Application Process (application + process)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Confirming satisfaction as an attitude within the service-buying process

JOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR, Issue 2 2001
Dr Geraldine Clarke
Abstract This paper presents research that uses cognitive and affective semantic differential scales to construct an attitude measuring instrument to be used in the services domain in the context of long applications to buy a service. The scales measure ,Attitude to the Application Process' (AAP) which represents satisfaction, as an internal ,buying process' attitude, which moderates the buying intention. Data collected over a three-year period between 1996-9, was analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results provide evidence of a robust and useful cognitive scale. Although there were anomalies in the exploratory and confirmatory analysis of the affective scale, a robust scale is presented which represents either one or two factors. The whole measuring instrument of 14 items was developed as a means to access applicant attitudes during the application process to university , an extended and extreme application situation for first-time consumers. The results identify that the instrument is sound and can be used in its original or modified form, depending on the context of the service-process monitoring situation. The scales represent aspects of attitude not dealt with extensively in the literature and measure the perception of the application process as simple, open, friendly and helpful. These aspects of satisfaction mirror three attributes of service quality: assurance, responsiveness and empathy identified in previous research. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications. [source]


Skin bleaching: highlighting the misuse of cutaneous depigmenting agents

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2009
OE Dadzie
Abstract Hydroquinone and other cutaneous depigmenting agents are widely used by dermatologists to treat pigmentary disorders. On 29 August 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a monograph in the US Federal Register proposing to ban all hydroquinone products that have not been approved via a New Drug Application process. Reports in the scientific literature on the occurrence of exogenous ochronosis, in relation to the use of hydroquinone, was one of the concerns expressed by the FDA in relation to this agent. However, a review of the English-language scientific literature reveals that most of the reported cases of hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis occurs in Africa, where the cultural practice of skin bleaching is highly prevalent. Skin bleaching is the practice of applying hydroquinone and/or other depigmenting agents to specific or widespread areas of the body, the primary function being to lighten normally dark skin. This practice typically occurs in men and women with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV to VI. It is a dangerous practice associated with a diverse range of side-effects, including mercury poisoning. Thus, this current discussion within the dermatological community on the safety of hydroquinone provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness about skin bleaching. [source]


University Choice: What Influences the Decisions of Academically Successful Post-16 Students?

HIGHER EDUCATION QUARTERLY, Issue 1 2006
Joan M. Whitehead
The questionnaire survey reported in this paper is part of an ongoing evaluation of the effect of a bursary scheme on recruitment to Cambridge University. It sought to identify factors that encouraged or discouraged highly successful A Level students from applying to Cambridge. Findings reveal three main dimensions associated with the decision to apply to Cambridge, the nature of the courses, the prestige of the university and anxiety about the application process combined with fear of failure. Further analyses showed that there were complex interactions between these three dimensions which governed the decision to apply to Cambridge. These findings are relevant to other prestigious universities. The availability of a bursary did appear to influence the decisions of those who were eligible, but its influence was not as great as some of the other factors. [source]


Confirming satisfaction as an attitude within the service-buying process

JOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR, Issue 2 2001
Dr Geraldine Clarke
Abstract This paper presents research that uses cognitive and affective semantic differential scales to construct an attitude measuring instrument to be used in the services domain in the context of long applications to buy a service. The scales measure ,Attitude to the Application Process' (AAP) which represents satisfaction, as an internal ,buying process' attitude, which moderates the buying intention. Data collected over a three-year period between 1996-9, was analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results provide evidence of a robust and useful cognitive scale. Although there were anomalies in the exploratory and confirmatory analysis of the affective scale, a robust scale is presented which represents either one or two factors. The whole measuring instrument of 14 items was developed as a means to access applicant attitudes during the application process to university , an extended and extreme application situation for first-time consumers. The results identify that the instrument is sound and can be used in its original or modified form, depending on the context of the service-process monitoring situation. The scales represent aspects of attitude not dealt with extensively in the literature and measure the perception of the application process as simple, open, friendly and helpful. These aspects of satisfaction mirror three attributes of service quality: assurance, responsiveness and empathy identified in previous research. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications. [source]


CAD-based automated robot programming in adhesive spray systems for shoe outsoles and uppers

JOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 11 2004
J. Y. Kim
Most shoe manufacturing processes are not yet automated; it puts restrictions on increasing productivity. Among them, adhesive application processes particularly are holding the most workers and working hours. In addition, the working environment is very poor due to the toxicity of adhesive agents. In the case of automating an adhesive application process by using a robot, robot teaching by playback is difficult to produce high productivity because the kinds of shoes to be taught mount up to several thousands. To cope with it, it is necessary to generate robot working paths automatically according to the kind, the size, or the right and the left of shoes, and also to teach the generated paths to a robot automatically. This paper presents a method to generate three-dimensional robot working paths off-line based on CAD data in an automatic adhesive spray system for shoe outsoles and uppers. First, this paper describes how to extract the three-dimensional data of an outsole outline from a two-dimensional CAD drawing file. Second, it describes how to extract the three-dimensional data of an upper profiling line from the three-dimensional scanning data that is opened in a three-dimensional CAD program. Third, it describes how to generate robot working paths based on the extracted data and the nozzle setting parameters for adhesive spray. Also, a series of experiments for adhesive spray is performed to verify the effectiveness of the presented methods. This study will do much for increasing productivity in shoe manufacturing as a core work of a robotic adhesive spray system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Knowledge management and decision support for electrical power utilities

KNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT: THE JOURNAL OF CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION, Issue 4 2001
G. M. West
This paper describes a case study for a knowledge management project carried out in conjunction with two major UK electrical utilities. The focus of the work is on the design of protection schemes for electrical power transmission systems. A brief overview is provided of the traditional protection system design processes implemented within both companies and the associated shortcomings relating to the management of the data, information and knowledge throughout this process. The development of the Design Engineering Knowledge Application System (DEKAS), designed to address the knowledge management issues within both companies, is described, and the perceived benefits this system offers the existing protection design and application process of each company will be discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Gene therapy legislation in The Netherlands

THE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 10 2007
D. A. Bleijs
Abstract Several regulatory organisations are involved in the assessment of clinical gene therapy trials involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in The Netherlands. Medical, ethical and scientific aspects are, for instance, evaluated by the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO). The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) is the competent authority for the environmental risk assessment according to the deliberate release Directive 2001/18/EC. A Gene Therapy Office has been established in order to streamline the different national review processes and to enable the official procedures to be completed as quickly as possible. Although the Gene Therapy Office improved the application process at the national level, there is a difference of opinion between the EU member states with respect to the EU Directive according to which gene therapy trials are assessed, that urges for harmonisation. This review summarises the gene therapy legislation in The Netherlands and in particular The Netherlands rationale to follow Directive 2001/18/EC for the environmental risk assessment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The Quality of Health Insurance Service Delivery for Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Patient Perspective

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2010
E. J. Gordon
Increased attention has been devoted to improving quality care in kidney transplantation. The discourse on quality care has focused on transplant center metrics and other clinical parameters. However, there has been little discussion on the quality of health insurance service delivery, which may be critical to kidney recipients' access to transplantation and immunosuppression. This paper describes and provides a framework for characterizing kidney transplant recipients' positive and negative interactions with their insurers. A consecutive cohort of kidney recipients (n = 87) participated in semistructured interviews on their interactions with insurance agencies. Patients reported negative (37%) and/or neutral or positive (79%) interactions with their insurer (a subset [16%] reported both). Perceived negative experiences included: poor service, logistical difficulties with confusing and time-consuming paperwork, poor communication, rude behavior and concerns about adequate coverage. Positive experiences related to: having good coverage, a simple application process, straightforward transactions and helpful communication. Findings suggest that even when patients have insurance coverage, difficult interactions with insurers and limited skills in navigating insurance options may limit their access to needed medications and health services. Future research is needed to test this hypothesis in a larger population. [source]


The effect of the European Clinical Trials Directive on published drug research in anaesthesia

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 9 2009
E. Walker
Summary The clinical indications for anaesthetic drugs are developed through peer-reviewed publication of clinical trials. We performed a bibliometric analysis of all human research papers reported in nine general anaesthesia journals over 6 years (n = 6489), to determine any effects of the 2004 European Clinical Trials Directive on reported drug research in anaesthesia originating from Europe and the United Kingdom. We found 89% studies involved patients and 11% volunteers. Of 3234 (50%) drug studies, 96% were phase IV (post-marketing) trials. Worldwide, the number of research papers fell by 3.6% (p < 0.004) in the 3 years following introduction of the European Clinical Trials Directive (5% Europe, 18% United Kingdom), and drug research papers fell by 12% (p < 0.001; 15% Europe, 29% United Kingdom). The introduction of the Clinical Trials Directive has therefore coincided with a decline in European drug research, particularly that originating from the United Kingdom. We suggest a number of measures researchers could take in response, and we propose a simplification of the application process for phase IV clinical trials, emphasising patient risk assessment. [source]


