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Investigation Into The Microstructure, Magnetic Properties And Read/Write Performance Of Thin-Film Media For Perpendicular Recording Computer Disks, Genhua Pan Jan 1993

Investigation Into The Microstructure, Magnetic Properties And Read/Write Performance Of Thin-Film Media For Perpendicular Recording Computer Disks, Genhua Pan

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

Pronounced effect of under layers on the squareness and slope T of the perpendicular loops of very thin CoCr films was observed. Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that, depending on the film microstructure, there are two origins on the anomalous shearing of perpendicular loops of Cc-based perpendicular films: the columnar shape anisotropy and the wall-motion-like magnetization reversal process. For films with larger intercolumnar separation, the contribution of the columnar shape anisotropy to the total demagnetizing factor is mainly responsible for the deshearing of the loops. For continuous perpendicular films, the intergranular exchange coupling controls the magnetization reversal process and the …

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Learning Disability Staff And Aggression From Clients, Mary Ivens Jan 1993

Learning Disability Staff And Aggression From Clients, Mary Ivens

School of Psychology Theses

This study was designed to investigate whether provision of information, in the form of a leaflet, about issues surrounding aggression and violence at work would lower anxiety about aggression and increase confidence in dealing with aggression, in care staff working in learning disability. A brief evaluation of the leaflet was carried out, and measures taken to establish whether information was assimilated from the leaflet. Also investigated were other feelings that care staff had about aggression at work. An information leaflet entitled "Preventing and coping with an aggressive incident involving a client in your care", and a questionnaire entitled "Aggressive incidents …

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A Portable Battery-Powered Flow Injection Monitor For The In Situ Analysis Of Nitrate In Natural Waters, Nj Blundell, A Hopkins, Pj Worsfold, H Casey Jan 1993

A Portable Battery-Powered Flow Injection Monitor For The In Situ Analysis Of Nitrate In Natural Waters, Nj Blundell, A Hopkins, Pj Worsfold, H Casey

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The design and performance of a portable, automated flow injection (FI)-based photometric monitor are described. The system is controlled by an in-house microcomputer system that enables the monitor (including a solid state detector) to operate from a 12 V battery supply. The monitor uses the cadmium reduction/diazotization method to analyse for nitrate with a linear range of 0 to 12 mg l-1 and a limit of detection of 0.05 mg l-1 (NO3-N). The hardware and software design, monitor performance and results obtained during unattended operation are presented.

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What Is The Nature And Process Of Effective Teaching And Learning?, Sylvia Margaret Warham Jan 1993

What Is The Nature And Process Of Effective Teaching And Learning?, Sylvia Margaret Warham

Plymouth Institute of Education Theses

Over the last ten years my thinking and writing have been concerned with the nature and process of effective teaching and learning. Although I have tried to present my thinking as a chronological sequence much of the work developed concurrently. Over the period covered by my publications my thinking has focused on three main areas: a. An exploration of the implications for language learning of the shared meaning-making process in reading, reading aloud and writing. (Approx.1978-1982) b. An exploration of the influence that a teacher may have in the shared process of meaning-making and its implications for teaching and learning. …

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Flow Injection And Multivariate Calibration Techniques For Process Analysis, Paul Maclaurin Jan 1993

Flow Injection And Multivariate Calibration Techniques For Process Analysis, Paul Maclaurin

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

The role of process analytical chemistry is summarised in chapter one with particular emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach and the instrumental requirements for on-plant analysis. These concepts are extended to process FIA, highlighting its potential for simultaneous multicomponent determinations. The development of an automated FIA monitor for the on-line determination of sulphite in potassium chloride brine is covered in the second chapter. Reaction stability is demonstrated and the results of on-plant validation and on-line trials are presented. The next chapter deals with the concepts of multivariate calibration. Direct multicomponent analysis, principal components regression and partial least squares regression are critically …

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Environmental Fate And Effects Of Chromium(Iii) And (Iv) Investigated Using Electroanalytical Chemistry., Michael Henry Irvin Comber Jan 1993

Environmental Fate And Effects Of Chromium(Iii) And (Iv) Investigated Using Electroanalytical Chemistry., Michael Henry Irvin Comber

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

A system which enabled the simple exchange of reagents , during the electrochemical determination of chromium(III) or (VI) was developed. This media exchange system was used to investigate the effect of pH on the complexation and pre-concentration of chromium separately from the production of the electrochemical signal. While the complexation and preconcentration of chromium in fresh or sea water was slightly enhanced at pH 5, compared with pH 6.2, the electrochemical signal was markedly increased, being up to 10 times higher at the lower pH. The addition of a column containing basic alumina, into the media exchange system, led to …

