Showing papers by "Coventry University published in 2001"

Adapting visual methods: action research with Kampala street children

Abstract: The paper examines the use of four visual ‘action’ methods for eliciting information from street children about their interactions with the socio-spatial environment. These methods were adapted and used to encourage child-led activities and minimize researcher input. The advantages and constraints associated with the successful implementation of visual methods with children are examined, followed by a brief examination of the ‘real’ and ethical considerations surrounding their use. The paper concludes that visual methods allow a high level of child-led participation in research, as well as providing a stimulus for eliciting further oral material.

New perspectives on construction supply chain integration

Abstract: In 1998, a government‐sponsored review of the UK construction sector called for the adoption of initiatives from manufacturing industry in order to increase productivity and reduce costs. Subsequent research has focused on how supply chain management practices could be implemented effectively by clients, consultants and large contracting organisations. However, little attention has been paid to the integration of small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) in the subcontractor and material supply sectors. This paper presents the findings of research that focused on the role of these SMEs in re‐engineered construction supply chains. It was found that significant barriers exist to supplier integration within the construction sector, which stem from SME scepticism over the motives behind supply chain management practices. It is suggested that the industry must make greater efforts to extol the mutual benefits of supplier integration to SMEs if significant performance improvement is to be achieved.

The Political Theory of Global Citizenship

Abstract: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the meaning of cosmopolitanism and world citizenship in the history of Western political thought, and in the evolution of international politics since 1500 Providing an invaluable overview of earlier political thought, recent theoretical literature and current debates, this book also discusses recent developments in international politics and transnational protest It will be of great interest to those specialising in political theory, International Relations and peace/conflict studies It will also interest those already acting as global citizens

Treatment for displaced intracapsular fracture of the proximal femur: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMISED TRIAL IN PATIENTS AGED 65 TO 79 YEARS

Abstract: We performed a prospective, randomised trial comparing three treatments for displaced intracapsular fractures of the hip in 280 patients aged 65 to 79 years. The mean patient survival was significantly higher in the group undergoing reduction and internal fixation (79 months) compared with that with a cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty or a cemented Monk bipolar hemiarthroplasty (61 months and 68 months, respectively). After three years, 32 of 93 patients (34.4%) who had undergone fixation had local complications, necessitating further intervention in 28 (30%). There were no significant differences in the functional outcome in survivors, who were reviewed annually to five years. Either reduction and internal fixation or cemented hemiarthroplasty may be offered as alternative treatments for a displaced intracapsular fracture in a mobile and mentally competent patient under the age of 80 years. The choice of procedure by the patient and the surgeon should be determined by the realisation that the use of internal fixation is associated with a 30% risk of failure requiring further surgery. If this is accepted, however, hemiarthroplasty is avoided, which, in our study has a significantly shorter mean survival time. The use of a bipolar prosthesis has no significant advantage.

Robust filtering for a class of stochastic uncertain nonlinear time-delay systems via exponential state estimation

Abstract: We investigate the robust filter design problem for a class of nonlinear time-delay stochastic systems. The system under study involves stochastics, unknown state time-delay, parameter uncertainties, and unknown nonlinear disturbances, which are all often encountered in practice and the sources of instability. The aim of this problem is to design a linear, delayless, uncertainty-independent state estimator such that for all admissible uncertainties as well as nonlinear disturbances, the dynamics of the estimation error is stochastically exponentially stable in the mean square, independent of the time delay. Sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the existence of desired robust exponential filters, which are derived in terms of the solutions to algebraic Riccati inequalities. The developed theory is illustrated by numerical simulation.

Properties of fitness functions and search landscapes

Abstract: This tutorial is an introduction to the study of properties of fitness functions and search landscapes in the context of predicting the difficulty of search problems for genetic algorithms and, more generally, for stochastic iterative algorithms. Central to this topic is the Walsh transform, which presents a view on the fitness function in terms of the interactions between the variables of this function. The first part of this tutorial introduces the Walsh decomposition of fitness functions, and its relation to epistasis variance. Exchanging the fitness function for the fitness landscape, the second part discusses two important consequences of putting a topology on the search space: the modality and the ruggedness. Methods to estimate properties of landscapes are discussed. The last part moves away from property learning of general fitness functions and landscapes, and instead focuses on properties of classes of fitness functions originating from well-known NP-hard search problems. Important issues here are the factorization of the joint probability distribution of the fitness values and the engineering of interactions to achieve a highly multimodal, symmetric fitness landscape resembling a needle-in-a-haystack problem.

Degradation of dye effluent

Abstract: Solutions of both basic and acidic dyes were subject to sonolysis, electrolysis, and sonoelectrolysis. Only basic dyes were decolorized by ultrasound alone. Removal of the acidic dye Sandolan Yellow required the use of an electrooxidation process. The rate of elec- trochemical decolorization in the absence of ultrasound was dependent on the type of elec- trolyte, the electrolyte concentration, the reaction temperature, and the current density. The sonoelectrooxidation of Sandalon Yellow needed to be performed in a sealed cell to minimize the effects of ultrasonic degassing.

Work disability among people with ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract: Objective To investigate work disability among people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in terms of correlates and coping mechanisms. Methods The sample group (n = 133) was recruited through 2 sources: 1) consecutive patients attending outpatient clinics over a 6-month period, and 2) a random sample of members of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society. We used a cross-sectional survey with data collected by self-administered questionnaires and telephone interviews with a randomly selected subsample (n = 6). Results The majority of participants were men. The mean age was 49 years; the mean disease duration was 28 years. Thirty-one percent were unable to work because of AS, with an additional 15% reporting changes to their working lives attributable to AS (e.g., reduction in hours worked, change of job). Compared with being in full-time work, work disability was associated with being older, longer disease duration, lower educational standard, comorbidity, greater physical impairment, pain, fatigue, stiffness, anxious and depressed mood, and lower self-esteem. Descriptive data added further insight into the experience of work disability and coping with AS in a work environment. Conclusion Work disability is worthy of further investigation to determine exact prevalence rates and psychosocial implications. Work disability could be addressed with simple interventions or adaptations in the workplace.

