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This research project critically explores the manner in which online interaction between individuals affects their understanding of information and what this means for the meaning of information within this context. In order to examine these interactions and their effects the research question asked is: To what extent is digital discourse within the context of the online information explosion rendering all information effectively subjective? The aims of the research were to investigate the relationship between individuals and information and to develop a conceptual framework through which to understand this relationship. Coupled with this concept of interpretative methodology within this research is the idea of Verstehen as a way of developing an understanding of language and behaviour. As the research required public online discourse surrounding an information rich topic it was decided that the issue of climate change would meet these needs. It is an issue which is steeped in debate and that features a significant volume of publicly available information in the form of official statistics, reports and projections as well as widespread media coverage. The analysis of this data highlighted the prominence of certain key elements, such as notable individuals who can be seen taking on roles which direct the discourse shaping it either through the comments they make or the information which they share. This generative role-taking plays into the idea that social validation and the perceived credibility of an individual are vital to the impact which they can have on a discussion and in their ability to shape the opinions of others. The contribution to knowledge can be found in the relationships with the discourse with regard to the issue of who constructs meaning for a piece of information; reconceptualising who is regarded as owning a source and who is regarded as credible in an online social context.

The gustatory system is primarily involved in feeding, allowing animals to distinguish nutrients from toxins. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, neurons of the gustatory system also function during egg-laying and courtship behavior, and are broadly involved in contact-mediated chemical recognition. Gustatory input in Drosophila occurs at structures called taste bristles, which are located on the proboscis, legs, wing margins, and ovipositor. Four chemosensory neurons are housed at the base of each bristle, three of which faithfully respond to specific modalities: sugars, bitters, or water. However, the function of the fourth chemosensory neuron, and the molecular mechanism responsible for its activation, remained elusive. Further, the physical properties of molecules responsible for sensory neuron detection is poorly understood.Microarray analyses identified two genes encoding epithelial sodium channels (deg/ENaCs), PPK23 and PPK29, which show co-expression in the fourth taste neuron and are not expressed in any other tissues. These genes were exciting candidates for defining sensory neuron specificity, as a related channel, PPK28, confers water sensitivity to taste neurons. Initial expression studies revealed that these genes were co-expressed with the transcription factor fruitless, a critical molecule in the organization or sexual dimorphism in the fly. We hypothesized that PPK23 and/or PPK29 may function in pheromone detection and contribute to aspects of courtship behavior. The second chapter of this thesis demonstrates that these genes are imperative for mate discrimination during courtship, and the cells that express them serve as one of the earliest filters for the neural circuitry that leads to courtship enhancement or courtship inhibition. Finally, cells that express these genes respond directly to pheromone application in a male or female specific manner, suggesting the balance between attraction and repulsion at the sensory level may contribute to the overall decision of the organism.How do pickpocket subunits contribute to mate discrimination behavior? The third chapter of this thesis is an exploration into subunit expression specificity. Calcium imaging studies suggest a heterogeneity in PPK23 cells. In order to separate attractive and repulsive circuits at the sensory level, we ascertained the behavioral genetic interactions between multiple subunits. We found that the population of cells expressing the subunit PPK25 responds exclusively to female pheromone molecules and is also critical for female receptivity. This provides direct genetic access to this component of the courtship circuit.The function of pickpocket ion channels in signal transduction has yet to be demonstrated. PPK28 detects low osmolarity and has been shown to function when misexpressed in neurons as well as in heterologous systems. However whether it is a direct transducer of osmolarity or perhaps an amplifier of another protein is not known. In the fourth chapter, we delve into the mechanism of gating of pickpocket channels using PPK28 as a model. Our data suggest it is a direct transducer of mechanical force on the membrane and provides an exciting example to study other Deg/ENaC proteins in the role of mechanosensation.

The thesis evaluates the impact of just-in-time (JIT) strategies on retailers and cut make and trim (CMT) manufacturers within the apparel supply chain. A simulation approach is adopted based on a case study within the apparel sector, involving a major high street retailer and a manufacturing supply chain. A range of procurement strategies are subsequently modelled (including manufacturing resource planning [MRPII], safety stock [SS]. ship to forecast [STF] and JIT) within manufacturers of differing scale, and varying levels of dependence on primary customers (major high street retail chains) and impact on the variation of demand against forecast are evaluated against a wide range of parameters; these include: net margin, delivery, manufacturing profit and impact on a manufacturing company's ability to satisfy its secondary customers (smaller retail outlets with less buying power). Analytical methods are used to evaluate performance measures within three perspectives: Primary and Secondary customers, and Suppliers (manufacturers). A further perspective is evaluated combining all three views. Findings indicate that JIT retail strategies, notably where power of the retailer is high and the power of the manufacturer is low (compared to the raw material supplier), necessitate inventory holding and biased work scheduling at a supply level, leading to reduced manufacturing margin and loss of secondary customers; the latter imposes hidden costs in attracting new custom, which is not evaluated in this thesis. The thesis concludes by comparing the variation of parameters across each of the four perspectives, and proposes recommendations for conventional JIT policy, based upon optimising benefits for all parties within the supply chain.