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An Evaluation Of Electronic Fetal Monitoring With Clinical Validation Of St Waveform Analysis During Labour, Jennifer Ann Westgate Jan 1993

An Evaluation Of Electronic Fetal Monitoring With Clinical Validation Of St Waveform Analysis During Labour, Jennifer Ann Westgate

School of Nursing and Midwifery Theses

Dissatisfaction with the electronic recording of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions (the cardiotocogram or CTG) has resulted in a search for new techniques of monitoring the fetus during labour. It is important that each method has a sound physiological and pathophysiological basis, that a model for the interpretation of changes is elucidated and that each method is thoroughly evaluated before introduction into clinical practice. Analysis of the ST waveform of the fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) is the most advanced of the new techniques under investigation. Experimental studies have shown that elevation of the ST waveform occurs with a switch to …

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Investigations Into The Synthesis And Properties Of Indenopyridines, Angela Sugden Jan 1993

Investigations Into The Synthesis And Properties Of Indenopyridines, Angela Sugden

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

Two novel routes have been investigated. Cyclisation of enamidoindenes by the Vilsmeier-Haack formylation was not possible because the condensation between indanones and acetamide, under acidic conditions, did not afford the desired monomer but instead two dimers, reported previously, were observed. The two routes by which these dimers maybe formed were thoroughly investigated and led to the synthesis of three novel compounds and a known compound, truxene. Omission of an acid catalyst afforded 2-acetamidoindene but not 1-acetamidoindene. Since commercial 2-indanone was found to be impure by TLC and melting point, a sample was synthesised using a literature method. Pure 2-indanone failed …

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Fundamental Studies Of Mixed Gas Plasmas In Icp-Ms, Michael John Ford Jan 1993

Fundamental Studies Of Mixed Gas Plasmas In Icp-Ms, Michael John Ford

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

Inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry is widely accepted as the leading technique for trace element analysis. It suffers however, from a range of interferences both spectral and non - spectral which limit the range of analytes and substrates which may be successfully analyzed. This study has investigated the use of mixed gas plasmas as a means of reducing or removing these interference effects. In addition the use of mixed gas plasmas for sensitivity enhancement has been assessed using both wet and dry sample introduction systems. Simplex optimization procedures have been used throughout. The addition of nitrogen to all three …

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Investigation Of High Performance Chelation Ion Chromatography For Trace Metal Determinations, Owen John Challenger Jan 1993

Investigation Of High Performance Chelation Ion Chromatography For Trace Metal Determinations, Owen John Challenger

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

A high performance chelation ion chromatography system using chelating dye-coated columns for the determination of trace metals in several high ionic strength matrices is described. Spectrophotometric detection using 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) / zinc-EDT A and Pyrocatechol Violet post-column reagents was employed for the detection of divalent and trivalent metal ions respectively.

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Construction And Validation Of A Gc-Icp-Ms Instrument For The Analysis Of Organometals And Other Trace Element Species, Alexander Walter Kim Jan 1993

Construction And Validation Of A Gc-Icp-Ms Instrument For The Analysis Of Organometals And Other Trace Element Species, Alexander Walter Kim

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

A capillary gas chromatography - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS) method has been successfully developed for the separation and determination for a range of environmentally important organometa11i c specie s and meta l complexes. The coupled technique gave reliable quantitative and qualitative chemical speciation information, providing detection limits in the low pg s' range, Gaussian peak shapes, good linear response, high chromatographic resolution, high signal to noise ratio and few polyatomic interferences. The study involved the construction of progressively improved transfer lines and ICP torch designs. The final transfer line design which enabled a direct interface of the …

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An Investigation Of The Thermophysical Properties Of Hydrofluoroalkanes, And The Contribution Of Halocarbons To The Chlorine/Bromine Loading Of The Atmosphere, David Christian Dowdell Jan 1993

An Investigation Of The Thermophysical Properties Of Hydrofluoroalkanes, And The Contribution Of Halocarbons To The Chlorine/Bromine Loading Of The Atmosphere, David Christian Dowdell

