Showing papers by "Northumbria University published in 2005"
TL;DR: In this paper, a classification and mapping of different trends of thought on sustainable development, their political and policy frameworks and their attitudes towards change and means of change is presented, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and well-being rather than well-having.
Abstract: Sustainable development, although a widely used phrase and idea, has many different meanings and therefore provokes many different responses. In broad terms, the concept of sustainable development is an attempt to combine growing concerns about a range of environmental issues with socio-economic issues. To aid understanding of these different policies this paper presents a classification and mapping of different trends of thought on sustainable development, their political and policy frameworks and their attitudes towards change and means of change. Sustainable development has the potential to address fundamental challenges for humanity, now and into the future. However, to do this, it needs more clarity of meaning, concentrating on sustainable livelihoods and well-being rather than well-having, and long term environmental sustainability, which requires a strong basis in principles that link the social and environmental to human equity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
1,906 citations
TL;DR: Only one high-quality study is suggested, suggesting that the walking speed of patients with Parkinson's disease can be positively influenced, however, it is unclear whether positive effects identified in the laboratory can be generalized to improved activities of daily living (ADLs) and reduced frequency of falls in the community.
Abstract: Objective: To critically review studies evaluating the effects of external rhythmical cueing on gait in patients with Parkinson's disease.Methods: Articles published from 1966 to January 2005 were searched by two physiotherapists in MEDLINE, PiCarta, PEDRo, Cochrane, DocOnline, CINAHL and SUMSEARCH. To be included, articles had to investigate the effects of external rhythmical cueing (i.e., auditory, visual or tactile cueing) on gait parameters in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Both controlled and noncontrolled studies were included. Based on the type of design and methodological quality a meta-analysis or best-evidence synthesis was applied.Results: Twenty-four studies (total number of patients = 626) out of the 159 screened studies were evaluated in this systematic review. Two out of 24 were randomized controlled trails (RCT), both of high methodological quality. One RCT did not focus specifically on external rhythmical cueing of individual patients with Parkinson's disease, but on group ...
439 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that librarians can play an important role in e-learning: providing support and support materials; teaching information skills; managing and providing access to online information resources; producing their own e- learning packages; assisting in the development of other packages.
Abstract: Introduction: In 2003/4 the Information Management Research Institute, Northumbria University, conducted a research project to identify the barriers to e-learning for health professionals and students. The project also established possible ways to overcome these barriers. The North of England Workforce Development Confederation funded the project.
Methodology: The project comprised a systematic review of the literature on barriers to and solutions/critical success factors for e-learning in the health field. Fifty-seven references were suitable for analysis. This review was supplemented by a questionnaire survey of learners and an interview study of learning providers to ensure that data identified from the literature were grounded in reality.
Results: The main barriers are: requirement for change; costs; poorly designed packages; inadequate technology; lack of skills; need for a component of face-to-face teaching; time intensive nature of e-learning; computer anxiety.
A range of solutions can solve these barriers. The main solutions are: standardization; strategies; funding; integration of e-learning into the curriculum; blended teaching; user friendly packages; access to technology; skills training; support; employers paying e-learning costs; dedicated work time for e-learning.
Conclusions: The authors argue that librarians can play an important role in e-learning: providing support and support materials; teaching information skills; managing and providing access to online information resources; producing their own e-learning packages; assisting in the development of other packages.
432 citations
TL;DR: This article applied the concept of social capital to generate an understanding of the processes of social change leading to, and resulting from, the development of a community-based ecotourism venture in the Gambia.
418 citations
TL;DR: The present placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study investigated the acute cognitive and mood effects of caffeine in habitual users and habitual non-users of caffeine and found that caffeine tended to benefit consumers’ mood more while improving performance more in the non-consumers.
