Coventry University

About: Coventry University is a education organization based out in Coventry, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 4964 authors who have published 12700 publications receiving 255898 citations. The organization is also known as: Lanchester Polytechnic & Coventry Polytechnic.

Linking changes in atmospheric dust deposition, vegetation change and human activities in northwest Spain during the last 5300 years

Abstract: A high-resolution, 5300-yr record of pollen and lithogenic elements (K, Ca, Ti, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr) from an ombrotrophic peat bog located in northwest Spain, reveals that the variations in the fluxes of lithogenic elements supplied to the bog by atmospheric deposition were coupled to the evolution of the vegetation of the area. A strong negative correlation exists between the percentage of tree pollen and the concentration of lithogenic elements. For example, the correlation between total tree pollen and Sr concentrations is - 0.94. The main phases of decline of the deciduous forest occurred during known cultural periods (late Neolithic, the Metal Ages, the Roman Period, the Middle Ages and the Industrial period) suggesting a close link between human activities (fires and forest clearances), changes in the vegetation and soil erosion. The flux of lithogenic elements seems to have increased before a significant variation in pollen is detected, which may indicate that changes in soil erosion are reflected earlier than the changes in vegetation in the bog record. Variations in the composition of the deposited dust reflect impacts that occurred at different spatial scales, with local sources dominant in the late Neolithic, the Metal Ages and the Middle Ages, whilst regional sources are more important in the Roman period and the Industrial Revolution. During the prehistoric period, arboreal pollen percentages recovered to their former levels, suggesting that woodland regenerated following a disturbance phase, but for the last 1400 years no significant recovery took place until afforestation with pines was introduced 200 years ago. While this must be the result of continuous clearances to convert forest into arable land, a cumulative effect on soil degradation must also be implied. © 2005 Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.

Disrupting the narrative: immersive journalism in virtual reality

Abstract: This paper conceptualises immersive journalism, and discusses the implications of the technology for users who then get a first-hand experience of being at a news event through wearing a virtual reality headset. The paper surveys current approaches to 360-degree immersive journalism films that were produced by early adopters in 2015, identifying the contrasting narrative forms and style of the stories. Focus group studies add new, significant understanding to the types of narratives that work and the impact that immersive storytelling has. The focus group is a study of 18–24 year olds in the UK who are being targeted by this new technology as a way for news broadcasters to reach a new audience. This first study into immersive journalism content produces a new understanding of the impact of the narratives. It identifies the value for news producers adopting this technology, whilst raising concerns over the production of filming 360 degrees. A framework is offered for further research studies into i...

Robust filtering for uncertain linear systems with delayed states and outputs

Abstract: Deals with the robust filtering problem for uncertain linear systems with delayed states and outputs. Both time-invariant and time-varying cases are considered. For the time-invariant case, an algebraic Riccati matrix inequality approach is proposed to design a robust H/sub /spl infin// filter such that the filtering process remains asymptotically stable for all admissible uncertainties, and the transfer function from the disturbance inputs to error state outputs satisfies the prespecified H/sub /spl infin// norm upper bound constraint. We establish the conditions under which the desired robust H/sub /spl infin// filters exist, and derive the explicit expression of these filters. For the time-varying case, we develop a differential Riccati inequality method to design the robust filters. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed design approach.

Integrating invasive species policies across ornamental horticulture supply-chains to prevent plant invasions

Abstract: Research was supported by COST Action TD1209 “Alien Challenge”. The authors are grateful to John David and Franziska Humair for valuable discussions on this topic. PP and JP were supported by project no. 14-36079G Centre of Excellence PLADIAS (Czech Science Foundation) and RVO 67985939 (The Czech Academy of Sciences). FE, SD, MC and MvK were supported by the ERA-Net BiodivERsA through the Austrian Science Fund, German Research Foundation and French National Research Agency. AN was supported by the Working for Water (WfW) Programme and the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology. HS acknowledges support by the DFG (grant SE 1891/2-1).

From outside lane to inside track: sport management research in the twenty‐first century

Abstract: Purpose – Major changes have taken place in sport in recent years, which has consequently led to the emergence and development of an associated sport management literature. To date, this literature has been confined to the margins of management theory and research, although the development of sport has been such that a multitude of opportunities now exist for academics and practitioners to address the most pertinent issues facing sport management. This paper aims to focus on the changes and to address the issues arising from them.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins by providing a brief overview of the development of sport. It then explores the fundamental elements of sport that mark it out as being different from other products or industrial sectors. This covers the following areas: the uncertainty of outcome; competitive balance; contest management; collaboration and competition; and performance measurement. The paper then considers the management issues pertaining to the models of sport emplo...