Northumbria University

About: Northumbria University is a education organization based out in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 5624 authors who have published 17423 publications receiving 381949 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Northumbria at Newcastle.

Montmorency Cherries Reduce the Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses to Repeated Days High-Intensity Stochastic Cycling

Abstract: This investigation examined the impact of Montmorency tart cherry concentrate (MC) on physiological indices of oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle damage across 3 days simulated road cycle racing. Trained cyclists (n = 16) were divided into equal groups and consumed 30 mL of MC or placebo (PLA), twice per day for seven consecutive days. A simulated, high-intensity, stochastic road cycling trial, lasting 109 min, was completed on days 5, 6 and 7. Oxidative stress and inflammation were measured from blood samples collected at baseline and immediately pre- and post-trial on days 5, 6 and 7. Analyses for lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1-β), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and creatine kinase (CK) were conducted. LOOH (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.05) and hsCRP (p < 0.05) responses to trials were lower in the MC group versus PLA. No group or interaction effects were found for the other markers. The attenuated oxidative and inflammatory responses suggest MC may be efficacious in combating post-exercise oxidative and inflammatory cascades that can contribute to cellular disruption. Additionally, we demonstrate direct application for MC in repeated days cycling and conceivably other sporting scenario’s where back-to-back performances are required.

The effect of antecedent fatiguing activity on the relationship between perceived exertion and physiological activity during a constant load exercise task.

Abstract: This study assessed the relationship between the rate of change of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physiological activity, and time to volitional exhaustion. After completing a graded exercise test, 10 participants cycled at a constant load equating to 75% of peak oxygen uptake (V O(2)peak) to exhaustion. Participants performed two further constant load exercise tests at 75%V O(2)peak in a fresh state condition within the next 7 days. The RPE was regressed against time and percentage of the time (%time) to volitional exhaustion in both conditions. Despite a lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and higher heart rate at the start of the exercise bout in the fatigued condition, there were no differences in RPE at the onset or completion of exercise. As expected, the rate of increase in RPE was greater in the fatigued condition, but there were no differences when expressed against %time. Results suggest that RPE is set at the start of exercise using a scalar internal timing mechanism, which regulates RPE by altering the gain of the relationship with physiological parameters such as heart rate and RER when these are altered by previous fatiguing exercise.

The Benefits of Online Crowdfunding for Fund-Seeking Business Ventures†

Abstract: Crowdfunding through the Internet, a new fundraising technique for small business ventures, can benefit fund-seeking companies by helping to overcome funding difficulties, providing value-added involvement, facilitating access to further funding, providing publicity and contacts, and enabling fundraising with only limited or no loss of control and ownership.

In the eye of the ‘perfect storm’: the final salary pensions crisis and financialisation of Anglo‐American capitalism

Abstract: This article considers the crisis of UK and US final salary pension schemes. Contrary to current analysis that the crisis is the outcome of a 'perfect storm' - the unlikely coincidence of falling stock prices and bond rates - the paper argues that the crisis is constituted through several contradictory dynamics in the processes of financialisation, including the rise of theories/models of asset management which transform the investment strategies of pension funds, and, pressures to deliver shareholder value which erode the commitment of employers to occupational welfare. The article will be reprinted in the forthcoming Financialisation Reader (Routledge).

Acceptance of autonomous delivery vehicles for last-mile delivery in Germany – Extending UTAUT2 with risk perceptions

Abstract: The inevitable need to develop new delivery practices in last-mile logistics arises from the enormously growing business to consumer (B2C) e-commerce and the associated challenges for logistics service providers. Autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs) are believed to have the potential to revolutionise last-mile delivery in a way that is more sustainable and customer focused. However, if not widely accepted, the introduction of ADVs as a delivery option can be a substantial waste of resources. At present, the research on consumers’ receptivity of innovations in last-mile delivery, such as ADVs, is limited. This study is the first that investigates the users’ acceptance of ADVs in Germany by utilising an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and adapted it to the context of ADVs in last-mile delivery. Quantitative data was collected through an online survey approach (n = 501) and structural equation modelling was undertaken. The results indicate that price sensitivity is the strongest predictor of behavioural intention (i.e., user acceptance), followed by performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, perceived risk, social influence and facilitating conditions, whereas no effect could be found for effort expectancy. These findings have important theoretical and practical contributions in the areas of technology acceptance and last-mile delivery.