Showing papers by "Northumbria University published in 2006"

The concept of resilience revisited.

Abstract: The intimate connections between disaster recovery by and the resilience of affected communities have become common features of disaster risk reduction programmes since the adoption of The Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. Increasing attention is now paid to the capacity of disaster-affected communities to 'bounce back' or to recover with little or no external assistance following a disaster. This highlights the need for a change in the disaster risk reduction work culture, with stronger emphasis being put on resilience rather than just need or vulnerability. However, varied conceptualisations of resilience pose new philosophical challenges. Yet achieving a consensus on the concept remains a test for disaster research and scholarship. This paper reviews the concept in terms of definitional issues, the role of vulnerability in resilience discourse and its meaning, and the differences between vulnerability and resilience. It concludes with some of the more immediately apparent implications of resilience thinking for the way we view and prepare for disasters.

Risk reporting: A study of risk disclosures in the annual reports of UK companies

Abstract: The concepts of risk and risk management have received considerable attention lately, but this has yet to be reflected in empirical research examining firms’ risk reporting practices. This study seeks to address this gap in the literature and explores risk disclosures within a sample of 79 UK company annual reports using content analysis. A significant association is found between the number of risk disclosures and company size. Similarly a significant association is found between the number of risk disclosures and level of environmental risk as measured by Innovest EcoValue`21™ Ratings. However, no association is found between the number of risk disclosures and five other measures of risk: gearing ratio, asset cover, quiscore, book to market value of equity and beta factor. The paper also discusses the nature of the risk disclosures made by the sample companies specifically examining their time orientation, whether they are monetarily quantified and if good or bad risk news is disclosed. It was uncommon to find monetary assessments of risk information, but companies did exhibit a willingness to disclose forward-looking risk information. Overall the dominance of statements of general risk management policy and a lack of coherence in the risk narratives implies that a risk information gap exists and consequently stakeholders are unable to adequately assess the risk profile of a company.

Climate change and disaster management

Abstract: Climate change, although a natural phenomenon, is accelerated by human activities. Disaster policy response to climate change is dependent on a number of factors, such as readiness to accept the reality of climate change, institutions and capacity, as well as willingness to embed climate change risk assessment and management in development strategies. These conditions do not yet exist universally. A focus that neglects to enhance capacity-building and resilience as a prerequisite for managing climate change risks will, in all likelihood, do little to reduce vulnerability to those risks. Reducing vulnerability is a key aspect of reducing climate change risk. To do so requires a new approach to climate change risk and a change in institutional structures and relationships. A focus on development that neglects to enhance governance and resilience as a prerequisite for managing climate change risks will, in all likelihood, do little to reduce vulnerability to those risks.

Presentation of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome A review

Abstract: Depression is common in autism and Asperger syndrome, but despite this, there has been little research into this issue. This review considers the current literature on the prevalence, presentation, treatment and assessment of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome. There are diagnostic difficulties when considering depression in autism and Asperger syndrome, as the characteristics of these disorders, such as social withdrawal and appetite and sleep disturbance, are also core symptoms of depression. Impaired verbal and non-verbal communication can mask the symptoms of depression. Symptoms associated with autism and Asperger syndrome such as obsessionality and self-injury may be increased during an episode of depression. There is a clear need to develop specific tools both for diagnostic purposes and for measurement of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome in order to help alleviate the distress caused by this treatable illness.