Abstract: The cognitive and mood effects of caffeine are well documented. However, the majority of studies in this area involve caffeine-deprived, habitual caffeine users. It is therefore unclear whether any beneficial findings are due to the positive effects of caffeine or to the alleviation of caffeine withdrawal. The present placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study investigated the acute cognitive and mood effects of caffeine in habitual users and habitual non-users of caffeine. Following overnight caffeine withdrawal, 24 habitual caffeine consumers (mean=217 mg/day) and 24 habitual non-consumers (20 mg/day) received a 150 ml drink containing either 75 or 150 mg of caffeine or a matching placebo, at intervals of ≥48 h. Cognitive and mood assessments were undertaken at baseline and 30 min post-drink. These included the Cognitive Drug Research computerised test battery, two serial subtraction tasks, a sentence verification task and subjective visual analogue mood scales. There were no baseline differences between the groups’ mood or performance. Following caffeine, there were significant improvements in simple reaction time, digit vigilance reaction time, numeric working memory reaction time and sentence verification accuracy, irrespective of group. Self-rated mental fatigue was reduced and ratings of alertness were significantly improved by caffeine independent of group. There were also group effects for rapid visual information processing false alarms and spatial memory accuracy with habitual consumers outperforming non-consumers. There was a single significant interaction of group and treatment effects on jittery ratings. Separate analyses of each groups’ responses to caffeine revealed overlapping but differential responses to caffeine. Caffeine tended to benefit consumers’ mood more while improving performance more in the non-consumers. These results do not support a withdrawal alleviation model. Differences in the patterns of responses to caffeine by habitual consumers and habitual non-consumers may go some way to explaining why some individuals become caffeine consumers.
316 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors give an overview of the materials and methods used for fabricating photovoltaic solar cell devices. And they discuss the important environmental and energy issues with regard to the manufacture, use and disposal of the solar cells and modules.
301 citations
TL;DR: External auditory cues may be useful in reducing interference and maintaining gait performance during more complicated functional activities and clinical symptoms, such as depression and fatigue, could influence the ability to focus attention and may increase gait interference during the performance of complex tasks.
256 citations
TL;DR: This paper explored the extent to which repatronage intentions of retail stores are affected by perceived value for money, customer satisfaction and consumption feelings, and examined the effect of store service provision as an antecedent to such consumer evaluations.
191 citations
TL;DR: Differences in digit ratios obtained from photocopies and direct measurements, and these differences arise from length differences recorded from the different protocols, should not be combined within one study nor should they be used together in comparative studies.
Abstract: The ratio between 2nd and 4th digit length (2D:4D) may be a negative correlate of prenatal testosterone. This possibility has led to a number of studies of 2D:4D and its relationship with sexual orientation and other sex-dependent traits. At first, 2D:4D ratio was calculated from measurements made directly on the fingers but recently a number of studies have used measurements from photocopies of the hands. Here, we compared finger lengths (2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D) and ratios obtained from these two measurement techniques. Our sample consisted of 30 homosexual men and 50 men and 70 women who were not selected for their sexual orientation. We found evidence that (1)2D:4D from photocopies tended to be lower than that from direct measurements, (2) there were differences in finger lengths such that 2D from photocopies tended to be shorter or equal in length to direct measurements, while 4D from photocopies tended to be longer or equal in length to direct measurements, (3) the sex differences in 2D:4D tended to be stronger for photocopy measurements, and (4) the pattern for length differences across 2D to 5D appeared to be different for homosexual men compared to men and women recruited without regard to sexual orientation. We conclude that there are differences in digit ratios obtained from photocopies and direct measurements, and these differences arise from length differences recorded from the different protocols. Therefore, 2D:4D ratios obtained from photocopies and direct measurements should not be combined within one study nor should they be used together in comparative studies. We suggest that finger length differences between the two techniques could result from the shapes of fat-pads at the tips of the fingers and these may be dependent on sex and sexual orientation.
190 citations
TL;DR: The authors reviewed the literature relating to crisis management in tourism and identified and briefly critiques several models that have been developed to help managers in their strategic planning for such contingencies. But, it is evident that there are wider lessons for the travel industry including the need to integrate crisis management with strategic planning processes, prepare detailed contingency plans, define decisional roles and responsibilities, and to retain a degree of flexibility.