Nanostructural properties of intraocular lenses (IOLs) , atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigations

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
E WYLEGALA
Purpose To investigate and analyze surface of explanted intraocular lenses (IOL-s), by means of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Methods Eight dry IOL-s (acrylic: SN60AT , 3 pieces, SA60AT , CZ70BD; silicone: CLRFLXC; "hard": AJPR,CP65T), and four hydrophilic acrylic IOL-s (AC-IOL and PC- IOL, both: naïve and removed during keratoplasty) were imaged (topography and phase) with AFM. AFM is used to investigate, at nanoscale, the surfaces' topography and some nanomechanical properties (eg. elasticity, hardness) of materials in medicine. The samples can be investigated in quasi-physiological conditions, usually no damaging preparation is required. For the acrylic and "hard" lenses the granular nanostructure is observed. The roughness of the lenses' surfaces can be then assessed. The silicone lens is soft: the forces of nanonewtons applied during imaging cause strong deformations of the material. Results Nanomechanical properties of PC-IOL lens are not uniform. This may be advantageous for its calcification: for the lens of the same type removed during keratoplasty strong calcification is observed. For SN60AT lens the influence of the application process (folding) on its nanostructure is tested. The observed structural nano-defects are permanent, they can occur during folding or can be caused by the used equipement. The similar nano-deformations are observed for the removed AC-IOL lens. Conclusion AFM and FTIR showed to be a high-resolution imaging tool for the scanning of surface IOL. [source]


Variation in Institutional Review Board Responses to a Standard, Observational, Pediatric Research Protocol

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2007
Jonathan Mansbach MD
Abstract Background: Multicenter studies are becoming more common, and variability in local institutional review board (IRB) assessments can be problematic. Objective: To investigate the variability of IRB responses to a multicenter observational study of children presenting to emergency departments. Methods: The authors collected the original IRB applications, subsequent correspondence, and a survey assessing submission timing and response and the nature of IRB queries. The study was conducted as part of the Emergency Medicine Network http://www.emnet-usa.org Results: Of 37 sites initiating the IRB process, 34 (92%) participated in this IRB-approved study. Institutional review boards returned initial applications in a median of 19 days (IQR, 11,34 d), and 91% considered the protocol to be minimal risk. Of 34 submissions, 13 required no changes, 18 received conditional approvals, and 3 were deferred. The median time from initial submission to final approval was 42 days (IQR, 27,61 d). Seven sites did not participate in patient recruitment: two had institutional issues, one obtained IRB approval too late for participation, and four sites (12%) reported that IRB hurdles contributed to their lack of participation. Nonetheless, 68% of sites that recruited patients reported that the overall experience made them more likely to participate in future multicenter research. Conclusions: There was substantial variation in IRB assessment of a standard protocol in this study. The burden of the application process contributed to some investigators not participating, but the majority of investigators remain enthusiastic about multicenter research. A national IRB may streamline the review process and facilitate multicenter clinical research. [source]


A modular access gateway for managing intermittent connectivity in vehicular communications

EUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Issue 2 2006
Jörg Ott
The Drive-thru Internet architecture allows exploiting intermittent connectivity by temporarily connecting to IEEE 802.11 WLAN access points at the roadside from moving vehicles. This poses numerous challenges to a mobile user's equipment: extreme networking characteristics such as short periods of connectivity, unpredictable disconnection times, and vastly varying transmission characteristics. Heterogeneous WLAN hotspot installations may also require different authentication mechanisms and credentials. We have designed a mobile access gateway to deal with these issues on behalf of a user (group) in a moving vehicle and provide usable connectivity for applications without requiring manual operation. The gateway maximises the use of short connectivity periods by detecting network access providing signalling functions for local application processes. It also allows using dedicated radio equipment to prolong connectivity periods. Finally, in selected multi-user scenarios, further performance improvements are conceivable by sharing (non-confidential) information across users and applications. Copyright © 2005 AEIT. [source]