The internet, consumer empowerment and marketing strategies

Abstract: – Arguing that increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is shifting market power from suppliers to consumers, the ensuing consumer empowerment is presented as an unintended consequence of marketing. Marketing implications arising from this consumer empowerment are examined in terms of a process where control and management by suppliers over consumer access and enablement are increasingly difficult., – Consumer empowerment is examined historically, using quality gap analysis to capture an ongoing power struggle between consumers and suppliers. This draws out the limitations of current marketing and management strategies. The different forms of marketing challenges in this new environment are discussed., – The role of marketing strategies in fostering controlled consumer empowerment is reflected in the development of information‐based consumer‐centric marketing strategies that seek to enable and control delegation. In designing such strategies, consumers' familiarity with and use of ICT are both strengthened and widened, emphasising the uncontrolled nature of the consumer empowerment process., – The approach is literature‐based, focussing on the ICT enabled process. It does not address the psychology of empowerment. Since, consumer empowerment may imply switching suppliers in search of better value propositions, business cannot afford to ignore it, justifying the need for further research of both elements., – Marketing strategy rests on a control premise and the analysis of the consumer empowerment process implies that current customer‐centric strategies are operating under a false premise. There is a need to regain control over the marketing process, that is, to either manage the technological empowerment of consumers, or to devise new strategies cognisant of the possibility that such technological empowerment cannot be managed. The valuation of consumer loyalty in this environment rises significantly., – An historical perspective to consumer empowerment exposes the tensions between suppliers and consumers arising from ICT usage. A separation of consumer access and enablement from control and management by suppliers is shown to have important marketing strategy design implications.

Differential effects of strength training leading to failure versus not to failure on hormonal responses, strength, and muscle power gains

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of 11 wk of resistance training to failure vs. nonfailure, followed by an identical 5-wk peaking period of maximal strength and power training for both groups as well as to examine the underlying physiological changes in basal circulating anabolic and catabolic hormones. Forty-two physically active men were matched and then randomly assigned to either a training to failure (RF; n = 14), nonfailure (NRF; n = 15), or control groups (C; n = 13). Muscular and power testing and blood draws to determine basal hormonal concentrations were conducted before the initiation of training (T0), after 6 wk of training (T1), after 11 wk of training (T2), and after 16 wk of training (T3). Both RF and NRF resulted in similar gains in 1-repetition maximum bench press (23 and 23%) and parallel squat (22 and 23%), muscle power output of the arm (27 and 28%) and leg extensor muscles (26 and 29%), and maximal number of repetitions performed during parallel squat (66 and 69%). RF group experienced larger gains in the maximal number of repetitions performed during the bench press. The peaking phase (T2 to T3) after NRF resulted in larger gains in muscle power output of the lower extremities, whereas after RF it resulted in larger gains in the maximal number of repetitions performed during the bench press. Strength training leading to RF resulted in reductions in resting concentrations of IGF-1 and elevations in IGFBP-3, whereas NRF resulted in reduced resting cortisol concentrations and an elevation in resting serum total testosterone concentration. This investigation demonstrated a potential beneficial stimulus of NRF for improving strength and power, especially during the subsequent peaking training period, whereas performing sets to failure resulted in greater gains in local muscular endurance. Elevation in IGFBP-3 after resistance training may have been compensatory to accommodate the reduction in IGF-1 to preserve IGF availability.

Appreciative Inquiry: Research for Change

Abstract: Foreword 1. Experiences of Appreciative Inquiry 2. A Brief Tour of the History and Principles of Appreciative Inquiry 3. Research Frameworks: Where does Appreciative Inquiry Connect with Research? 4. Key Themes and Issues in Appreciative Inquiry 5. Developing Research Questions and Goals with Communities 6. Information Gathering and Generating: Inclusivity, Partnership, and Collaboration 7. Making Sense: Issues of Questions and Story 8. Communicating and Disseminating Research: Voice, Audience, and Message 9. Research for Change: Ways to Go

Uptake of heavy metals by vegetable plants grown on contaminated soil and their bioavailability in the human gastrointestinal tract