Abstract: Tourism is particularly prone to external shocks, which by their nature are unpredictable and need to be addressed through effective crisis management processes. The paper reviews the literature relating to crisis management in tourism and identifies and briefly critiques several models that have been developed to help managers in their strategic planning for such contingencies. The terrorist attacks of ‘9/11’ are used as an exemplar of the type of external shock that can lead to crisis if travel industry managers fail to take immediate and decisive action. This paper discusses the reactions of leading UK based tour operators to the terrorist attacks and a case study is presented to examine the reaction of a particular company to ‘9/11’ and to review the ‘turnaround’ strategies used. The crisis management process model is compared and contrasted with the steps actually undertaken at the company. It is evident that there are wider lessons for the travel industry including the need to: integrate crisis management with strategic planning processes, prepare detailed contingency plans, define decisional roles and responsibilities, and to retain a degree of flexibility. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
180 citations
TL;DR: Detained men with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities and histories of severe aggression can successfully engage in, and benefit from, an intensive individual cognitive-behavioural anger treatment that also appears to have beneficial systemic effects.
Abstract: Objectives - Anger is a significant predictor and activator of violent behaviour in patients living in institutional settings. There is some evidence for the value of cognitive-behavioural treatments for anger problems with people with intellectual disabilities. In this study, a newly designed treatment targeted at anger disposition, reactivity, and control was provided to intellectually disabled offenders with aggression histories living in secure settings.
Design - About forty detained patients with mild-borderline intellectual disabilities and histories of serious aggression were allocated to specially modified cognitive-behavioural anger treatment (AT group) or to routine care waiting-list control (RC group) conditions.
Methods - AT group participants received 18 sessions of individual treatment. The AT and RC groups were assessed simultaneously at 4 time points: screen, pre- and post-treatment, and at 4-month follow-up using a range of self- and staff-rated anger measures. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated using ANCOVA linear trend analyses of group differences on the main outcome measures.
Results - The AT group's self-reported anger scores on a number of measures were significantly lower following treatment, compared with the RC wait-list condition, and these improvements were maintained at follow-up. Limited evidence for the effectiveness of treatment was provided by staffs' ratings of patient behaviour post-treatment.
Conclusions - Detained men with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities and histories of severe aggression can successfully engage in, and benefit from, an intensive individual cognitive-behavioural anger treatment that also appears to have beneficial systemic effects.
TL;DR: Results showed that administration of S. lavandulaefolia resulted in a consistent improvement for both the 25- and 50-microl dose on the 'Speed of Memory' factor, and suggest that previous reports of memory enhancement by Salvia may be due to more efficient retrieval of target material.
TL;DR: The research presented addresses the limitations of using a single root mean squared error (RMSE) value to represent the uncertainty associated with a DEM by developing a new technique for creating a spatially distributed model of DEM quality – an accuracy surface.
Abstract: Assessment of a DEM’s quality is usually undertaken by deriving a measure of DEM accuracy – how close the DEM’s elevation values are to the true elevation. Measures such as Root Mean Squared Error and standard deviation of the error are frequently used. These measures summarise elevation errors in a DEM as a single value. A more detailed description of DEM accuracy would allow better understanding of DEM quality and the consequent uncertainty associated with using DEMs in analytical applications. The research presented addresses the limitations of using a single root mean squared error (RMSE) value to represent the uncertainty associated with a DEM by developing a new technique for creating a spatially distributed model of DEM quality – an accuracy surface. The technique is based on the hypothesis that the distribution and scale of elevation error within a DEM are at least partly related to morphometric characteristics of the terrain. The technique involves generating a set of terrain parameters to characterise terrain morphometry and developing regression models to define the relationship between DEM error and morphometric character. The regression models form the basis for creating standard deviation surfaces to represent DEM accuracy. The hypothesis is shown to be true and reliable accuracy surfaces are successfully created. These accuracy surfaces provide more detailed information about DEM accuracy than a single global estimate of RMSE.
TL;DR: The conference on grand challenges, held in Newcastle on 30 and 31 March 2004, occurred at a particularly opportune time and the strand on the educational aspects was particularly relevant and the idea innovative.
Abstract: The conference on grand challenges, held in Newcastle on 30 and 31 March 2004, occurred at a particularly opportune time. The strand on the educational aspects was particularly relevant and the idea innovative in the sense that this was the first occasion on which a grand challenge event with a focus on educational issues in computing had taken place. This paper provides some of the background and includes a distillation of the educational challenges that emerged from that event.
