Showing papers by "Northumbria University published in 2002"

Voluntary disclosure of accounting ratios in the uk

Abstract: This paper investigates whether the voluntary disclosure of ratios in corporate annual reports can be explained by agency and signalling theory. The two theories are discussed and the applicability to explaining ratio disclosures considered. Drawing on agency and signalling theory, seven hypotheses are tested using data collected over five years, for 313 UK companies. More specifically, associations are considered between ratio disclosure and the following characteristics: company profitability; return on investment; gearing; liquidity; company efficiency; size and industry. The paper finds some evidence of an association between ratio disclosure and company performance, size and industry. The implications of these findings are considered and areas of further research discussed.

Exploring the Nexus: Bringing Together Sustainability, Environmental Justice and Equity

Abstract: In recent years it has become increasingly apparent that the issue of environmental quality is inextricably linked to that of human equality at all scales. This article examines the differing traditions and approaches of environmental justice and sustainability, and explores some of their theoretical bases. It also briefly reviews human rights and environmental security issues in order to discern the potential for common ground between the two main traditions. The authors argue that there are indications of convergence between these traditions and that this convergence is happening primarily through the activities of progressive NGOs, academics and local community organisations world-wide. What is now needed is for governments at local, regional, national and international levels to learn from these organisations and to seek to embed the central principles and practical approaches of environmental justice within emerging sustainable development policy.

Strategic planning in SMEs – some empirical findings

Abstract: Strategic frameworks and tools of analysis have been the subject of much academic debate over the last 20 years. This paper reviews the main approaches to strategic management and, by presenting the results of a survey of 159 small and medium sized enterprises selected from both the service and manufacturing sectors, demonstrates a divide between the theoretical concepts and the practical realities of strategic planning. While there are strong indications of business planning among the organisations surveyed, there is less evidence of strategic thinking except among larger businesses. Even in this latter group there are only a few instances where the recognised tools of strategic management appear to play a role in planning, the exception being internal financial analysis, which is widely undertaken.

Corporate annual reports: research perspectives used

Abstract: Corporate annual reports are viewed through the lens of researchers of these documents. The aims are to obtain insight into how researchers view annual reports; to ascertain how the different ways of seeing the annual report relate to each other; and to draw out the gaps in this diverse research in a continuing attempt to understand its role and purpose. Selective examination of a decade of corporate annual report research (1990‐2000) reveals how researchers have sought to find visibility and meaning. Few studies address the document as a whole, in terms of the integration of the messages between the various parts of the report. Explanation of the changing structure and content of annual reports remains divided, largely because of the differing perspectives of researchers. They have revealed diversity in the ways of seeing the annual report and a tension in understanding its overall purpose and role.

Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)

Abstract: Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is a traditional herbal medicine, which enjoys contemporary usage as a mild sedative, spasmolytic and antibacterial agent. It has been suggested, in light of in vitro cholinergic binding properties, that Melissa extracts may effectively ameliorate the cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease. To date, no study has investigated the effects on cognition and mood of administration of Melissa to healthy humans. The present randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced-crossover study investigated the acute effects on cognition and mood of a standardised extract of M. officinalis. Twenty healthy, young participants received single doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg of M. officinalis (Pharmaton) or a matching placebo at 7-day intervals. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised test battery and two serial subtraction tasks immediately prior to dosing and at 1, 2.5, 4 and 6 h thereafter. In vitro IC(50) concentrations for the displacement of [3H]-(N)-nicotine and [3H]-(N)-scopolamine from nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in human occipital cortex tissue were also calculated. Results, utilising the cognitive factors previously derived from the CDR battery, included a sustained improvement in Accuracy of Attention following 600 mg of Melissa and time- and dose-specific reductions in both Secondary Memory and Working Memory factors. Self-rated "calmness," as assessed by Bond-Lader mood scales, was elevated at the earliest time points by the lowest dose, whilst "alertness" was significantly reduced at all time points following the highest dose. Both nicotinic and muscarinic binding were found to be low in comparison to the levels found in previous studies.

