Showing papers by "Coventry University published in 2008"

Some Prospective Strategies for Improving Crop Salt Tolerance

Abstract: Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint to crop productivity worldwide. The “biological” approach to this problem focuses on the management, exploitation, or development of plants able to thrive on salt‐affected soils. This chapter reviews strategies by which plants can be enabled to grow on saline soils. The first strategy is to prime seeds before planting by treating them with inorganic or organic chemicals and/or with high or low temperatures. The second strategy involves exogenous application of organic chemicals, such as glycine betaine, proline, or plant growth regulators, or inorganic chemicals to plants under salinity stress. Considerable improvements in growth and yield have been reported in a number of crops using these approaches. The third strategy is to employ selection and breeding. Major efforts have been made to develop salt‐tolerant lines or cultivars of crops using conventional plant breeding. However, the complexity of the tolerance mechanisms, lack of selection criteria, and variation in responses of plants at different developmental stages have resulted in only limited success. The emphases for developing salt‐tolerant lines/cultivars are now on marker‐assisted breeding and genetic transformation. The development of salt‐tolerant transgenic plants is still at an early stage but may become increasingly more effective as better knowledge of the complex mechanisms involved in plant salt tolerance is acquired. Furthermore, the rapid expansion in knowledge on genomics and proteomics will undoubtedly accelerate the transgenic and molecular breeding approaches However, to date, there are few conclusive reports indicating successful performance of transgenic cultivars under natural stressful environments.

Testing a self‐determination theory‐based teaching style intervention in the exercise domain

Abstract: Drawing from self-determination theory (SDT), this study examined the effect of an autonomy supportive, well structured and interpersonally involving teaching style on exercise class participants' psychological need satisfaction, motivational regulations, exercise behaviour, behavioural intention and affect. Female exercise class participants enrolled in a 10-week exercise program were exposed to an SDT-based (i.e. SDTc; n = 25) or typical (i.e. control group; n = 31) teaching style. The control condition reported a significant decrease in autonomy support, amotivation and behavioural intention over time. In addition, they reported a significant increase in competence and introjected regulation. Compared to the control condition, the SDTc reported a significantly greater linear increase in structure and interpersonal involvement, relatedness and competence need satisfaction and positive affect. Attendance rates were significantly higher in the SDTc. SDT-based social-contextual characteristics and psychological needs predicted autonomous regulations; all these variables collectively predicted adaptive outcomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

How well do the theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour predict intentions and attendance at screening programmes? A meta-analysis

Abstract: Meta-analysis was used to quantify how well the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour have predicted intentions to attend screening programmes and actual attendance behaviour. Systematic literature searches identified 33 studies that were included in the review. Across the studies as a whole, attitudes had a large-sized relationship with intention, while subjective norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC) possessed medium-sized relationships with intention. Intention had a medium-sized relationship with attendance, whereas the PBC-attendance relationship was small sized. Due to heterogeneity in results between studies, moderator analyses were conducted. The moderator variables were (a) type of screening test, (b) location of recruitment, (c) screening cost and (d) invitation to screen. All moderators affected theory of planned behaviour relationships. Suggestions for future research emerging from these results include targeting attitudes to promote intention to screen, a greater use of implementation intentions in screening information and examining the credibility of different screening providers.

Public transport networks: empirical analysis and modeling

Abstract: We use complex network concepts to analyze statistical properties of urban public transport networks (PTN). To this end, we present a comprehensive survey of the statistical properties of PTNs based on the data of fourteen cities of so far unexplored network size. Especially helpful in our analysis are different network representations. Within a comprehensive approach we calculate PTN characteristics in all of these representations and perform a comparative analysis. The standard network characteristics obtained in this way often correspond to features that are of practical importance to a passenger using public traffic in a given city. Specific features are addressed that are unique to PTNs and networks with similar transport functions (such as networks of neurons, cables, pipes, vessels embedded in 2D or 3D space). Based on the empirical survey, we propose a model that albeit being simple enough is capable of reproducing many of the identified PTN properties. A central ingredient of this model is a growth dynamics in terms of routes represented by self-avoiding walks.

Txt msg n school literacy: does texting and knowledge of text abbreviations adversely affect children's literacy attainment?