TL;DR: Cognitive Continuum Theory has the potential to make major contributions towards understanding the decision-making process of nurses in the clinical environment.
Abstract: Aim. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate Cognitive Continuum Theory and to provide evidence for its relevance to nurses' decision-making. Background. It is critical that theories used in nursing are evaluated to provide an understanding of their aims, concepts and usefulness. With the advent of evidence-based care, theories on decision-making have acquired increased significance. Method. The criteria identified by Fawcett's framework has been used to analyse and evaluate Hammond's Cognitive Continuum Theory. Findings. There is empirical evidence to support many of the concepts and propositions of Cognitive Continuum Theory. The theory has been applied to the decision-making process of many professionals, including medical practitioners and nurses. Existing evidence suggests that Cognitive Continuum Theory can provide the framework to explain decision-making in nursing. Conclusion. Cognitive Continuum Theory has the potential to make major contributions towards understanding the decision-making process of nurses in the clinical environment. Knowledge of the theory in nursing practice has become crucial. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the expectations of those in fuel poverty about staying warm, and their beliefs about the relationship between warmth and health, vary considerably, and measures designed to alleviate fuel poverty should take into account its wider social meaning within the lives of household members.
Abstract: This paper presents findings from the qualitative arm of the Warm Homes Project, a programme of research concerned with the nature of fuel poverty, its alleviation and its relationship to family health. Much of the research into fuel poverty, which results from various combinations of low income and fuel inefficiency, has drawn upon quantitative paradigms. Experiences of, and coping with, fuel poverty have not been well explored. Data for the present study were obtained through qualitative interviews with household members about the above issues. The findings suggest that the expectations of those in fuel poverty about staying warm, and their beliefs about the relationship between warmth and health, vary considerably. Fuel poverty often had wider ramifications, impacting on quality of life in complex ways. The respondents took steps to alleviate cold, but their strategies varied. Coping was affected by informational limitations as well as cost constraints. Measures designed to alleviate fuel poverty should take into account its wider social meaning within the lives of household members.
TL;DR: Overall these data suggest that Panax ginseng can improve performance and subjective feelings of mental fatigue during sustained mental activity.
Abstract: Single doses of the traditional herbal treatment Panax ginseng have recently been shown to elicit cognitive improvements in healthy young volunteers. The mechanisms by which ginseng improves cognitive performance are not known. However, they may be related to the glycaemic properties of some Panax species. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover design, 30 healthy young adults completed a 10 min test battery at baseline, and then six times in immediate succession commencing 60 min after the day's treatment (placebo, 200mg G115 or 400mg G115). The 10 min battery comprised a Serial Threes subtraction task (2 min); a Serial Sevens task (2 min); a Rapid Visual Information Processing task (5 min); then a 'mental fatigue' visual analogue scale. Blood glucose was measured prior to each day's treatment, and before, during and after the post-dose completions of the battery. Both the 200mg and 400mg treatments led to significant reductions in blood glucose levels at all three post-treatment measurements (p 0.005 in all cases). The most notable behavioural effects were associated with 200mg of ginseng and included significantly improved Serial Sevens subtraction task performance and significantly reduced subjective mental fatigue throughout all (with the exception of one time point in each case) of the post-dose completions of the 10 min battery (p 0.05). Overall these data suggest that Panax ginseng can improve performance and subjective feelings of mental fatigue during sustained mental activity. This effect may be related to the acute gluco-regulatory properties of the extract.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse the risk disclosure requirements of banks and review current bank disclosure practices within the context of this risk disclosure debate and discuss the important issues of disclosure of forward-looking risk information, location of disclosure and proprietary risk information.
Abstract: The essence of any bank is that it is a risktaking enterprise and therefore, as a part of good corporate governance, it is expected that relevant risk-related information will be released to the marketplace. Currently, however, it is suggested that there is insufficient disclosure of risk information by banks and as a consequence Pillar 3 of Basel II lays out a comprehensive framework for risk disclosures with the intention that this will enable stakeholders to assess the risk pro.le of a bank. In addition, one outcome of the UK company law review is that there will be a requirement for all quoted companies to discuss risks and uncertainties within the annual report. This paper analyses these risk disclosure requirements while also reviewing current bank disclosure practices within the context of this risk disclosure debate. The important issues of disclosure of forward-looking risk information, location of disclosure and proprietary risk information are also discussed together with their implications for the proposed disclosure requirements.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used research from two projects, conducted for Sport England and for the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR), to analyze pressures on volunteers in sport in the United Kingdom (UK).