Corporate Philanthropy in the U.K. 1985–2000 Some Empirical Findings

Abstract: This paper briefly reviews the theories that seek to explain the phenomenon of corporate charitable donations and then provides a review of the empirical issues that have arisen in previous studies in this area. The findings of an analysis of charitable donations data from the entire U.K. FTSE index for the years 1985–2000 are then reported. These findings include the observation of a time-related increase in charitable donations, which is compared with an earlier study to give a 24 year history of charitable donations in the U.K. The findings note little responsiveness of the monetary value of charitable donations to the economic performance of firms. An international comparison over time against U.S. trends is also reported and shows how U.S. corporations have traditionally been more generous than U.K. firms, but that the trend in the U.S. is downwards. Membership of a U.K.-based "tithing" club (the PerCent Club) is shown to be associated with higher profit performance against non-members. Members' charitable contributions against profit are shown to be higher than the FTSE mean although short of the 0.5% target figure in "cash" terms. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of these findings in relation to the theoretical positions advanced for corporate philanthropy.

Understanding the coaching process: A framework for social analysis

Abstract: Despite the recent increase of research into coaching, the essential social and cultural nature of the process has received little attention The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for undertaking a social analysis of coaching Specifically, the case is made for analyzing coaching using three interrelated concepts-role, interaction, and power-in order to critically interrogate coaching practice We argue that, while not exhaustive, such an analysis can reveal the importance of key, but often underplayed, components of the coaching process, including social and cultural contexts, personal experiences, personal philosophies, professional practice, and the ways in which they are interconnected The paper is thus grounded in the belief that recognizing and understanding the social sphere of the coaching process is a necessary step toward understanding coaching practice and using that understanding to support coaches more effectively

Trust in online advice

Abstract: Many people are now influenced by the information and advice they find on the Internet, much of it of dubious quality. This article describes two studies concerned with those factors capable of influencing people's response to online advice. The first study is a qualitative account of a group of house-hunters attempting to find worthwhile information online. The second study describes a survey of more than 2,500 people who had actively sought advice over the Internet. A framework for understanding trust in online advice is proposed in which first impressions are distinguished from more detailed evaluations. Good web design can influence the first process, but three key factors--source credibility, personalization, and predictability--are shown to predict whether people actually follow the advice given.

Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users

Abstract: Rationale The recreational use of MDMA/Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is associated with many psychobiological problems, but there is a paucity of data on how these relate to the level of past use. Objectives: to assess the incidence of Ecstasy-attributed problems as reported by novice, moderate and heavy users. Methods: 763 unpaid volunteers took part in a WWW study of recreational drug use. This report is based on the 282 Ecstasy users from that sample, who comprised 109 novice users (1–9 occasions), 136 moderate users (10–99 occasions), and 36 heavy users (+100 occasions). Yes/no responses were automatically recorded to a series of questions covering psychobiological problems experienced when drug-free, which were attributed by the respondents to their Ecstasy use. Results: Depression, memory problems, anxiety, mood fluctuation, poor concentration, infections, tremors/twitches and weight loss, were all significantly associated with the extent of Ecstasy use. Thus memory problems attributed to Ecstasy were reported by 19% of novice users, 52% of heavy users and 73% of heavy users (chi-square 42.74, df=2, p<0.001); many of the other variables showed similar trends. Conclusions The incidence of problems attributed to Ecstasy use, is directly related to the number of occasions it has been used. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The challenges of economic diversification through tourism: the case of Abu Dhabi

Abstract: In recent years, tourism has become a ubiquitous vehicle for economic development and diversification and, for many regions and countries both in the developed and less developed worlds, tourism has become an integral element of economic development policy. Even those countries that, in the past, have had neither the desire nor the need to seek alternative economic sectors increasingly have been turning to tourism as a potentially effective means of achieving economic growth and diversification. As this paper argues, however, the justification for using tourism as an agent of economic development must be treated with some caution. Focusing upon the case of Abu Dhabi, the oil-rich emirate that in recent years, and in common with other countries in the region, has been seeking economic diversification through tourism to counter instability in global oil prices, a number of challenges to tourism development are identified. These may be overcome collectively through significant investment in product and promotion but, as the example of Abu Dhabi demonstrates, tourism may not always be an easy or cost-effective means of achieving economic growth and diversification. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cellvibrio japonicus alpha-L-arabinanase 43A has a novel five-blade beta-propeller fold

Abstract: Cellvibrio japonicus arabinanase Arb43A hydrolyzes the alpha-1,5-linked L-arabinofuranoside backbone of plant cell wall arabinans. The three-dimensional structure of Arb43A, determined at 1.9 A resolution, reveals a five-bladed beta-propeller fold. Arb43A is the first enzyme known to display this topology. A long V-shaped surface groove, partially enclosed at one end, forms a single extended substrate-binding surface across the face of the propeller. Three carboxylates deep in the active site groove provide the general acid and base components for glycosidic bond hydrolysis with inversion of anomeric configuration.

