http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/308 2013-05-25T10:44:59Z http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/583 Title: The application of knowledge based systems to the abstraction of design and costing rules in bespoke pipe jointing systems Authors: Fatonade, Oluwakemi Victoria Abstract: This thesis presents the work undertaken in the creation of a knowledge based system aimed at facilitating the design and cost estimation of bespoke pipe jointing systems. An overview of the problem domain is provided and the findings from a literature review on knowledge based systems and applications in manufacturing were used to provide initial guidance to the research. The overall investigation and development process involved the abstraction of design and costing rules from domain experts using a sub-set of the techniques reviewed and the development and implementation of the knowledge based system using an expert system approach, the soft systems methodology (SSM) and the system development lifecycle methodology. Based on the abstracted design and costing rules, the developed system automates the design of pipe jointing systems, and facilitates cost estimation process within third party configuration software. The developed system was validated using two case studies and was shown to provide the required outputs. 2012-05-15T23:00:00Z http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/550 Title: Colorectal cancer: a comparative study of models of health care delivery in two adjacent trusts in South Wales Authors: Shah, Parin Rajendra Abstract: Introduction Survival in colorectal cancer patients is dependant on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. Referral via an appropriate pathway to a specialist service is vital to the early detection of colorectal cancer but there is neither a standard referral system nor a nationally agreed referral pathway in the UK. Though studies have compared individual components of different models of health care in colorectal cancer, this is the first study comparing two models in their entirety. Hypothesis The distinct model of service delivery in Trust A picks up a higher percentage of early colorectal cancers than the model of service delivery in Trust B. Method The study compares colorectal cancers diagnosed from two adjacent Trusts in Wales during a three year period. The samples obtained after rigid exclusions correlate the two models of health care with the stage of cancer at diagnosis. Results Trust A has a higher emergency and urgent workload. The overall pick up of early cancers is similar in both Trusts. However, there is a higher pick up rate of early colorectal cancer in Trust A, when GPs accessed the specialist service using an urgent referral through the elective route. Trust A had lower overall waiting times for the first clinic appointment but there was no difference for urgent cases between the two Trusts. Specialists in Trust B had a higher rate of re-prioritisation of urgent GP referrals to the non urgent category. Conclusion There appears to be no significant difference in the overall pick-up rate of modified Dukes’ A colorectal cancers between the two models of health care delivery. The higher pick up rate of early colorectal cancer in Trust A was achieved only where GPs sent patients into the specialist service using an urgent referral through the elective route. 2012-05-14T23:00:00Z http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/535 Title: Threads of influence: Greek tragedy and its relevance to the contemporary novel, with specific reference to Donna Tartt's 'The secret history', and my novel, 'The first seven years' Authors: Turner, Monika Abstract: This MPhil concerns the contemporary literary novel and how it has been influenced by the Golden Age of Greek tragedy. It comprises of three parts: the thesis and the novel, hereby presented, and the journal of creative experiences, which was observed at viva. My thesis examines the historical development of Greek tragedy and its structure. It further explores how tragedy has influenced writers through the ages, culminating in the literary tragedy of today. The methodology of tragic form is investigated in the works of writers educated in Greek tragic structure, and also those with no classical background. This thesis aims to show how novelists without a classical education have accessed the tragic form, via threads of literary influence, and utilised it successfully, albeit often unconsciously. My novel, The First Seven Years, is a work of contemporary tragic fiction. It tells the story of one woman’s attempts to do the best for her child. Trapped between raising her young son, Alfie, and caring for an increasingly frail elderly relative, Kate becomes emotionally and physically stretched. When she discovers Alfie has been badly bullied in his failing state school, her attempts to change schools have tragic consequences. Finally, my journal, presented at viva, compiles my creative thoughts, notes and research for both novel and thesis in one portfolio. My original notebooks show much of my novel’s planning and I have included visual images used of characters, buildings, locations, Kate’s photography and Martha’s pottery. Factual research is also integrated; investigating peripheral neuropathy, school league tables and admissions criteria. Thesis research includes relevant newspaper cuttings, programmes to Oedipus Rex and Phèdre, readings by DBC Pierre & Jeanette Winterson, and an interview with David Guterson. This journal has proved invaluable throughout my MPhil, both as an inspiration and an aide-mémoire. 2012-05-14T23:00:00Z http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/533 Title: Time to get it sorted: the politics of ineffective drug education in the UK Authors: Lancelott, Zoe Victoria Abstract: This study examines the reasons behind the ongoing delivery of ‘ineffective’ school-based substance misuse education in the UK (ACMD, 2006). Historical documentary analysis explores the development of substance misuse education policy, and documents the issues surrounding attempts to measure the effectiveness of subsequent practice over the last 30 years. The research also evaluates the impact of the ‘Get Sorted’ project in establishing an infrastructure at a local authority level to co-ordinate a range of approaches to the delivery of substance misuse education within Rhondda Cynon Taf. The creation of the ‘Get Sorted’ project was informed by the findings of the documentary analysis and is concerned with reducing the practical limitations faced by educators in order to support them to improve the effectiveness of the education they deliver. The research makes use of three sources of evidence; documentary analysis findings, quantitative data collected to meet the practical monitoring requirements of the ‘Get Sorted’ project, and qualitative research data collected to evaluate the impact of the ‘Get Sorted’ project. The analytical strategy combines the data derived from these three data sets through the application of Stake’s Countenance Theory of Educational Evaluation (1967). The findings of the study demonstrate a conflict between the ‘prevention’ and ‘harm reduction’ approaches to substance misuse education. The assumptions that underpin these paradigms are analysed in conjunction with Burrell and Morgan’s (1979) subjective-objective dimension of assumptions, offering an original contribution to the debate about the efficacy of substance misuse education. The criteria used to define the ‘success’ of education programmes are shown to be unrealistic and not governed by evidence. This study shows that shifting the focus from measuring the effectiveness of individual programmes to the creation of a local authority infrastructure promotes collaboration between providers, improving the effectiveness of the education they deliver. Establishing an infrastructure, the ‘Get Sorted’ project has improved communication between practitioners and policy makers; implemented a consistent approach to the delivery of substance misuse education across a range of education providers and programmes; and ensured practice was informed by research. 2012-05-14T23:00:00Z