Showing papers by "Teesside University published in 2003"

Strategic Management for Travel and Tourism

Abstract: Introduction Strategy and strategic objectives for travel and tourism organizations Introduction to strategy for travel and tourism The travel and tourism organization - competences, resources and competitive advantage The travel and tourism organization - the human context Financial analysis and performance indicators The travel and tourism organization - products and markets The external environment for travel and tourism organizations - the macro context The external environment for travel and tourism organizations - the micro context SWOT Analysis Competitive strategy and strategic direction for travel and tourism organizations Strategic methods of development for travel and tourism Strategic evaluation and selection Strategic implementation for travel and tourism organizations International and global strategies for travel and tourism organizations Case studies Glossary Index.

Auditory cues can modify the gait of persons with early-stage Parkinson's disease: a method for enhancing parkinsonian walking performance?

Abstract: Objective: To investigate whether systematically adjusting the rate of auditory cues induces corresponding modulations of the temporal and spatial parameters of gait of patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.Design: Subjects performed a series of 15 9-metre walks along a level floor under uncued and four cued conditions; the order of cued conditions was randomized.Setting: A physiotherapy gymnasium, Manchester, UK.Subjects: Eleven subjects with early-stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease.Interventions: Preferred pace was established from the initial three uncued walks. The rate of auditory cues delivered throughout subsequent walks was systematically adjusted for each subject, representing 85, 92.5, 107.5 and 115% of their mean cadence at preferred walking pace.Main outcome measures: Mean cadence, mean stride length and mean velocity.Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the mean velocity and mean cadence of subjects' gait significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased relative to baseline values at c...

The accessibility of public spaces for people with dementia: A new priority for the 'open city'

Abstract: The social model of disability de-medicalises disability and politicises it as an issue of universal rights. However, the rights of people with dementia have been less strongly advocated than those of people with physical disabilities. This is particularly the case with environmental planning and design. The needs of people with dementia are now informing the design of residential homes and day centres, but the issue of accessibility to public spaces and amenities has been almost completely neglected. Many outdoor environments such as shopping centres or parks may be inhospitable for people with dementia because they are disorientating, difficult to interpret and navigate, threatening or distressing. The article reviews the literature on indoor design for dementia, reports on research investigating the accessibility of outdoor environments, and describes a new approach using virtual reality technology to enable people with dementia to identify and test outdoor design and planning improvements themselves.

In Pursuit of the Study of Pleasure: Implications for Health Research and Practice

Abstract: Many public health interventions attempt to promote health and well-being while simultaneously engaging with or negating pleasure-seeking activities. Yet the examination of pleasure is under-researched, especially within health and health-related areas. We examine pleasure as both an innate drive and a socially constructed phenomenon. Using the development of religious ideas in western cultures, we identify four forms of pleasure: carnal pleasure, disciplined pleasure, ascetic pleasure and ecstatic pleasure. These pleasures dramatically affect the construction of social and cultural identities. Moreover, they influence approaches to our understandings of health in general and interventions to public health in particular. The pursuit of the study of pleasure opens up a number of worthwhile areas for cross-disciplinary discussion and study.

Should we recommend low-fat diets for obesity ?

Abstract: Dietary fat intake has been blamed for the increase in adiposity and has led to a worldwide effort to decrease the amount of fat in the diet. However, the comparative efficacy of this approach is debatable. Whilst short-term dietary intervention studies show that low-fat diets lead to weight loss in both healthy and overweight individuals, it is less clear if a reduction in fat intake is more efficacious than other dietary restrictions in the long term. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of low-fat diets in achieving sustained weight loss when used for the express purpose of weight loss in obese or overweight people. A comprehensive search identified six studies that fulfilled our criteria for inclusion (randomized controlled trial, participants either overweight or obese, comparison of a low-fat diet with another type of weight-reducing diet, follow-up period that was at least 6 months in duration and inclusion of participants 18 years or older without serious disease). There were a total of 594 participants in the six trials. The duration of the intervention varied from 3 to 18 months with follow-up from 6 to 18 months. There were no significant differences between low-fat diets and other weight-reducing diets in terms of sustained weight loss. Furthermore, the overall weight loss at the 12-18-month follow-up in all studies was very small (2-4 kg). In overweight or obese individuals who are dieting for the purpose of weight reduction, low-fat diets are as efficacious as other weight-reducing diets for achieving sustained weight loss, but not more so.