Abstract: This paper reports on two studies which investigated the relationship between children’s texting behaviour, their knowledge of text abbreviations and their school attainment in written language skills. In Study One, 11–12-year-old children provided information on their texting behaviour. They were also asked to translate a standard English sentence into a text message and vice versa. The children’s standardised verbal and nonverbal reasoning scores were also obtained. Children who used their mobiles to send three or more text messages a day had significantly lower scores than children who sent none. However, the children who, when asked to write a text message, showed greater use of text abbreviations (‘textisms’) tended to have better performance on a measure of verbal reasoning ability, which is highly associated with Key Stage 2 (KS2) and 3 English scores. In Study Two, children’s performance on writing measures was examined more specifically. Ten to eleven-year-old children were asked to complete another English to text message translation exercise. Spelling proficiency was also assessed, and KS2 Writing scores were obtained. Positive correlations between spelling ability and performance on the translation exercise were found, and group-based comparisons based on the children’s writing scores also showed that good writing attainment was associated with greater use of textisms, although the direction of this association is nor clear. Overall, these findings suggest that children’s knowledge of textisms is not associated with poor written language outcomes for children in this age range.

Well-posedness of the Cauchy problem for the fractional power dissipative equations

Abstract: This paper studies the Cauchy problem for the nonlinear fractional power dissipative equation u t + ( − △ ) α u = F ( u ) for initial data in the Lebesgue space L r ( R n ) with either r ≥ r d ≜ n b / ( 2 α − d ) or the homogeneous Besov space B p , ∞ − σ ( R n ) with σ = ( 2 α − d ) / b − n / p and 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞ , where α > 0 , F ( u ) = f ( u ) or Q ( D ) f ( u ) with Q ( D ) being a homogeneous pseudo-differential operator of order d ∈ [ 0 , 2 α ) and f ( u ) is a function of u which behaves like | u | b u with b > 0 .

Diversity and biogeography of testate amoebae

Abstract: Testate amoebae are amoeboid protists inhabiting a test (shell) They occur globally in soils, wetlands and freshwater, especially peats and mosses They are of ancient origin, dating from at least the Mesozoic, with possible ancestors as old as the Neoproterozoic Approximately 2,000 taxa have been described—a number which could easily rise to 4,000 with comprehensive recording Whilst many protists appear to be cosmopolitan as morphospecies, some of the larger testate species (exceeding 100 μm) have long been considered, controversially, to be geographically restricted Definitive conclusions have often been confounded by gaps in distributional data and misidentification Recent increases in recording from previously little known regions, and the rise of molecular taxonomy, have started to resolve outstanding issues—processes still far from complete Accordingly, biogeographical studies have concentrated on “flagship” species—those which can be identified with certainty and are sufficiently recorded to determine their ecological ranges Apodera vas (Certes) has been proved to be largely restricted to the Gondwanaland continents and sub-Antarctic islands, but absent from the Holartic despite the availability of much suitable habitat An early analysis postulated a Mesozoic origin of the species and a distribution influenced by continental drift Recent molecular evidence could imply a later origin Either way, its current distribution is clearly influenced by the pattern of global wind currents and lack of lowland tropical habitat By contrast a “Gondwana-tropical” group of species appears to be restricted to latitudes unaffected by glaciation Instances of local endemism, such as restriction to a single island, are also known, which await molecular evidence for substantiation

Common ground? : Motivations for participation in a community-supported agriculture scheme

Abstract: Direct marketing strategies of different kinds are often central to so-called “alternative food networks”, which tend to be underpinned by a central principle of somehow “reconnecting” food producers and consumers. This paper uses a case study of a community-supported agriculture project in Scotland to examine the motivations behind producers' and consumers' participation in such schemes. It shows the range of motivations and philosophies that consumers bring to the scheme and reflects on how these work with the more limited stated aims of the scheme organisers. It argues that communication within direct marketing schemes can be important for two reasons. First effective communication between producers and consumers can underpin the kind of understanding that leads to long-term commitment and tolerance amongst consumers. Second, communication between consumers can spur them to consider their wider behaviour and practices, perhaps leading to more radical changes to production–consumption relations...