Abstract: Lettuce, spinach, radish and carrot were grown on compost that had previously been contaminated at different concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn. Control plants of each vegetable were also grown on unadulterated compost. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Mature plants were harvested and their roots and leaves collected. Soil samples from each growing pot and plant materials were acid digested and analysed to determine total metal concentration. Flame-Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) was employed to determine metal concentrations in soil and plant samples (Mn and Zn), while Cd, Cu and Pb in plant materials were analysed by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DP-ASV). Soil (BCR 146R and GBW 07310) and plant (tea leaves, INCT-TL-1) certified reference materials were used to assess accuracy and precision. The edible part of plants, i.e. the leaves of lettuce and spinach and the roots of radish and carrot, were also extracted using an in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) extraction to assess metal bioavailability. The results showed that the uptake of Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn by plants corresponded to the increasing level of soil contamination, while the uptake of Pb was low. Soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF) values decreased from Mn >> Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb. Moreover, it was observed from this investigation that individual plant types greatly differ in their metal uptake, e.g. spinach accumulated a high content of Mn and Zn, while relatively lower concentrations were found for Cu and Pb in their tissues. From the in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) study, results indicate that metal bioavailability varied widely from element to element and according to different plant types. The greatest extent of metal releasing was found in lettuce (Mn, 63.7%), radish (Cu, 62.5%), radish (Cd, 54.9%), radish (Mn, 45.8%) and in lettuce (Zn, 45.2%).

ARABINAN DEFICIENT 1 Is a Putative Arabinosyltransferase Involved in Biosynthesis of Pectic Arabinan in Arabidopsis

Abstract: The function of a putative glycosyltransferase (At2g35100) was investigated in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The protein is predicted to be a type 2 membrane protein with a signal anchor. Two independent mutant lines with T-DNA insertion in the ARABINAN DEFICIENT 1 (ARAD1) gene were analyzed. The gene was shown to be expressed in all tissues but particularly in vascular tissues of leaves and stems. Analysis of cell wall polysaccharides isolated from leaves and stems showed that arabinose content was reduced to about 75% and 46%, respectively, of wild-type levels. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a specific decrease in arabinan with no change in other pectic domains or in glycoproteins. The cellular structure of the stem was also not altered. Isolated rhamnogalacturonan I from mutant tissues contained only about 30% of the wild-type amount of arabinose, confirming the specific deficiency in arabinan. Linkage analysis showed that the small amount of arabinan present in mutant tissue was structurally similar to that of the wild type. Transformation of mutant plants with the ARAD1 gene driven by the 35S promoter led to full complementation of the phenotype, but none of the transformants had more arabinan than the wild-type level. The data suggest that ARAD1 is an arabinan alpha-1,5-arabinosyltransferase. To our knowledge, the identification of other L-arabinosyltransferases has not been published.

In Search of Organizational Virtue in Business: Agents, Goods, Practices, Institutions and Environments

Abstract: In this paper we argue that MacIntyre’s virtues-goods-practice-institution schema (MacIntyre 1985) provides a conceptual framework within which organizational virtue in general, and virtue in business in particular, can be explored. A heuristic device involving levels of individual agency, mode of institutionalization and environment is used to discuss why some businesses protect practices, develop virtues and encourage the exercise of moral agency in their decision making, while others struggle or fail to do so. In relation to conventional shareholder-owned capitalist business, both the mode of institutionalization and the environment are shown to be largely antithetical to the development of practices. Other businesses may meet the necessary internal conditions for the sustenance of practice-like features but remain dependent upon features within their environments. To illustrate this, we use participant observation to show how one particular organization—Traidcraft plc—meets the relevant conditions.

Implications of the negative capacitance observed at forward bias in nanocomposite and polycrystalline solar cells.

Abstract: Four different types of solar cells prepared in different laboratories have been characterized by impedance spectroscopy (IS): thin-film CdS/CdTe devices, an extremely thin absorber (eta) solar cell made with microporous TiO2/In(OH)xSy/PbS/PEDOT, an eta-solar cell of nanowire ZnO/CdSe/CuSCN, and a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with Spiro-OMeTAD as the transparent hole conductor. A negative capacitance behavior has been observed in all of them at high forward bias, independent of material type (organic and inorganic), configuration, and geometry of the cells studied. The experiments suggest a universality of the underlying phenomenon giving rise to this effect in a broad range of solar cell devices. An equivalent circuit model is suggested to explain the impedance and capacitance spectra, with an inductive recombination pathway that is activated at forward bias. The deleterious effect of negative capacitance on the device performance is discussed, by comparison of the results obtained for a...