Exploring the Dimensions of Culture Economies in Rural West Wales

Abstract: Many rural areas in developed market economies are now responding to globalization by trying to encourage a relocalization of production and consumption through the establishment of niche markets based on locally embedded skills, resources and knowledges. Such strategies can be theorized as features of a territorially based culture economy. By introducing notions of vertical and horizontal networks into this broad idea, the aim in this paper is to interrogate the nature and extent of the culture economy as a force for rural development in West Wales. The discussion draws on empirical material from research into four different product sectors: speciality beef and lamb, organic fruit, vegetables and meat, speciality cheese and artisanal crafts. Overall, the intention is to demonstrate the importance of considering the specific socio-cultural and economic contexts within which networks of development are constructed and to suggest that multiple cultural economies operate within and across different localities and sectors.

Costing customer value: an approach for the agile enterprise

Abstract: In adopting and developing the key elements of agility, there is a requirement for enterprises to overcome the philosophical challenges of a shift from mass/lean production to the customisation environment of agile manufacturing. There is a substantial body of knowledge supporting the use of alternative costing systems for operations and production management and particularly mass/lean production, yet none deal with the emerging philosophy of agility. This paper examines the operational cost environment of organisations seeking to attain agility. The paper considers and defines the inter‐ and intra‐enterprise activities required to support the provision of total solution systems for customers. The paper evaluates the requirements at a strategic and operational level for costing in an agile environment. The operational issues for agile costing systems are explored and discussed through an implementation case study.

Ethics and Participation: Reflections on Research with Street Children

Abstract: There are important ethical issues that must be carefully thought through when undertaking research with children. This paper explores how the context of such issues changes with the individual circumstances of the children involved, particularly when they are marginalised or excluded by wider society. By reflecting on experiences of research with Kampala street children, this paper highlights how participation throughout the research process can both raise and resolve ethical dilemmas. This is illustrated by reflecting on two examples, namely discussing sensitive topics and the dissemination of socio-spatial research findings. In conclusion, the paper demonstrates the importance of ethical sensitivity to the changing situations that arise when conducting research with street children and the importance of incorporating and involving them in both the research process and ethical dilemmas.

Volunteerism among older people with arthritis

Abstract: Research attention has turned towards investigating the motivations and experiences of those who volunteer under conditions that benefit both giver and recipient. The purpose of this paper is to examine the motivation of 22 older volunteers as they embarked on training to become lay leaders of an arthritis self-management programme. Data were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews at two points in time, before training and six weeks after training. Volunteerism was motivated by three key needs: to fill the vocational void left by retirement, to feel a useful member of society by helping others and to find a peer group. These key motivations remained important throughout the six weeks of the study. The costs of volunteering were perceived as time, responsibility, invasion of social life, failure, anxiety, and the duration and intensity of training. Nonetheless, older volunteers valued finding a purpose, reported less pain and an increased desire to ‘get on with life'. Results suggest that volunteering in later life can help to offset losses associated with retirement and decline in health. Further research, incorporating standard measures of health status, is needed if the impact of volunteering on the health of this study population is to be more fully understood.

Issues of Access and Identity: Adapting Research Methods with Kampala Street Children

Abstract: The issues of researcher access and identity are important ethical considerations when researching children. They are particularly significant when the children are a highly marginalized group such...

How to use education as an intervention in osteoarthritis

Abstract: Definitions of health education and patient education form the starting point for an overview of patient education interventions for people with osteoarthritis (OA). Recipients, tutors and the key messages that education can deliver are considered, followed by a review of the methods used and the typical content of current educational provision for OA. The theoretical and empirical basis for interventions is illustrated using examples from the somewhat limited field. The outcomes used to evaluate education and the evidence for effectiveness is presented. The issues of which patients benefit most, adherence, length of interventions, optimal timing and frequency are raised. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the best health care system is needed to underpin educational provision and suggestions for a research agenda that will go some way towards addressing the many questions that remain unanswered.

Sustaining the self in later life: supporting older people in the community

Abstract: This paper emanates from a small-scale qualitative study, currently in progress, looking at the implications for older people of decisions made by a social services department that they are ineligible for service provision. While the operation of eligibility criteria in the UK has been shown to exclude an increasing number of prospective users from receiving a service, little is known about how those refused a service contend with their difficulties or the implications these strategies have for them. The paper focuses on themes that have emerged during the first phases of the study in relation to how older people endeavour to manage their ‘unmet need’. It is suggested that a key integrative theme concerns their efforts to maintain a positive sense of self indicating, it is argued, the need for processes involved in the seeking, receiving and giving of help to be managed in a way that sustains the sense of self of the older person.

On reductionism and emergence in geomorphology

Abstract: Much geomorphological enquiry has been devoted to the understanding of landscapes via the construction of models based on the relationships between process and form. This paper examines the philosophical, theoretical and practical problems involved in bridging the gap between studies of geomorphological processes and explanations of landscape development. It argues that process geomorphology is essentially reductionist and discusses the practical and logical limitations of such an approach to science. It suggests that landscapes are emergent phenomena and, by drawing from the philosophical and practical lessons derived from the physics of non-linear systems, demonstrates that they are not amenable to reductionist explanations.