Understanding empowerment from an employee perspective: what does it mean and do they want it?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine the various meanings of empowerment for employees from their own perspective, the psychological dimension of empowerment and whether employees want to be empowered.Design/methodology/approach – In order to understand how employees feel about empowerment, it is necessary to ask them directly so that one can understand their perceptions. A qualitative approach is adopted, employing 45 semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with employees. The aim of the interviews is to provide an insight into the meanings of empowerment for these employees.Findings – The findings indicate that the employees do not recognise the term “empowerment” nor do they reference the term “power” in relation to themselves. However, they are able to relate to associated concepts, notably “personal responsibility” and “control over their work”. Empowerment for the employees was found to operate as a continuum, as the extent to which employees seek empowerment varies considerably. The inn...

Optimism and psychological well‐being among parents of children with cancer: an exploratory study

Abstract: Aims: To identify the characteristics of optimistic parents of children with cancer. To examine the relationship between optimism, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, coping and subjective health perception in parents of children with cancer and parents of healthy children. Methods: One hundred parents of children with cancer were recruited during attendance at Oncology Out-patient Clinics at a UK Regional Cancer Centre. A comparison group of 117 parents of healthy children was also recruited. All parents completed a questionnaire, providing demographic and medical information relating to the child, dispositional optimism, psychological distress, life satisfaction, coping and subjective health perception. Results: Parents of children with cancer had higher levels of anxiety, depression, optimism, satisfaction with life and subjective health perception than the comparison group. Optimism was significantly correlated with satisfaction with life, subjective health perception, anxiety and depression in both groups. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of optimism in relationship to psychological distress in parents of children with cancer. Interventions targeting parents' optimism are recommended as a potential source of coping with adversity within this population. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The convergence of gaming practices with other media forms: what potential for learning? A review of the literature

Abstract: Nowhere in the current digital technology landscape is the process of ‘blurring the lines between media’ more apparent than with the uses and applications of gaming practices and technologies. Here the overlaps between new media and media interfaces are becoming significant as games technologies and practices are becoming more pervasive as commonplace social practices. This article reviews literature for evidence of these trends of convergent media forms as a starting point for a wider debate for using games technologies and practices to support learning practices. The article outlines convergences between gaming and cinema, gaming and the Internet, and gaming and emergent technologies and interfaces (e.g. mobile phones and social software). The article aims to foreground major dimensions of convergence in relation to the potential of innovations in educational practice and activities. The article concludes that variant forms of gaming are widespread. But while the converging forms of gaming with other me...

Humor as a Serious Strategy of Nonviolent Resistance to Oppression

Abstract: This article explores how humor can be used as one aspect of a strategy of nonviolent resistance to oppression and dictatorship. It combines sociological and philosophical theories about humor's duality and incongruity with theories of nonviolent resistance to oppression in order to investigate the links between topics that have previously been considered unrelated. Experiences from the Serbian Otpor movement, which used humorous actions as a part of its strategy to bring down Slobodan Milosevic from power, serve to illustrate the dynamics of humor as a form of resistance. Empirical examples and existing theory are combined to make an outline of an innovative theory of the functions of humor in nonviolent resistance.

Sensitivity to speech rhythm explains individual differences in reading ability independently of phonological awareness

Abstract: This study considered whether sensitivity to speech rhythm can predict concurrent variance in reading attainment after individual differences in age, vocabulary, and phonological awareness have been controlled. Five- to six-year-old English-speaking children completed a battery of phonological processing assessments and reading assessments, along with a simple word stress manipulation task. The results showed that performance on the stress manipulation measure predicted a significant amount of variance in reading attainment after age, vocabulary, and phonological processing had been taken into account. These results suggest that stress sensitivity is an important, yet neglected, aspect of English-speaking children's phonological representations, which needs to be incorporated into theoretical accounts of reading development.