The UK Government has set the target of reducing CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050. Energy used by buildings is presently responsible for around half of C02 emissions in the UK. There are many established methods for reducing such emissions from building operation but these opportunities are not being seized to their full potential. One of these methods is the use of Alternative Energy Technologies (AETs) integrated into the built environment. Engineering consultants have a key role in the design of buildings, their energy consumption and the consideration of AETs. The objectives of this thesis are to explore the process of delivery of AETs in building projects, the key factors that influence the viability of these technologies and the capability of engineering consultants to increase their rate of uptake. While there are many published lists of incentives and restrictions to using these technologies, there are few reports of their impact in practical contexts. Project involvement provided evidence of significant variations in the drivers and barriers to using AETs, the design team perceptions and the approaches used for assessments. These insights were investigated in detail through participative research techniques. Initial focus groups led to the development of a structured interview programme administered in 2 phases. The first phase of interviews investigated the experiences of 41 participants representing a range of building project stakeholders. The second phase of interviews looks more closely at 24 relevant projects from the perspective of the engineering consultant, investigating the decision-making approaches used and the influence of factors throughout the design process in more detail. As a result a hierarchy of the importance of specific drivers and barriers to using AETs in building projects was established. It was found that there is a large amount of variation in their importance between projects. Despite this variation the emphasis for assessment methods is on financial terms, largely ignoring more qualitative concerns. This lack of suitable assessment methodologies along with a lack of education, motivation and case study information in the building industry are restricting the use of AETs in UK building projects. It is proposed that to address this, engineering consultants need to be better informed and need to develop and embrace more holistic technology assessment methods that account for qualitative and quantitative considerations.

This thesis discusses some aspects of the use of ultraviolet rays to treat skin disease. The early history of dermatological phototherapy in Scotland is summarised as an introduction to the more recent developments described in a chapter on the Scottish phototherapy and photochemotherapy audit of 1996/1997 (funded by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group, the Scottish Office). This audit revealed some aspects of the phototherapy service that could be improved, and identified areas of particular importance for future research. Firstly, what type of UVB phototherapy lamp is most effective: the narrow-band (311-313nm) TL-01 lamp, or the broad-band UVB lamp? A meta-analysis conducted as part of this thesis gave a clear answer. TL-01 UVB is much more effective than broad-band UVB. The second included study was a randomised, controlled study that has contributed to deciding the optimal treatment frequency for TL-01 UVB phototherapy of psoriasis. Although 5x weekly treatment cleared psoriasis slightly more quickly than 3x weekly treatment, the difference in speed of clearance was too small to warrant the significantly greater frequency of acute erythema during treatment, and the greater number of exposures and dose required. The final question, answered by a randomised, controlled trial, in conjunction with a systematic review of the previous literature, was: for chronic plaque psoriasis, is TL-01 UVB or psoralen-UVA photochemotherapy to be preferred? The study conducted for this thesis showed TL-01 UVB to be more effective. Heterogeneity in findings of the studies addressing this question highlighted the importance of the particular treatment regimens selected for comparison, but the overall conclusion was that TL-01 UVB is the first choice of these two therapies.

The purpose of the study was to determine the validity and reliability of a nonverbal learning disability evaluation (NLDE) scale using an instrument intended to screen for nonverbal learning disabilities in classroom settings. Scholars believe that there are at least four distinct subtypes of learning disabilities, each with its own characteristics and interventions. Validity was examined via an ANOVA, discriminant functions analysis, and factor analysis. Reliability was examined via use of Cronbach's alpha ( a = .93).The sampled populations were special education and regular education teachers in North Dakota and 61 of the students they served. The 43 LD students had identified disabilities in learning and represented grade levels from 3-8. The 18 non-LD children were all enrolled at the elementary school level.The results of the ANOVA and Tukey's pairwise comparisons on NLDE composite scores indicated that the three group means (NLD, VLD, and Non-LD children) were significantly different from one another. The results of the canonical discriminant functions analysis indicated that there were two functions (factors) required. Can 1, mostly made up of motor behavior, was needed to separate the NLD group from each of the other two. Can2., mostly behaviors learned in a classroom setting in the areas of language and mathematics, was needed to separate both LD groups from the non-LD group. A factor analysis revealed that the instrument was univariate, deriving only one factor. This factor was correlated with over 80% of the scale items. The DISCRIM analysis correctly classified children into their original a priori groups.Results supported the existence of an NLD subtype, a group of students discriminate from other LD individuals. Further development of the scale is suggested by dropping some items that didn't load on some of the functions or factors and re-evaluating the scale and using a much larger research population. Changes in scale scoring were also suggested.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to utilize costing procedures developed by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education to compare per-student credit hour cost for disciplines taught in both.the day and evening. Procedures: (1) A structure to identify and categorize similar patterns of activity based upon the work performed by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education provide·d the foundation for the study. (2) Allocation of direct costs "ms .made to each discipline defined through the initial identification of activities. (3) Services rendered to the categories of evening and day collegiate programs were examined, with allocation of costs to common disciplines based upon recognized parameters which were established from the literature. (4) ·Student credit hour cost ·for each of the disciplines was calculated through the division of total cost for the discipline by the number of credit hours in each category. ( 5) Costs for disciplines taught both in the day and evening categories were compared through utilization of an F-distribution and a significance level of .05. Findings: (1) A modification of the Program Classification Structure can be effectively used to compare costs of day and evening college. (2).Based upon a 2-tailed comparison utilizing a .05 level of significance, there is a significant difference between the cost per credit hour for cost centers representing the direct and full cost of the day and evening categories. Recommendations for Further Study: Additional research should be conducted so that there may be ( 1 ) further .examination of needs of the evening student; (2) examination of optimum enrollment ratios for day and evening; (3) further examination of activity analysis procedures; (4) consideration of the need for "off-campus" faculty involvement; (5) examination of alternative methods of financing by the state; ( 6) examination of courses from the standpoint of their value to education and the community.