The effect of spatial layout of and link colour in web pages on performance in a visual search task and an interactive search task

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the validity of psychological experimental methods within human-computer interaction research (Carroll, 1989) and to examine design guidelines pertaining to hypertext link colour and positioning of navigation menu frames as part of web documents. The results of past research on both link colour and positioning of menus are mixed and guidelines are usually not based on empirical evidence (Tullis, 1997; Shneiderman, 1997). The study used a repeated measures experimental design. Participants carried out both a visual search task and an interactive search task. Task performance on the two tasks did not to correlate (p > 0.05), indicating that the visual search task may lack external validity. Results of the interactive search task suggest that the design convention of blue links (Nielsen, 1999a) should be retained as responses for blue were found to be significantly quicker than red, F(1, 117) = 14.526, p < 0.001, MScolour = 89.866. Furthermore, an effect of presentation position, F(3, 117) = 8.410, p < 0.001, MSposition = 61.015, was found, with support for menus on the left (Nielsen, 1999a: Campbell & Maglio, 1999) or right (Nielsen, 1999a). Evidence was also found to support the conjecture that experienced Internet users might have formed automatic attention responses to specific web page designs. The need for validation of behavioural and psychometric methods with task performance and the use of cognitive-perceptual-motor modelling are discussed.

Developing a Virtual Reality–Based Methodology for People with Dementia: A Feasibility Study

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) technology for use by persons with dementia (PWD). Data were obtained directly from six PWD regarding their experiences with a virtual environment (VE) of a large outdoor park. A user-centered method was developed to assess: (a) presence; (b) user inputs; (c) display quality; (d) simulation fidelity; and (e) overall system usability. The extent to which PWD could perform four functional activities in the VE was also investigated (e.g., mailing a letter). In addition, physical and psychological well-being of PWD while interacting with the VE was assessed objectively by recording heart rate during the VR sessions and subjectively with discrete questionnaire items and real-time prompts. Symptom profiles associated with simulator sickness were assessed with an adapted version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. The study found that PWD to some extent experienced presence; perceived that objects were realistic and moved naturally...

Making the outside World Dementia-Friendly: Design Issues and Considerations

Abstract: Design guidelines for dementia care homes have, in recent years, acknowledged the important role the internal environment plays in influencing the functional capabilities and emotional well-being of people with dementia. However, although the majority of people with dementia live in the community, similar guidance does not exist in relation to the outdoor environment. To identify aspects of design that should be considered in making the outside world dementia-friendly an analysis of the literature on the needs of older people with dementia and on current knowledge of best practice for internal environments was carried out. By drawing parallels with the outside environment this paper demonstrates that design solutions do potentially exist which would enable older people with dementia to continue to negotiate and use their local neighbourhoods. Familiarity, legibility, distinctiveness, accessibility, comfort, and safety all appear to have a major influence. Small street blocks with direct, connected routes ...

A cognitive-behavioural analysis of mental toughness in national rugby league football teams.

Abstract: This study examined the relations between demographic characteristics of rugby players and selected aspects of psychological performance in rugby league football Mental toughness was assessed using Psychological Performance Inventory and Hardiness on the Personal Views Survey III-R Participants (N=70) were international rugby league footballers representing four teams (Wales, France, Ireland, England) in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup Participants completed the questionnaires in training camp Welsh-nationality players had a significantly higher mean score on two of the hardiness subscales Hardiness measures displayed the greatest and most frequently statistically significant differences The findings concur with previous work indicating superior hardiness is related to improved performance in sports

Development of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire 24, a Clinically Utilitarian Version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire.

Abstract: Objective: To use principal-components analysis to obtain a shorter and therefore more clinically useful version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Subjects: A British sample of 214 chronic back pain patients attending outpatient spinal assessment. Results: A 4-factor solution was discovered that incorporates Catastrophizing, Diversion, Cognitive Coping, and Reinterpreting factors. Apart from the absence of a Praying and Hoping factor, this solution is similar to those previously found by researchers in this field. Conclusions: The new questionnaire (the CSQ24) is a valid utilitarian version of the CSQ that is easy to score and is appropriate for clinical use. In recent years, the effective management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially chronic low back pain (CLBP), has become a topical area of research. This is primarily because of a significant increase in the number of people seeking treatment for this condition (Clinical Standards Advisory Group, 1994) and a realization that the majority of common treatment options are unsuccessful (Barton, 2000; Clinical Standards Advisory Group, 1994; Evans & Richards, 1996). Specifically, the observation that physically and pathologically similar patients may react very differently to their condition has led to great interest in the cognitive and behavioral coping mechanisms such patients demonstrate. It was through the work of authors such as Lazarus and Folkman