On campus, but out of class: an investigation into students’ experiences of learning technologies in their self-directed study

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation into how students studying at university engage actively with learning technology in their self-directed study time. The case study surveyed 250 students studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level from a purposive sample of departments within one institution. The study has also conducted focus groups and a number of in-depth follow-up interviews with respondents to the survey. In this article we explore three emerging aspects of the learning experience, namely student expectations of the technology, their lecturers’ engagement with technology and how the technology might support processes of transition in higher education. One key implication is that more academic guidance is needed on what and how to use the technology effectively for independent learning, even where ICT skills levels are high. The study also identifies the significant role that the lecturer plays in facilitating students’ use of technology. The findings of this study will be of interest to those working to incorporate learning technologies more effectively in higher education, in particular for those who are looking to improve the engagement of students in self-directed learning. Keywords: student experience; learning technologies; self-directed learning; blended learning; case study DOI: 10.1080/09687760701850166

Perspectives on intellectual capital: multidisciplinary insights into management, measurement, and reporting

Abstract: Maybe instead of a field, as often referred to byy practitioners, it might be better to talk about the intellectual capital theme or even a lens that allows us to gain new insights in different disciplines and fields. The challengey is to learn from other’s insights and develop a greater understanding of intellectual capital without reinventing the wheel y this book provides y .a richer insight into the multidimensional nature of intellectual capital as an important construct in today’s business context.

Framing volcanic risk communication within disaster risk reduction: finding ways for the social and physical sciences to work together

Abstract: Sixteen years have passed since the last global volcanic event and more than 25 since a volcanic catastrophe that killed tens of thousands. In this time, volcanology has seen major advances in understanding, modelling and predicting volcanic hazards and, recently, an interest in techniques for reducing and mitigating volcanic risk. This paper provides a synthesis of literature relating to this last aspect, specifically the communication of volcanic risk, with a view to highlighting areas of future research into encouraging risk-reducing behaviour. Evidence suggests that the current ‘multidisciplinary’ approach within physical science needs a broader scope to include sociological knowledge and techniques. Key areas where this approach might be applied are: (1) the understanding of the incentives that make governments and communities act to reduce volcanic risk; (2) improving the communication of volcanic uncertainties in volcanic emergency management and long-term planning and development. To be successful, volcanic risk reduction programmes will need to be placed within the context of other other risk-related phenomena (e.g. other natural hazards, climate change) and aim to develop an all-risks reduction culture. We suggest that the greatest potential for achieving these two aims comes from deliberative inclusive processes and geographic information systems.

From Cognitive Capability to Social Reform? Shifting Perceptions of Learning in Immersive Virtual Worlds.

Abstract: Learning in immersive virtual worlds (simulations and virtual worlds such as Second Life) could become a central learning approach in many curricula, but the socio-political impact of virtual world learning on higher education remains under-researched. Much of the recent research into learning in immersive virtual worlds centres around games and gaming and is largely underpinned by cognitive learning theories that focus on linearity, problem-solving and the importance of attaining the ‘right answer’ or game plan. Most research to date has been undertaken into students’ experiences of virtual learning environments, discussion forums and perspectives about what and how online learning has been implemented. This article reviews the literature relating to learning in immersive virtual worlds, and suggests that there needs to be a reconsideration of what ‘learning’ means in such spaces. Keywords: immersive virtual worlds; literature review; learning DOI: 10.1080/09687760802526731

Significant effect of APOE epsilon 4 genotype on the risk of dementia in Alzheimer's disease and mortality in persons with Down syndrome.

Abstract: Objective Virtually all adults with Down syndrome (DS) have neuropathological manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but not all develop the condition. The effect of allelic variants of Apolipoprotein (APOE) gene in the development and progression of AD and mortality in people with DS is examined.

Experiences of diagnosis and treatment among people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract: Rationale, aims and objectives The aim of this qualitative study was to examine patients’ experiences of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), the information that they were given at this time, subsequent treatment and its impact on their lives. Method Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 people with MS. The use of interviews allowed participants’ experiences to be explored in depth. Participants were recruited by the MS Society through membership details and through a press release in a local newspaper. Telephone interviews lasted between 30 and 60 minutes, were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results The majority of participants were female (n = 17), with ages ranging from 35 to 72 years. Disease duration ranged from 1 to 37 years. Many participants’ diagnosed before and after 2000 had experienced long delays in diagnosis. At the point of diagnosis, participants had to make sense of and understand their diagnosis often with insufficient support. Some participants expressed anger about the way they had been given their diagnosis. Many felt they had not received sufficient information about their illness at this time and had responded by conducting their own searches for information to satisfy this need. Conclusion Improving the way in which doctors communicate with patients experiencing diagnostic delay and at the point of diagnosis deserves further study, in order to avoid later adjustment problems.