Abstract: This paper uses research from two projects, conducted for Sport England and for the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR), to analyze pressures on volunteers in sport in the United Kingdom (UK) Both research projects were contract research, conducted to inform policy and therefore were not designed to build on theoretical insights However, from the results the research developed an understanding of the interrelated pressures on the voluntary sector in sport, which was informed by theory This paper describes the pressures and relates them to previous research into volunteers Contextualizing the issues faced by volunteers in sports organizations suggests several questions for further academic work, not only focussed on sports volunteers, but the voluntary sector in general In particular, are the pressures experienced by the voluntary sector in UK sport common to sports volunteers in other countries, and to what extent are they also a reflection of general pressures on the voluntary sector?
TL;DR: In this article, a broad-band dual-polarized microstrip patch antenna with proximity coupling is presented. But the performance of the proposed antenna is limited by the fact that the antenna can only use one patch.
Abstract: This work presents a novel broad-band dual-polarized microstrip patch antenna, which is fed by proximity coupling. The microstrip line with slotted ground plane is used at two ports to feed the patch antenna. By using only one patch, the prototype antenna yields a bandwidth of 22% and 21.3% at the input port 1 and 2, respectively. The isolation between two input ports is below -34 dB across the bandwidth. Good broadside radiation patterns are observed, and the cross-polar levels are below -21 dB at both E and H planes. Due to its simple structure, it is easy to form arrays by using this antenna as an element.
TL;DR: The present evidence of the effect of human pheromones is reviewed, the role of olfactory cues in human sexual behaviour is discussed and phersomones may play an important role in the behavioural and reproduction biology of humans.
TL;DR: Few studies have examined the potential benefits of specialist nurse‐led programs of care involving home and clinic‐based follow-up to optimise the post‐discharge management of chronic heart failure (CHF).
Abstract: Background: Few studies have examined the potential benefits of specialist nurse-led programs of care involving home and clinic-based follow-up to optimise the post-discharge management of chronic heart failure (CHF). Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a hybrid program of clinic plus home-based intervention (C+HBI) in reducing recurrent hospitalisation in CHF patients. Methods: CHF patients with evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction admitted to two hospitals in Northern England were assigned to a C+HBI lasting 6 months post-discharge (n=58) or to usual, post-discharge care (UC: n=48) via a cluster randomization protocol. The co-primary endpoints were death or unplanned readmission (event-free survival) and rate of recurrent, all-cause readmission within 6 months of hospital discharge. Results: During study follow-up, more UC patients had an unplanned readmission for any cause (44% vs. 22%: P=0.0191 OR 1.95 95% CI 1.10-3.48) whilst 7 (15%) versus 5 (9%) UC and C+HBI patients, respectively, died (P=NS). Overall, 15 (26%) C+HBI versus 21 (44%) UC patients experienced a primary endpoint. C+HBI was associated with a non-significant, 45% reduction in the risk of death or readmission when adjusting for potential confounders (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.28-1.08: P=0.08). Overall, C+HBI patients accumulated significantly fewer unplanned readmissions (15 vs. 45: P<0.01) and days of recurrent hospital stay (108 vs. 459 days: P<0.01). C+HBI was also associated with greater uptake of beta-blocker therapy (56% vs. 18%: P<0.001) and adherence to Na restrictions (P<0.05) during 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: This is the first randomised study to specifically examine the impact of a hybrid, C+HBI program of care on hospital utilisation in patients with CHF Its beneficial effects on recurrent readmission and event-free survival are consistent with those applying either a home or clinic-based approach. (C) 2004 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a matched data set to assess the impact of government financial support on the total factor productivity in Northern Ireland manufacturing plants, and found that such assistance has made a difference to the overall factor productivity.