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

A capillary flow gas viscometer has been used to measure the shear viscosities of the hydrofluoroalkanes HFC 134a, HCFC 123, HCFC 124 and the ternary blend MP 39, at pressures up to 0.1 MPa relative to a nitrogen standard. Having applied small correction factors to the measured flow time data, the resultant viscosities are compared to those obtained by other workers (where possible) using alternative techniques. We calculate self diffusion coefficients and hard sphere collision diameters for the molecules within the rigorous Chapman-Enskog kinetic theory of gases, and calculate optimum well depths of the intermolecular interactions using the Extended Law …

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Bereavement In Adults With Learning Difficulties, Maureen Teresa Fitzpatrick Jan 1993

Bereavement In Adults With Learning Difficulties, Maureen Teresa Fitzpatrick

School of Psychology Theses

Two studies were undertaken to investigate grief in adults with learning difficulties. Study one involved the construction of an observer rated grief inventory which showed good reliability and certain aspects of validity. Using the grief inventory it was demonstrated that primary carers of learning disabled adult s perceived a significant change in clients post bereavement. There was no association between levels of expressive and receptive language or degree of dependency upon the deceased and grief inventory ratings. Similarly no differences were established on the basis of gender, expected/unexpected death, attendance/non attendance at funeral, maintenance/change of residence as a result of …

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The Drift Angle Theory Applied To Ship Manoeuvring Models, Matthew Paul Russell Jan 1993

The Drift Angle Theory Applied To Ship Manoeuvring Models, Matthew Paul Russell

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

A marine vehicle manoeuvring model is concerned with the ability to simulate the status of a vehicle to various demanded controls on a digital computer. Such models have both shore based and sea going applications that are beneficial to the mariner, enhance safety of life at sea and aid in protecting the marine environment The mathematical representation of marine vehicles has generally been conducted by the measurement of the forces and moments that are experienced by a vehicle, in terms of a series of numbers collectively known as hydrodynamic coefficients. This has resulted in the non-linear force modular model which …

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An Evaluation Of The Use Of Helicopters As Air Ambulances, Philip Brigham Jan 1993

An Evaluation Of The Use Of Helicopters As Air Ambulances, Philip Brigham

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

This study reviews the evaluative literature of air ambulances in other countries and concludes it has little relevance to Britain. Other reviews are undertaken of the British ambulance service, evaluative economics, and market istructures. The relationship between effectiveness, efficiency and equity is explored. It is concluded that there is a role for ak ambulances in servicing rural areas within the revised structure of the' NHS. This is tested by three studies of the Cornwall A k Ambulance. Initially, the resources and standards of the ambulance service in Cornwall are investigated by analysis of routine data spanning two years. It is …

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Mnemodrama : Alessandro Fersen's Parashamanic Training Technique For The Occidental Performer., John C Green Jan 1993

Mnemodrama : Alessandro Fersen's Parashamanic Training Technique For The Occidental Performer., John C Green

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

This thesis is the first full-length study of the experiments in performer training undertaken by Alessandro Fersen in his studio laboratory in Rome between 1957 and 1983 and practiced since then in the codified technique which he calls Mizemodrama ( literally, "a drama of memory"). The purpose of my research is twofold: firstly, to focus on the development of the core technique of mnemodrama which is a theatrical simulation of ritual object manipulation employed by shamans in traditional cultures in order to induce an altered state of consciousness. In Fersen's terms such transic techniques provide the contemporary performer with a …

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The Role Of Ice Nucleation Active Bacteria In Frost Damage To Early Sown Solanum Tuberosum Var. Jersey Royal, Philip Le Grice Jan 1993

The Role Of Ice Nucleation Active Bacteria In Frost Damage To Early Sown Solanum Tuberosum Var. Jersey Royal, Philip Le Grice

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The present study indicated that S. tuberosum var. Jersey Royal could supercool to temperatures as low as -6ºC during in-vitro frost tests, whereas in the field freezing occurred at immediate sub-zero temperatures (between 0 and -1ºC). The microbial flora upon the early. sown S. tuberosum var. Jersey Royal did not contain INA bacterial species active at warm sub-zero temperatures. Plants inoculated with a strain of Ps. syringae (84:27) containing type 1 active nuclei readily froze at -2 to -3ºC. Applications of leaf surface water applied to plants during in-vitro frost tests resulted in nucleation temperatures comparable to those measured in …

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Patient-Rated Seizure Severity And Adjustment To Epilepsy, Rosalind Ann Walker Jan 1993