Cognitive-behavioural treatment of anger intensity among offenders with intellectual disabilities

Abstract: Background Aggressive behaviour has been identified as a significant problem amongst people with intellectual disabilities living in institutional settings. Anger is a key activator of aggressive behaviour, as well as being an important element of clinical distress related to adverse life experiences. There is some evidence for the value of cognitive–behavioural treatments for anger problems with people having intellectual disabilities. No controlled studies of anger treatment involving intellectually disabled offenders living in secure settings have been conducted to date. A pilot study of an elaborated anger treatment protocol for this client population was undertaken, comparing the specialised anger treatment with routine care. Methods Detained men with intellectual disabilities and histories of offending were allocated to specially modified cognitive–behavioural anger treatment (n = 9) or to routine care waiting-list control (n = 10) conditions. Eighteen sessions of individual treatment were delivered over a period of 12 weeks. Treatment outcome was evaluated by participants' self-report of anger intensity to an inventory of provocations and by staff-ratings of the anger attributes of participants' ward behaviour. Results Participants' reported anger intensity was significantly lower following the anger treatment, compared to the routine care wait-list condition. There were largely no treatment condition effects in staff-rated anger. Limited evidence for the effectiveness of anger treatment was provided by the staff ratings of participant behaviour post-treatment. Conclusions Detained offenders with intellectual disabilities can benefit from intensive individual cognitive–behavioural anger treatment. Further research is required to examine the mechanisms for change and their sustainability.

Neoliberalism and Socialisation in the Contemporary City: Opposites, Complements and Instabilities

Abstract: This paper explores some dialectics of neoliberalism and socialisation in contemporary urbanism. The significance of socialisation—nonmarket cooperation between social actors—in both production and reproduction has tended to increase in the long term. Socialisation does not always take politically progressive forms, yet it always has a problematic relation with private property and class discipline. Socialisation of diverse forms grew during the long boom, but this exacerbated the classic crisis tendencies of capitalism and resulted in increasing politicisation. Neoliberalism offered a resolution of these tensions by imposing unmediated value relations and class discipline, fragmenting labour and capital and fostering depoliticisation. However, this has led to manifest inefficiencies and failure adequately to reproduce the wage relation. Many longstanding forms of socialisation have therefore been retained, if in modified forms. Moreover, substantially new forms of urban socialisation have developed in cities. This paper examines the role of business organisations, industrial clusters, top–down mobilisation of community and attempts at “joined–up” urban governance. It is argued that these fill gaps in socialisation left by neoliberalism. Their neoliberal context has largely prevented their politicisation, in particular heading off any socialist potential. Indeed, the new forms of urban socialisation have internalised neoliberal social relations and often deepened social divisions. Thus, paradoxically, they can achieve the essential aims of neoliberalism better than “pure” neoliberalism itself. Nevertheless, these forms of socialisation are often weakened by neoliberalism. Contemporary urban class relations and forms of regulation thus reflect both opposition and mutual construction between neoliberal strategies and forms of socialisation. The paper ends by briefly contrasting this theorisation with associationalist and regulationist approaches.

Acute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and their combination in healthy young volunteers: differential interactions with cognitive demand

Abstract: The present paper describes three studies examining the acute effects of single doses of Ginkgo biloba (GK501), Ginseng (G115) and their combination (Ginkoba M/E, Pharmaton SA) on the performance of healthy young adults (mean age 21 years) during serial arithmetic tasks with differing cognitive load. In each double-blind, placebo-controlled study three different treatment doses and a placebo were administered, according to a balanced crossover design, with a 7-day washout period between each dose. Participants' scores on two computerised serial subtraction tasks (Serial Threes and Serial Sevens) were assessed pre-dosing and at 1, 2.5, 4 and 6 h thereafter. A number of significant time, dose and task-specific effects were associated with each treatment. There was a dose-dependent improvement in speed of responding during Serial Threes following Ginkgo biloba. Different doses of Ginseng improved accuracy and slowed responses during Serial Sevens. The most striking result, however, was a highly significant and sustained increase in the number of Serial Sevens responses following 320 mg of the Ginkgo-Ginseng combination at all post-treatment testing times. This was accompanied by improved accuracy during Serial Sevens and Serial Threes following the 640 mg and the 960 mg dose, respectively. The paper concludes with speculation into the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.

A systematic review of the use of atypical antipsychotics in autism.