In-vitro testing for assessing oral bioaccessibility of trace metals in soil and food samples

Abstract: In-vitro gastrointestinal extraction, also known as oral bioaccessibility, is important when assessing chemical risk to humans. In use, it purports to simulate the release of chemicals from sample matrices (e.g., food and soil) that may be consumed intentionally or unintentionally in the diet, so in-vitro conditions are created to simulate, principally, enzymatic action in the mouth, the stomach and the intestines. This article reviews the current status of oral bioaccessibility in terms of the release of metals or metalloids from food and soil samples. We place particular emphasis on the parameters that influence gastrointestinal extraction, including gastric and intestinal pH, food constituents, residence time and particle size. It is clear that future development is needed to validate and standardize the methods.

A framework for understanding trust factors in web-based health advice

Abstract: Trust is a key factor in consumer decisions about website engagement. Consumers will engage with sites they deem trustworthy and turn away from those they mistrust. In this paper, we present a framework for understanding trust factors in web-based health advice. The framework is derived from a staged model of trust and allows predictions to be made concerning user engagement with different health websites. The framework is then validated via a series of qualitative, longitudinal studies. In each study, genuine consumers searched online for information and advice concerning their specific health issue. They engaged in free searching and were directed towards sites previously reviewed using the framework. Thematic analysis of the group discussions provided support for the framework and for the staged model of trust wherein design appeal predicted rejection (mistrust) and credibility of information and personalization of content predicted selection (trust) of advice sites. The results are discussed in terms of the merits of the framework, its limitations and directions for future work.

Structure and mechanism of a bacterial beta-glucosaminidase having O-GlcNAcase activity

Abstract: O-GlcNAc is an abundant post-translational modification of serine and threonine residues of nucleocytoplasmic proteins This modification, found only within higher eukaryotes, is a dynamic modification that is often reciprocal to phosphorylation In a manner analogous to phosphatases, a glycoside hydrolase termed O-GlcNAcase cleaves O-GlcNAc from modified proteins Enzymes with high sequence similarity to human O-GlcNAcase are also found in human pathogens and symbionts We report the three-dimensional structure of O-GlcNAcase from the human gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron both in its native form and in complex with a mimic of the reaction intermediate Mutagenesis and kinetics studies show that the bacterial enzyme, very similarly to its human counterpart, operates via an unusual 'substrate-assisted' catalytic mechanism, which will inform the rational design of enzyme inhibitors

The making of investor subjects in Anglo-American pensions.

Abstract: An individualisation of responsibility and risk is underway in US and UK pensions, as both state and employers scale back insurance commitments that expanded during the post-1945 era. Approached from the perspective of the Foucauldian-inspired governmentality literature, this neoliberal reworking of responsibility and risk across state and occupational pensions is characterised by the summoning up of the responsible individual worker as an entrepreneurial investor subject. Collective insurance, as a technology for constructing, managing, and pooling ‘risk’ as potential danger, is sidelined in favour of the promotion of individual investment to calculate, embrace, and bear ‘risk’ as opportunity or reward. As pension guides produced by state agencies for popular consumption illustrate, only financial market investment appears as capable of providing the individual with a secure and ‘free’ retirement. Contradictions in neoliberal government ensure, however, that the investor as a subject position that is cal...

The use of rhythmic auditory cues to influence gait in patients with Parkinson's disease, the differential effect for freezers and non-freezers, an explorative study

Abstract: Purpose. To study the effect of rhythmic auditory cues on gait in Parkinson's disease subjects with and without freezing and in controls.Method. A volunteer sample of 20 patients (10 freezers, 10 non-freezers) and 10 age-matched controls performed five randomized cued walking conditions in a gait-laboratory. Auditory cues were administered at baseline frequency, at an increased step frequency of 10 and 20% above baseline and at a decreased step frequency of 10 and 20% below baseline. Mean step frequency, walking speed, stride length and double support duration were collected.Results. Rhythmical auditory cueing induced speed changes in all subjects. Stride length was not influenced by rhythmical auditory cues in controls, whereas patients showed a larger stride length in the −10% condition (p < 0.01). Freezers and non-freezers showed the same response to rhythmical auditory cues. Within group analysis for stride length showed different cueing effects. Stride length decreased at the +10% condition for freez...

