City University London

About: City University London is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 5735 authors who have published 17285 publications receiving 453290 citations.

Autism Diagnosis in the United Kingdom: Perspectives of Autistic Adults, Parents and Professionals

Abstract: Accessing an autism diagnosis is a key milestone, both for an individual and their family. Using a qualitative methodology, the current study examined the views and experiences of ten autistic adults, ten parents of children on the autism spectrum, and ten professionals involved in autism diagnosis, all based in the United Kingdom (UK). Interviewing these 30 respondents about the diagnostic process and subsequent support options, the goal was to identify aspects of the diagnostic process that are working well, and areas in which improvements are needed. Using thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: the process of understanding and accepting autism; multiple barriers to satisfaction with the diagnostic process; and inadequate post-diagnostic support provision.

Financial and Legal Constraints to Growth: Does Firm Size Matter?

Abstract: Market imperfections, such as those caused by underdeveloped financial and legal systems, are usually considered constraints on a firm's ability to obtain capital.A past study has shown that firms in countries with developed financial institutions and efficient legal systems obtain capital more easily than in countries with less developed ones.That study, though, is based only on the largest firms in each economy studied. The present research proposes to consider the effects of financial, legal, and corruption problems on firm size. Data are taken from a size-stratified survey of over 4,000 firms in 54 countries.The questions sought to identify obstacles to firm performance and growth internationally. The World Business Environment Survey is used to identify the level of financing, legal and corruption obstacles in each country.An attempt is made to determine: (1) whether firm growth is affected by financial and legal imperfections and corruption, (2) whether such constraints affect firms depending on their size, (3) whether firms characterized as small, medium or large are affected differently in nations with different levels of financial and institutional development; (4) what characteristics of legal systems can improve firm growth, and (5) the effects of corruption among financial intermediaries. It was determined that the smallest firms are consistently the most constrained.Financial and institutional development diminishes the effects of financial, legal, and corruption constraints, and small firms experience the greatest benefit.Also indicated was that the relation between quality of the legal system and firm growth is weak. Corruption of bank officials is shown to constrain growth. Policy implications are also considered.. (TNM)

Properties of Foreign Exchange Risk Premiums

Abstract: We study the properties of foreign exchange risk premiums that can explain the forward bias puzzle, defined as the tendency of high-interest rate currencies to appreciate rather than depreciate These risk premiums arise endogenously from the no-arbitrage condition relating the term structure of interest rates and exchange rates Estimating affine (multi-currency) term structure models reveals a noticeable tradeoff between matching depreciation rates and accuracy in pricing bonds Risk premiums implied by our global affine model generate unbiased predictions for currency excess returns and are closely related to global risk aversion, the business cycle, and traditional exchange rate fundamentals

Joined-up food policy? : the trials of governance, public policy and the food system

Abstract: To address the policy malfunctions of the recent past and present, UK food policy needs to link policy areas that in the past have been dealt with in a disparate manner, and to draw on a new ecological public health approach. This will need a shift within the dominant trade liberalization–national economic competitiveness paradigm that currently informs UK food policy, and the international levels of the EU and the WTO trade rules, and grants the large corporate players in the food system a favoured place at the policy–making tables. The contradictions of the food system have wrought crises that have engendered widespread institutional change at all levels of governance. Recent institutional reforms to UK food policy, such as the FSA and DEFRA, reflect a bounded approach to policy integration. Initiatives seeking a more integrated approach to food policy problems, such as the Social Exclusion Unit’s access to shops report, and the Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming, can end up confined to a particular policy sector framed by particular interests—a process of “policy confinement”. However, the UK can learn from the experience of Norway and Finland who have found their own routes to a more joined–up approach to public health and a sustainable food supply by, for example, introducing a national food policy council to provide integrated policy advice. Also, at the local and community levels in the UK, policy alternatives are being advanced in an ad hoc fashion by local food initiatives. More structural–level interventions at the regional and local governance levels are also needed to address the social dimensions of a sustainable food supply