Abstract: Conventional antipsychotic medication is commonly prescribed to patients with autistic spectrum disorder. However, a high incidence of severe adverse reactions highlights the need to find more favourable treatments. Atypical antipsychotics may combine efficacy in ameliorating some autistic symptoms with a lower incidence of some adverse reactions. This article reviews the use of atypical antipsychotics in autistic disorder, with particular focus on behaviour, cognition and physical well-being. Thirteen studies using risperidone, three using olanzapine, one using clozapine, one using amisulpride and one using quetiapine were identified. Few firm conclusions can be drawn due to the limitations of the studies; however, there is an indication that risperidone may be effective in reducing hyperactivity, aggression and repetitive behaviours, often without inducing severe adverse reactions. Olanzapine and clozapine may also be effective; however, there is little evidence for using amisulpride or quetiapine in this population. Randomized trials are required to clarify the effectiveness of these agents.

A review of the assessment and treatment of anger and aggression in offenders with intellectual disability.

Abstract: Rates of aggression amongst people with intellectual disability (ID) have been found to be high in studies conducted on several continents across a number of service settings. Aggression is the primary reason for people with ID to be admitted or re-admitted to institutional settings, and it is also the main reason for individuals in this client group to be prescribed behaviour-control drugs. Anger is a significant activator of aggression, but little is known about the emotional aspects of the lives of people with ID. There are many reasons for this, but a lack of reliable and validated assessment measures is chief among them. The present review found that very little work has been conducted to date concerning the development of robust tools for assessing anger and aggression in this population. A narrative review of interventions for reducing aggression and anger in people with ID showed that there is virtually no evidence to support the use of psychotropic medications. Research has shown that behavioural interventions can be effective; however, they are intrusive and have not been tested in naturalistic settings with higher-functioning clients and low-frequency aggression. More recently, cognitive-behavioural interventions have shown promise, but the mechanisms for effective change have yet to be delineated. Priority research questions relating to assessment, treatment and therapeutic skills in working with anger and aggression problems are offered by the present review. Language: en

Performance, biochemical, and endocrine changes during a competitive football game.

Abstract: Purpose: This study represents the first time that anaerobic power performance was examined during an actual intercollegiate American football game. In addition, biochemical and endocrine responses also were examined to assess the physiological stress imposed by this competitive contest. Methods: Twenty-one members of a NCAA Division III football team were divided into two groups. Group one (ST) were starters (N _ 11). The second group (RS) consisted of red-shirt players (N _ 10). Blood samples were obtained 24 h (Pre1) and 2.5 h (Pre2) before the game and within 15 min of game conclusion (IP). Anaerobic power measures were recorded approximately 10 min before kickoff (pre) and following the first (Q1), second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quarters. Results: Peak force (PF) and power (PP) in both squat and countermovement jumps decreased (P _ 0.05) from pre to Q2 in both ST and RS; however, all variables returned to baseline levels by Q4. When averaged across trials, PF and PP in both jumps were greater (P _ 0.05) in ST than RS. No significant changes in testosterone concentrations with respect to time or between groups were seen. Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher for ST at IP than RS. No significant changes in creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, or uric acid were observed in either group from Pre2 to IP. In addition, no between group differences were seen in these variables. Myoglobin and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased from Pre2 to IP in ST, and a significant difference in myoglobin concentrations was seen between the groups at IP. Conclusions: Performance, biochemical, and endocrine changes in these NCAA Division III football players reflected the stress and muscle damage that occurs as a result of a competitive American football game.

Theoretical analysis of control properties for the brushless doubly fed reluctance machine

Abstract: The brushless doubly fed induction machine (BDFIM) has been extensively researched for approximately 30 years, but a related machine [the brushless doubly fed reluctance machine (BDFRM)], has not. This was mainly due to the fact that reluctance rotor designs were not capable of generating saliency ratios large enough to make the BDFRM competitive with other machines. However, recent developments in reluctance rotors, spurred on by research into synchronous reluctance machines, has resulted in high saliency ratio rotors that are economic to build. This, together with the promise of higher efficiency and simpler control compared to the BDFIM, means that further investigation of the BDFRM is warranted. A relatively limited amount of work to date has been published on the BDFRM. This paper attempts to fill this void by presenting a theoretical analysis of some of the important control properties of the ideal BDFRM.