The sedimentology and alluvial architecture of the sandy braided South Saskatchewan River, Canada

Abstract: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of unit and compound braid bars in the sandy South Saskatchewan River, Canada, are used to test the influential facies model for sandy braided alluvium presented by Cant & Walker (1978). Four main radar facies are identified: (1) high-angle (up to angle-of-repose) inclined reflections, interpreted as having formed at the margins of migrating bars; (2) discontinuous undular and/or trough-shaped reflections, interpreted as cross-strata associated with the migration of sinuous-crested dunes; (3) lowangle (< 6� ) reflections, interpreted as formed by low-amplitude dunes or unit bars as they migrate onto bar surfaces; and (4) reflections of variable dip bounded by a concave reflection, interpreted as being formed by the filling of channel scours, cross-bar channels or depressions on the bar surface. The predominant vertical arrangement of facies is discontinuous trough-shaped reflections at the channel base overlain by discontinuous undular reflections, overlain by low-angle reflections that dominate the deposits near the bar surface. High-angle inclined reflections are only found near the surface of unit bars, and are of relatively small-scale (< 0AE5 m), but can be found at a greater range of depths within compound bars. The GPR data show that a high spatial variability exists in the distribution of facies between different compound bars, with facies variability within a single bar being as pronounced as that between bars. Compound bars evolve as an amalgamation of unit bars and other compound bars, and comprise a facies distribution that is representative of the main bar types in the South Saskatchewan River. The GPR data are compared with the original model of Cant & Walker (1978) and reveal a much greater variability in the scale, proportion and distribution of facies than that presented by Cant & Walker (1978). Most notably, high-angle inclined strata are over-represented in the model of Cant and Walker, with many bars being dominated by the deposits of low- and high-amplitude dunes. It is suggested that further GPR studies from a range of braided river types are required to properly quantify the full range of deposits. Only by moving away from traditional, highly generalized facies models can a greater understanding of braided river deposits and their controls be established.

Violent Night: Urban Leisure and Contemporary Culture

Abstract: ‘Violent Night’ recently featured on BBC Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed, described by Professor Laurie Taylor as a ‘brilliant account of the cultural landscape of the night-time leisure scene’, a ‘classic ethnography’. Now cited in a number of textbooks, it has also stimulated interest amongst various user groups outside the academic community. Hall and Winlow have been invited to present two papers to local government organisations: Understanding Violence in the Night-Time Economy, Government Office North East, (December 2006) and ‘Violence, Consumerism and the Future of the Night Economy’, Westminster City Council, (February 2007).

Competitiveness in a globalised world: Michael Porter on the microeconomic foundations of the competitiveness of nations, regions and firms.

Abstract: In this paper, we provide the text of an interview with Professor Michael Porter discussing his research and ideas relating to the microeconomic foundations of global competitiveness. The discussion provides a microeconomic perspective on some of the key issues relating to recent research on competitiveness, productivity, clusters, US economic leadership, economic growth and development.

Governing local sustainability

Abstract: This paper draws upon the DISCUS (Developing Institutional and Social Capacity for Sustainable Development) research project, co-funded by the European Commission. The project was undertaken during 2001 - 2004 and involved an in-depth study of 40 European towns and cities in order to understand the institutional and social factors and conditions that might contribute to policy 'achievement' or 'failure' in local sustainable development policy and practice. Based on the findings of this research it proposes a conceptual framework for local sustainable development, linking the concepts of institutional capital, social capital and governance to provide a model for understanding the governing of local sustainability. The research shows that in those cases that exhibit sustainable development policy achievements, there are also greater levels of civil society activity and knowledge regarding sustainability issues, and high levels of institutional capacity. Confident local government is crucial to the development of institutional capacity and to institutional learning. One aspect of this is local authorities being equipped to address the longer-term issues and to have a strategic vision for a sustainable future.

Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress

Abstract: Objective: Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian) have been used both traditionally and contemporaneously as mild sedatives, anxiolytics and hypnotics. Recent research has suggested that both may attenuate laboratory induced stress. As the two herbs are most often sold in combination with each other the current study assessed the anxiolytic properties of such a combination during laboratory-induced stress. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced cross-over experiment, 24 healthy volunteers received three separate single doses (600 mg, 1200 mg, 1800 mg) of a standardized product containing M. officinalis and V. officinalis extracts, plus a placebo, on separate days separated by a 7 day wash out period. Modulation of mood and anxiety were assessed during pre-dose and 1 h, 3 h and 6 h post-dose completions of a 20 min version of the Defined Intensity Stressor Simulation (DISS) battery. Cognitive performance on the four concurrent tasks of the battery was also assessed. Results: The results showed that the 600 mg dose of the combination ameliorated the negative effects of the DISS on ratings of anxiety. However, the highest dose (1800 mg) showed an increase in anxiety that was less marked but which reached significance during one testing session. In addition, all three doses led to decrements in performance on the Stroop task module within the battery, and the two lower doses led to decrements on the overall score generated on the DISS battery. Conclusions: These results suggest that a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis possesses anxiolytic properties that deserve further investigation.

Effects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained 'mentally demanding' tasks.

Abstract: Single doses of the traditional herbal treatment Panax ginseng have recently been shown to lower blood glucose levels and elicit cognitive improvements in healthy, overnight-fasted volunteers The specific mechanisms responsible for these effects are not known However, cognitive improvements may be related to the glycaemic properties of Panax ginseng Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced-crossover design, 27 healthy young adults completed a 10 minute "cognitive demand" test battery at baseline They then consumed capsules containing either ginseng (extract G115) or a placebo and 30 minutes later a drink containing glucose or placebo A further 30 minutes later (ie 60 minutes post-baseline/capsules) they completed the "cognitive demand" battery six times in immediate succession Depending on the condition to which the participant was allocated on that particular day, the combination of capsules/drink treatments corresponded to a dose of: 0mg G115/0 mg glucose (placebo); 200mg G115/0 mg glucose (ginseng); 0 mg G115/25 g glucose (glucose) or 200 mg G115/25 g glucose (ginseng/glucose combination) The 10 minute "cognitive demand" battery comprised a Serial Threes subtraction task (2 min); a Serial Sevens subtraction task (2 min); a Rapid Visual Information Processing task (5 min); and a "mental fatigue" visual analogue scale Blood glucose levels were measured prior to the day's treatment, and before and after the post-dose completions of the battery The results showed that both Panax ginseng and glucose enhanced performance of a mental arithmetic task and ameliorated the increase in subjective feelings of mental fatigue experienced by participants during the later stages of the sustained, cognitively demanding task performance Accuracy of performing the Rapid Visual Information Processing task (RVIP) was also improved following the glucose load There was no evidence of a synergistic relationship between Panax ginseng and exogenous glucose ingestion on any cognitive outcome measure Panax ginseng caused a reduction in blood glucose levels 1 hour following consumption when ingested without glucose These results confirm that Panax ginseng may possess glucoregulatory properties and can enhance cognitive performance

The current and future applications of microorganism in the bioremediation of cyanide contamination.

Abstract: Inorganic cyanide and nitrile compounds are distributed widely in the environment, chiefly as a result of anthropogenic activity but also through cyanide synthesis by a range of organisms including higher plants, fungi and bacteria. The major source of cyanide in soil and water is through the discharge of effluents containing a variety of inorganic cyanide and nitriles. Here the fate of cyanide compounds in soil and water is reviewed, identifying those factors that affect their persistence and which determine whether they are amenable to biological degradation. The exploitation of cyanides by a variety of taxa, as a mechanism to avoid predation or to inhibit competitors has led to the evolution in many organisms of enzymes that catalyse degradation of a range of cyanide compounds. Microorganisms expressing pathways involved in cyanide degradation are briefly reviewed and the current applications of bacteria and fungi in the biodegradation of cyanide contamination in the field are discussed. Finally, recent advances that offer an insight into the potential of microbial systems for the bioremediation of cyanide compounds under a range of environmental conditions are identified, and the future potential of these technologies for the treatment of cyanide pollution is discussed.