing to study at greater distance from their home. Such data do not provide evidence of weakness in the Scottish Education System. Our survey highlighted one point for concern: level of study is positively correlated with the number of hours spent in earning. Whilst earning can be essential, and is itself an opportunity for learning, authors such as Callender (2008) provide evidence that employment has a negative impact on achievement. When class hours are reduced in favour of individual pursuit of literature and opportunities for project collaboration, students use the hours gained to increase hours in employment; they do not increase their hours in private study.

2008-12-09T00:00:00Z Sibbett, Lorna Rosemary A survey of undergraduate biology students at the University of St Andrews provides evidence that both formal and informal learning are valued by students, but there are differences in the extent to which such value is manifest in student activities. Comparisons between students with with different entry qualifications, indicated that those with "A" Levels spent more hours in attending classes; private study and social engagement via volunteer groups; sports societies and creative arts. Those with Scottish Highers spent longer hours on online social networks. As we are a Scottish university, these outcomes might be expected due to the nature of students electing to study at greater distance from their home. Such data do not provide evidence of weakness in the Scottish Education System. Our survey highlighted one point for concern: level of study is positively correlated with the number of hours spent in earning. Whilst earning can be essential, and is itself an opportunity for learning, authors such as Callender (2008) provide evidence that employment has a negative impact on achievement. When class hours are reduced in favour of individual pursuit of literature and opportunities for project collaboration, students use the hours gained to increase hours in employment; they do not increase their hours in private study.