'Relationships Mean Everything'; a Typology of Small-Business Relationship Strategies in a Reflexive Context

Abstract: This paper reports on empirical research that investigates the meaning of relationships to owner-managers of small firms, and how differences in meaning are implicated in the strategy of the firms. In-depth interviews with owner-managers yielded 36 usable transcripts. These were coded using a grounded theory approach and the narrative was analysed for differences in meaning. Five categories of orientation to relationships were grounded in the narratives with each firm appearing to have a dominant orientation both with customers and suppliers. A number of apparently common themes in the discourse on relationships, for example, trust, talk, expectations and service, were shown to be interpreted differently, consistent with the types of relationship strategy. We adopted the term strategy because relationships were shown to have a long-term and influential effect, mediated reflexively, on the trajectory of the business. The analysis illustrates the significance of social constructionism and reflexivity as explanatory theories, and therefore the centrality of the meaning of relationships to the strategic management of the firm. Relationships are conceptualized as the mechanism that links the firm to its environment and causal to the impact that change in the environment has on the firm.

Energy metabolism in Bardet-Biedl syndrome

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a consistent presenting feature of the Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS), a hereditary disorder caused by a single gene defect. This contrasts sharply with general obesity which, despite a strong hereditary component, has a multifactorial aetiology. For BBS, the phenotypic characterisation of the components of energy balance and the implications for their management remains relatively uninvestigated. OBJECTIVE: A case–control study to determine whether energy metabolism in subjects with BBS differs from matched obese controls and to inform the clinical management of these patients. METHODS: A total of 20 overweight and obese subjects with BBS (11 females, 9 males) matched for age, gender and BMI to 20 subjects without BBS. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, physical activity by CSA accelerometry, body composition by the deuterium dilution technique and dietary intake by 7-day food records. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between BBS and control subjects in body fat (male: % fat=38, s.d. 2.8 vs 34, s.d. 9.1, female: % fat=45, s.d. 5.9 vs 44, s.d. 8.1; P=0.46] or absolute RMR (male: 6.95, s.d. 1.55 MJ/day vs 7.19, s.d. 1.28 MJ/day; P=0.6). After adjustment for gender, age, fat-free mass and fat mass, there was no significant difference in RMR between BBS and control subjects (F(1, 30)=0.91; P=0.35). A lower level of physical activity was observed in BBS subjects (median cnts/min 259, IQR=153) compared to controls (median cnts/min=306, IQR=119, P=0.02). Reported energy intake, macronutrient composition and magnitude of under-reporting were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study reveals no evidence for systematic differences in energy metabolism in subjects with BBS relative to other obese individuals, suggesting that the genetic basis of BBS is not associated with specific abnormalities in energy metabolism. This is an important finding for clinical management and supports the use of energy prescriptions based on RMR for the general obese population plus an appropriate allowance for energy expended via physical activity. Further research is needed on physical activity in BBS.

What develops in visuo-spatial working memory development?

Abstract: The present studies examined the nature of visuo-spatial working memory development using conventional visual span and spatial span measures. Children aged between 6 and 13 years and adults aged 18-38 years were employed as participants. In Study 1, visual span, spatial span, articulation rate, and verbal fluency competencies were measured. In Study 2, visual span and spatial span maintenance was subject to five interference formats: nil, speech articulation, verbal fluency, visual masking, and spatial tapping. Distinct developmental rates were found for the two span tasks, which in the older children were correlated with the verbal fluency measure. Study 2 provided experimental evidence of the contribution of executive and spatial processes to spatial and to visual span maintenance. The results are interpreted as indicating that these memory span procedures make complex demands upon the visuo-spatial working memory architecture and consequently a precise identification of the process that actually develo...

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of ondansetron in renal itch.

Abstract: SummaryBackground Renal itch is a relatively common and distressing problem for patients with chronic renal failure. Ondansetron, a serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist was developed for relief of chemotherapy induced nausea. Recently, anecdotal reports describe relief of renal itch with ondansetron. Objectives We performed a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to objectively assess the effectiveness of ondansetron in renal itch. Patients and methods With approval from the local ethical committee, 24 patients on haemodialysis were enrolled in the trial. On a random basis 14 patients were blindly allocated to the ondansetron–placebo sequence and 10 to the placebo–ondansetron sequence. Baseline values for itch were obtained for 7 days before the treatment period and there was a 7-day washout between the treatment periods. During the treatment patients received either 8 mg of ondansetron three times a day or a placebo tablet three times a day for 2 weeks. Patients were asked to record the severity of their pruritus on a visual analogue scale (VAS) twice a day. At the end of the study patients were asked blindly which treatment they had preferred. Results Seventeen patients completed the trial. Pruritus decreased by 16% (95% CI: 0·5–32%) during active treatment and by 25% (95% CI: 9–41%) during treatment with placebo. The change in VAS scores during treatment with ondansetron (P = 0·04) and placebo (P = 0·01) were both significant. Eleven patients expressed a preference, seven for placebo and four for ondansetron. Conclusions Our results show that ondansetron is no better than placebo in controlling renal itch.