Daubing the drudges of fury: men, violence and the piety of the hegemonic masculinity thesis

Abstract: This paper was selected alongside other articles written by Prof. Tony Jefferson and Prof. Robert Connell, (leading international theorists of ‘masculinities’), as the pivot of a special issue of Theoretical Criminology. The article is a forceful critique of the popular concept of ‘hegemonic masculinity’, questioning its theoretical integrity and relevance to the criminological study of masculinity and violence. It has been selected by Prof. Steven Tomsen for inclusion in the International ‘Library of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Penology’, an anthology of classic articles, and is cited in criminology textbooks, including The Blackwell Companion to Criminology and A Textbook on Criminology. A substantial body of empirical work suggests that young, economically marginalised males are the most likely perpetrators and victims of serious physical violence. Interpreting these findings in a historicised way that has been neglected by the criminological discourses of the moment suggests that physical violence has become an increasingly unsuccessful strategy in the quest for social power in liberal-capitalist societies. Although it has been displaced by symbolic violence as the principal domineering force in capitalism’s historical project, physical violence has not been genuinely discouraged but harnessed as a specialist practice in a pseudo-pacification process. From this perspective, violence has a complex relationship with liberalcapitalism. Can the concept of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ help criminology to deal with this complexity and inform violence reduction strategies? This article argues that, in the context of pseudo-pacification, the notion that violent males ‘rework the themes’ of an institutionally powerful ‘hegemonic masculinity’ inverts and distorts the concept of hegemony, which for Gramsci was the self-affirming cultural production of the dominant political-economic class. Thus the concept of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ tends to downplay political economy and class power, which suggests that it is too far removed from historical processes and material contexts to either justify the use of the term hegemony itself or explain the striking social patterns of male violence. This intellectual retreat is representative of a general political evacuation of capitalism’s global socio-economic processes, a move that is allowing sparsely regulated market forces to continue the economic insecurity, specialist roles and corresponding cultural forms that reproduce the traditional male propensity to physical violence.

Going home from hospital: an appreciative inquiry study.

Abstract: This paper reports on a project that involved a number of agencies and groups, including older people, working together to examine and develop practice in an area of shared concern – going home from hospital. The project was stimulated by a ‘whole-system event’, and was based on appreciative inquiry (AI) methodology, which has roots in both action research and organisational development. In AI, the research is directed towards appreciating what it is about the social world that is positive, and exploring this. The study was planned around three workshops to streamline data collection and analysis. Group members were also required to carry out some activities between workshops. Invitations were sent out to groups and individuals previously identified as involved or interested in the discharge process across one health district (n = 71). Workshop one discussed the planned research schedule, and introduced the basic concepts of AI. This workshop also took participants through the interview process. Each participant was asked to undertake two interviews. Thirty-five individual interviews and one focus group were completed. At workshop two, interview data were analysed by the group using the nominal group technique. Subsequent group discussion produced ‘provocative propositions’. At the third workshop, provocative propositions were developed into action plans. This paper gives an overview of the study, and explores some of the issues involved when working with service users and providers as co-researchers.

State of Emergency: An Introduction

Abstract: THE QUESTION concerning the condition and application of the contemporary State of Emergency is now at the centre of theoretical exploration across a range of specialities within the humanities and the critical social sciences, from sociology and political theory to literature, cultural, philosophical and international studies. The 14 articles written by highly distinguished contributors for this Special Section of Theory, Culture & Society on the State of Emergency are varied in their theoretical viewpoints, the cultural intentions behind their texts and in their social emphasis. The contributions are engaged with investigating questions such as the critical social significance of state and military institutions, with law and political order, the implications of terror and violence, and for whose political objectives the State of Emergency is planned. The orthodox modern State of Emergency was a situation, declared by the state, in which the strategies and tactics of the military were employed legally, typically because of a number of occurrences of civil disorder such as terrorism, the methodical use of carnage and coercion to attain political aims. Nazi Germany’s Decrees of 1933 are, for instance, a first-rate illustration of the modern State of Emergency. The 28 February Decree, for example, was one of the most oppressive acts of the new Nazi administration. It authorized the suspension of civil liberties in the wake of the fictitious crisis produced by the Nazis as a consequence of the fire that wrecked the Reichstag parliament building on the preceding day. Now, George W. Bush, the President of the United States, and Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, have not, of course, formally affirmed a contemporary State of Emergency in their governments. Yet, in this Introduction, I shall argue that the Bush and Blair regimes are certainly beginning to lay the foundations for the state and purposes of a ‘hypermodern’ State of Emergency (Armitage,