Patient-Rated Seizure Severity And Adjustment To Epilepsy, Rosalind Ann Walker

School of Psychology Theses

Studies have indicated that many, although by no means all, people with epilepsy have difficulty in adjusting to the disorder, manifest by higher rates of psychological and social problems than amongst the general population. A variety of neurological and environmental factors have been hypothesized to contribute to these consequences. It has been suggested that the severity of seizures may be an important factor in determining psychological and social well-being, but very little research has investigated this empirically. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the relationship between patient-rated seizure severity and adjustment to epilepsy. If greater seizure severity was associated …

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Inter-Relationships Of Myxosporeans, Including Pkx With Certain Freshwater Fish, Stephen Wolfgang Feist Jan 1993

Inter-Relationships Of Myxosporeans, Including Pkx With Certain Freshwater Fish, Stephen Wolfgang Feist

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

The prevalence and impact of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) and myxosporidiosis has been investigated in wild fish stocks in the UK, over 1,500 fish representing 17 species being examined. PKD was recorded in brown trout, grayling and pike, the causative agent, the PKX cell, being identified with the aid of light and electron microscopy. A further 27 myxosporean species were also noted, with Myxobolus cotti (syn. M. jiroveci), in the brain of bullheads Cottus gobio being recorded for the first time. Studies on the structure and development of Myxidium lieberkuehni in pike revealed several previously undescribed features. Comparative morphological studies …

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Psychological Aspects Of The Rehabilitation Of Movement Control In Stroke Patients, Sarah A. V. Connolly Jan 1993

Psychological Aspects Of The Rehabilitation Of Movement Control In Stroke Patients, Sarah A. V. Connolly

School of Psychology Theses

Psychological models of motor control, although often developed by work with people who have specific pathologies, have been contained very much within the academic sphere of psychology. Physiotherapy and methods of movement rehabilitation have also been developed within the bounds of one profession. With the increasing trend towards working in multidisciplinary settings the opportunity now exists more readily to cross professional boundaries and integrate these two separate knowledge bases in order that better rehabilitation programmes can be developed and in recent years this has begun to happen. With this in mind the research reported here set out to investigate the …

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The Role Of Expectations In Determining Caregiver Well-Being, Kathryn Jane Foote Jan 1993

The Role Of Expectations In Determining Caregiver Well-Being, Kathryn Jane Foote

School of Psychology Theses

In recent years there has been a growing body of literature regarding the experiences and well-being of people providing care to a relative with dementia. There is some evidence within this literature that sub-groups of caregivers respond differently to the caregiving situation. In particular, findings have tended to suggest that women caregivers experience more burden and distress than men ( eg Gilhooly, 1984a; Gilleard et al , 1984) , and that spouses of the care recipient experience more burden and distress as carers than children (eg George & Gwyther, 1986; Gilhooly, 1984a). Various explanations have been postulated, one of which …

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A Specification For A Next Generation Cad Toolkit For Electronics Product Design, Philip Frederick Culverhouse Jan 1993

A Specification For A Next Generation Cad Toolkit For Electronics Product Design, Philip Frederick Culverhouse

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

Electronic engineering product design is a complex process which has enjoyed an increasing provision of computer based tools since the early 1980's. Over this period computer aided design tool development has progressed at such a pace that new features and functions have tended to be market driven. As such CAD tools have not been developed through the recommended practise of defining a functional specification prior to any software code generation. This thesis defines a new functional specification for next generation CAD tools to support the electronics product design process. It is synthesized from a review of the use of computers …

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A Portable Battery-Powered Flow Injection Monitor For The In Situ Analysis Of Nitrate In Natural Waters., N. J. Blundell, A. Hopkins, P. J. Worsfold, H. Casey Jan 1993

A Portable Battery-Powered Flow Injection Monitor For The In Situ Analysis Of Nitrate In Natural Waters., N. J. Blundell, A. Hopkins, P. J. Worsfold, H. Casey

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The design and performance of a portable, automated flow injection (FI)-based photometric monitor are described. The system is controlled by an in-house microcomputer system that enables the monitor (including a solid state detector) to operate from a 12 V battery supply. The monitor uses the cadmium reduction/diazotization method to analyse for nitrate with a linear range of 0 to 12 mg l(-1) and a limit of detection of 0.05 mg l(-1) (NO(3)-N). The hardware and software design, monitor performance and results obtained during unattended operation are presented.