Abstract: Manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland receives extensive financial support from government with the objective of improving the economic performance of the plants that are directly assisted. Many studies have tried to assess the impact of such assistance, but without the counterfactual evidence it is difficult to ascertain whether or not such support does improve performance. The aim of this paper is to use a unique matched data set to establish if such assistance has made a difference to total factor productivity in Northern Ireland manufacturing plants.
TL;DR: The study found that thinking on integrated care for older people has moved on from a focus on the problems of accessing services to exploring ways in which they may function in an integrated way.
Abstract: Purpose: This paper reports on some of the findings of a literature review commissioned to explore integrated care for older people. Methods: The process of revising included finding and selecting literature from multidisciplinary sources, and encompassed both published papers and ‘grey’ literature, i.e. material which had not been reviewed for publication. Results: The study found that thinking has moved on from a focus on the problems of accessing services to exploring ways in which they may function in an integrated way. Conclusions: The study shows how thinking on integrated care for older people has developed, and knowledge of micro, mezzo and macro strategies is now more available.
TL;DR: The need to identify possible barriers students could face in using mobile technologies was identified and the students perceptions of the importance of being able to access learning resources in the community were assessed.
Abstract: Objectives: This article describes a project which explored the potential for mobile technologies to give health students in the community access to learning resources. The purpose included the need to identify possible barriers students could face in using mobile technologies. Another focus was to assess the students perceptions of the importance of being able to access learning resources in the community.
Methods: This 1-year project used two main approaches for data collection. A review of the literature on mobile technologies in the health context was conducted. This was used in a systematic way to identify key issues and trends. The literature review was used to inform the design and production of a questionnaire. This was distributed to and completed by a group of community health students at Northumbria University, UK. The questionnaire was piloted and there was a 100% completion rate with 49 returned forms.
Results: The literature review indicated that most mobile technology applications were occurring in the US. At the time of the review the most prevalent mobile technologies were PDAs, laptops, WAP phones and portable radios with use being concentrated around doctors in the acute sector. A range of advantages and disadvantages to the technology were discovered. Mobile technologies were mainly being used for clinical rather than learning applications. The students showed a low level of awareness of the technology but placed great importance to accessing learning resources from the community.
Conclusions: Significant development and changes are taking place in mobile technologies. Since the data collection for this work was completed in 2004 podcasting and videocasting have become significant in mobile learning for health professionals. Librarians will need to address the relevance and implications of m-learning for their practice. Care and consideration needs to be given on the time and resources librarians allocate for the necessary development work around mobile technologies. Collaboration and partnership working will be most effective approach for librarians wishing to integrate their services with m-learning technologies.
TL;DR: Crowd support is rated as significantly more influential than familiarity, travel, territoriality and referee bias in contributing to the home advantage, and mechanisms such as the perception of being superior to rivals can encourage fans to retain their allegiance to their teams, even when outcomes are disappointing.
Abstract: Football fans' views on their role in the home advantage were obtained by placing links to an internet questionnaire on supporters' websites. Altogether, 461 fans from clubs which had been promoted, relegated or unchanged in the past season of the English football leagues rated crowd support as significantly more influential than familiarity, travel, territoriality and referee bias in contributing to the home advantage. Fans felt responsible for inspiring their team to victory, took credit for distracting opponents, and believed that they could influence officials into making decisions in their team's favour. However, they did not accept personal blame for poor results. No effects for gender, age or the team's outcome in the promotion/relegation battle emerged, though season ticket holders were more extreme in their feelings of responsibility overall. Furthermore, it was suggested that mechanisms such as the perception of being superior to rivals can encourage fans to retain their allegiance to their teams, even when outcomes are disappointing. Indeed, affiliation may become so incorporated into self-identity that supporters may not have the option of abandoning their team, but instead perceive a reciprocal relationship in which both they and the team are expected to do their best to achieve success.
TL;DR: The prospective memory questionnaire (PMQ) was used in an on-line study exploring links between drug use and memory, and only two factors could be recovered; the other two subscales were essentially meaningless.