Part I: 1. Using a specially constructed plethysmograph the blood flow in the hands and forearms of patients was studied before and after sympathectomy. 2. After sympathectomy there was an immediate threefold increase in forearm blood flow lasting for three or four days in six hyperhidrotic and eight Raynaud limbs. 3. In the bands the blood flow took 24 to 48 hours longer to reach a peak, but the increase was greater, especially in the hyperhidrotic hands, and lasted longer. 4. Preganglionic section was found to cause as much increase in blood flow as ganglionectomy. Part II: 1. The effects of intra-arterial infusions of graded levels of adrenaline on blood flow in the hands of patients before and after sympathectomy, and in the hands of healthy subjects, were measured by plethysmography. 2. An analytical technique was evolved to assess small changes in sensitivity to adrenaline and the range of response of the hands to a series of concentrations of adrenaline was determined. 3. The sensitivity of the hands of patients with Raynaud's disease before sympathectomy was found to be within normal limits. 4. In a group of ten hands tested before and after sympathectomy the mean vasoconstriction with adrenaline was found to increase fourfold after operation, as a result of lowering of the threshold to adrenaline in six of the hands. 5. The concentration of adrenaline required to produce an equal amount of vasoconstriction was four times as much in normal as in sympathectomized hands. 6. Five of the six hands which exhibited a distinct increase in sensitivity had been sympathectomized by preganglionic section. Two of the four hands in which no increase was demonstrated were sympathectomized by ganglionectomy. 7. A further six hands of patients previously sympathectomized for hyperhidrosis or Raynaud's disease were studied at various intervals after operation. Two had significant increases in sensitivity after ganglionectomy and one after preganglionic section. No significant increase was demonstrated in two hands after ganglionectomy nor in one after preganglionic section. 8. Altogether, by the criteria adopted, supersensitivity was present in nine hands, following preganglionic section (6), ganglionectomy (2) and traumatic sympatheotony (1); and absent in seven hands, following ganglionectomy (4) and preganglionic section (3). 9. The evidence was considered to indicate that preganglionic section is no less liable than ganglionectoray to cause supersensitivity of the skin vessels to adrenaline. 10. Supersensitivity was found in tests as early as the sixth day and as late as the 24th month after sympathectomy. Part III: 1. The normal blood flow response in the forearm and calf to 10 minute intravenous infusions of 10 ug. adrenaline per minute was found to consist of an initial marked (four or fivefold) but brief increase followed by a moderate (twofold) but sustained elevation in blood flow. 2. Some evidence that the initial phase is increased after sympathectomy was presented. 3. In sympathectomized forearms the second phase of increased blood flow was shown to be absent and in sympathectomized calves there was found to be, instead, an actual reduction of flow. 4. Intra-arterial infusions of proportionately reduced amounts of adrenaline given to normal subjects produced only a brief initial increase in blood flow in the forearm and calf; during the remainder of the infusions the blood flow was either at the resting level or lower. These effects were considered to be due to the local direct action of adrenaline on vessels in skeletal muscle. 5. The findings thus showed that sympathectomy causes an augmentation of both the initial dilator and the subsequent constrictor phases of the direct action of adrenaline on the muscle vessels. Part IV: 1. All three experimental approaches give consistent evidence that the degree of super sensitivity of the vessels in skin and skeletal muscle resulting from preganglionic section is no less than that following ganglionectomy, in direct contradiction of 'the general law of denervation' of Cannon et al. (1945). 2. The literature concerning the changes following sympathectomy and the circulatory effects of adrenaline is briefly surveyed and certain current views critically reviewed. 3. A hypothesis is put forward to account for the salient changes after sympathectomy in terms of a circulatory redistribution within sympathectoraized tissues causing a higher proportion of blood to flow through specially responsive channels.

The growth of music education within the public schools of America and the philosophy which reflects its goals and objectives should serve as a measure of the desirability for correction of intonation within the elementary schools. If this is the philosophy of music education and elementary students are to develop an esthetic appreciation of music, a performance skill should be taught. This skill should aid in teaching a knowledge of literature and an understanding of the organization of music, which lead to the achievement of musicality.