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An Investigation Into Product Design And Production Techniques Within A Just-In-Time Manufacturing Environment, Robin Julian Richmond Jan 1993

An Investigation Into Product Design And Production Techniques Within A Just-In-Time Manufacturing Environment, Robin Julian Richmond

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

This thesis describes the implementation of a Just-in-Time (JIT) cell on a greenfield site. It concentrates on a before and after implementation situation. Various production parameters are analysed to compare flowline performance before and after the implementation of JIT. The study is primarily concerned with the philosophies behind the Japanese management style of JIT and the practical use of JIT in a relatively small production line. Each area of JIT and its associated components are studied and, where practical, executed into practice within the production line. The study includes an investigation of the present manufacturing system and recommends improvements to …

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The Effects Of Aeration On Wave Impacts, Joan Griffiths Jan 1993

The Effects Of Aeration On Wave Impacts, Joan Griffiths

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

In order to determine the effects of aeration on wave impacts, both model scale and field measurement of pressure and aeration were conducted over a period of three years. Aeration quantification techniques deployed in laboratory experiments included fluid impedance measurement which were also used in the field and acoustic methods. The most common form of impact observed was due to hydrostatic pressure variation, referred to as Class I impacts in the text. Apart from this, two distinct impact classifications have been identified. The first of these classifications is referred to as Class 11 impacts in the text and arises due …

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Computer Network Analysis And Optimisation, Gavin Peter Ray Jan 1993

Computer Network Analysis And Optimisation, Gavin Peter Ray

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

This thesis presents a study and analysis of the major influences on network cost and their related performance. New methods have been devised to find solutions to network optimisation problems particular to the AT&T ISTEL networks in Europe and these are presented together with examples of their successful commercial application. Network performance is seen by the user in terms of network availability and traffic delay times. The network performance is influenced by many parameters, the dominating influences typically being the number of users accessing the network, the type of traffic demands they place upon it and the particular network configuration …

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Intelligent Fetal Monitoring And Decision Support In The Management Of Labour, Robert Duncan Falconer Keith Jan 1993

Intelligent Fetal Monitoring And Decision Support In The Management Of Labour, Robert Duncan Falconer Keith

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The condition of the fetus during labour is inferred from the continuous plot of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions (cardiotocogram, CTG). This can be _ difficult to interpret which results in both unnecessary intervention and a failure to intervene when necessary causing potentially preventable neurological damage and mortality. Conventional computing approaches have not been successful in addressing these problems. This is perhaps because the correct interpretation of fetal condition requires physiological knowledge, considerable practical experience and knowledge of the specific patient. The work described in this thesis is concerned with the investigation of artificial intelligence techniques to assist in …

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The Behaviour Of Laterally Loaded Masonry Panels With Openings, Vun Leong Chong Jan 1993

The Behaviour Of Laterally Loaded Masonry Panels With Openings, Vun Leong Chong

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

In recent years the use of masonry as a structural material has increased in advance of the necessary theoretical and corroborative experimental investigations. One aspect of structural masonry where particular problems have been encountered is the design of masonry panels subjected to lateral loadings. Research undertaken, principally in the United Kingdom and Australia, has led to the development of empirical methods of analysis applicable to solid rectangular panels. However, the effects of the presence of openings on the behaviour of a masonry panel has received scant attention. The aim of the research is to rectify this situation. The principal objective …

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Measurement And Analysis Of Sea Waves Near A Reflective Structure, Paul Andrew Delves Bird Jan 1993

Measurement And Analysis Of Sea Waves Near A Reflective Structure, Paul Andrew Delves Bird

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

Methods and equipment for the measurement of ocean waves were reviewed and their suitability assessed for the aim of this project: field measurement of sea waves near a reflective coastal structure such as a breakwater. None was found to be suitable. The functional and performance objectives are set out for a new system. The evolution of the final design, based on an array of pressure sensors, is described. The whole system is intended to be deployed on the sea-bed. It is fully self contained and independent of shore based services. Located away from the surf zone it is well placed …

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Prediction Of Structural Effects In Concrete Affected By Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Hong Xing Wen Jan 1993

Prediction Of Structural Effects In Concrete Affected By Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Hong Xing Wen

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

Alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) is a chemical reaction between alkalis in concrete and certain alkali-reactive substances which are occasionally present in the aggregate. AAR produces a gel, which absorbs water, swells, inserts local stresses, and causes internal and external cracking in the concrete. Research on the reaction has been extensive. However, little research into the structural effects of AAR has been carried out and the effects are not yet adequately understood. The present research is to investigate the structural effects of AAR and to develop a numerical method for the analysis of the affected members. AAR affects the structural performance of …

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