Abstract: There is growing evidence that Internet-mediated psychological tests can have satisfactory psychometric properties and can measure the same constructs as traditional versions. However, equivalence cannot be taken for granted. The prospective memory questionnaire (PMQ; Hannon, Adams, Harrington, Fries-Dias, & Gibson, 1995) was used in an on-line study exploring links between drug use and memory (Rodgers et al., 2003). The PMQ has four factor-analytically derived subscales. In a large (N = 763) sample tested via the Internet, only two factors could be recovered; the other two subscales were essentially meaningless. This demonstration of nonequivalence underlines the importance of on-line test validation. Without examination of its psychometric properties, one cannot be sure that a test administered via the Internet actually measures the intended construct.
Book•
27 May 2005TL;DR: This book discusses the development, delivery and maintenance of a Cognitive-Behavioural Anger Treatment Protocol for People with Developmental Disabilities and issues in Anger Assessment and Treatment Evaluation.
Abstract: About the Authors. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Anger and Aggression: Conceptual Background and Historical Perspective. 2. Anger and its Dysregulation: A Guiding Framework. 3. Anger Treatment Effectiveness. 4. Emotional Problems, Aggression and Psychotherapy for People with Developmental Disabilities. 5. Anger Treatment for People with Developmental Disabilities. 6. Issues in Anger Assessment and Treatment Evaluation. 7. Development, Delivery and Maintenance of a Cognitive-Behavioural Anger Treatment Protocol for People with Developmental Disabilities. 8. Anger Treatment Protocol-Preparatory Phase. 9. Anger Treatment Protocol-Treatment Phase. 10. Therapist Training, Supervision and Process Considerations (Bruce T. Gillmer). 11. Anger Treatment for Women with Developmental Disabilities (Alison Robertson). Appendices. References. Index.
TL;DR: A specific role for QUA1 in the development of vascular tissue in rapidly elongating inflorescence stems is demonstrated and a role of qua1-1 in pectin and hemicellulose cell wall synthesis through affects on α-1,4-D-galacturonosyltransferase and β-1-4-xylan synthase activities is supported.
Abstract: An insertion in the promoter of the Arabidopsis thaliana QUA1 gene (qua1-1 allele) leads to a dwarf plant phenotype and a reduction in cell adhesion, particularly between epidermal cells in seedlings and young leaves. This coincides with a reduction in the level of homogalacturonan epitopes and the amount of GalA in isolated cell walls (Bouton et al., Plant Cell 14: 2577 2002). The present study was undertaken in order to investigate further the link between QUA1 and cell wall biosynthesis. We have used rapidly elongating inflorescence stems to compare cell wall biosynthesis in wild type and qua1-1 mutant tissue. Relative to the wild type, homogalacturonan alpha-1-4-D-galacturonosyltransferase activity was consistently reduced in qua1-1 stems (by about 23% in microsomal and 33% in detergent-solubilized membrane preparations). Activities of beta-1-4-D-xylan synthase, beta-1-4-D-galactan synthase and beta-glucan synthase II activities were also measured in microsomal membranes. Of these, only beta-1-4-D-xylan synthase was affected, and was reduced by about 40% in qua1-1 stems relative to wild type. The mutant phenotype was apparent in inflorescence stems, and was investigated in detail using microscopy and cell wall composition analyses. Using in situ PCR techniques, QUA1 mRNA was localized to discrete cells of the vascular tissue and subepidermal layers. In mutant stems, the organization of these tissues was disrupted and there was a modest reduction in homogalacturonan (JIM5) epitopes. This study demonstrates a specific role for QUA1 in the development of vascular tissue in rapidly elongating inflorescence stems and supports a role of QUA1 in pectin and hemicellulose cell wall synthesis through affects on alpha-1,4-D-galacturonosyltransferase and beta-1,4-D-xylan synthase activities.
TL;DR: Some of the fundamental principles of sexual selection theory that apply to human beauty are reviewed and the major findings of human beauty perception are summarized.
Abstract: It was once widely believed that standards of beauty were arbitrarily variable. Recent research suggests, however, that people's views of facial attractiveness are remarkably consistent, regardless of race, nationality or age. Facial characteristics are known to influence human attractiveness judgements and evolutionary psychologists suggest that these characteristics all pertain to health, leading to the conclusion that humans have evolved to view certain bodily features as attractive because the features were displayed by healthy others. Here we review some of the fundamental principles of sexual selection theory that apply to human beauty and summarize the major findings of human beauty perception.