The National Integrity System: assessing corruption and reform

Abstract: This article builds on a Transparency International (TI)-sponsored research study funded by the Dutch Government into the National Integrity System (NIS) in practice. The NIS is a framework approach developed by TI that proposes assessing corruption and reform holistically. The NIS not only looks at separate institutions or separate areas of activity or separate rules and practices, but also bases its perspective on institutional and other inter-relationships, inter-dependence and combined effectiveness. The study involved 18 countries, using in-country researchers and an overview report. This article assesses the findings of the study to consider how the approach can work in practice, and what the approach can reveal about the causes and nature of corruption as well as the implications for reform. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Encouraging SME Participation in Training: Identifying Practical Approaches.

Abstract: This study was designed to provide insights into how barriers to small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) participation can be addressed by training providers by examining evidence from a training programme offered over a period of 21 months. Previous research findings identifying influences on SME participation in training have been used as an analytical framework to examine an experience of training design and delivery in practice. Discussion and analysis of project data within the framework above identifies support for some of the relationships between SME participation and these influences. SMEs have taken up the training, participation grew over time, and positive feedback was received. More respondents reported an intention to participate in future training than had taken part in prior training. It therefore seems that the approach taken has been successful in overcoming barriers to SME participation. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the findings for learning approaches that promote SME take up.

The potential of bacterial isolates for emulsification with a range of hydrocarbons

Abstract: A study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of biosurfactant producing and crude oil degrading bacteria in the oil contaminated environment. This research revealed that hydrocarbon contaminated sites are the potent sources for oil degraders. Among 32 oil degrading bacteria isolated from ten different oil contaminated sites of gasoline and diesel fuel stations, 80% exhibited biosurfactant production. The quantity and emulsification activity of the biosurfactants varied. Pseudomonas sp. DS10-129 produced a maximum of 7.5 +/- 0.4 g/l of biosurfactant with a corresponding reduction in surface tension from 68 mN/m to 29.4 +/- 0.7 mN/m at 84 h incubation. The isolates Micrococcus sp. GS2-22, Bacillus sp. DS6-86, Corynebacterium sp. GS5-66, Flavobacterium sp. DS5-73, Pseudomonas sp. DS10-129, Pseudomonas sp. DS9-119 and Acinetobacter sp. DS5-74 emulsified xylene, benzene, n-hexane, Bombay High crude oil, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel and olive oil. The first five of the above isolates had the highest emulsification activity and crude oil degradation ability and were selected for the preparation of a mixed bacterial consortium, which was also an efficient biosurfactant producing oil emulsifying and degrading culture. During this study, biosurfactant production and emulsification activity were detected in Moraxella sp., Flavobacterium sp. and in a mixed bacterial consortium, which have not been reported before.

The potential contribution of ICTs to the political process

Abstract: This paper discusses the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to help engage people in all parts of the political process: obtaining information, engaging in deliberation and participating in decision-making. It also discusses limitations or barriers to using ICTs in these ways. Despite these limitations ICTs are likely to be increasingly tried in the political process. It is therefore important that we educate our young people for participation in an e-enabled political process. The paper therefore reports on an educational project that demonstrated using ICTs in the political process and introduced some 13-14 year olds to citizenship and electronic democracy, concentrating on a local mayoral election. The responses of the participants raise interesting issues about how to use ICTs in education and the desirability, or otherwise, of electronic electioneering. The paper contributes to our understanding and experience of citizenship education, e-democracy and the use of ICTs in the political process.

Using on-line surveys to measure three key constructs of the quality of human-computer interaction in web sites: psychometric properties and implications

Abstract: On-line surveys are now an important tool for data collection on the World Wide Web (the Web). Determining the psychometric properties of key constructs such as disorientation, ease of use and flow is of paramount importance in establishing the quality of users' interactions with web sites. The current study used techniques of experimental research and on-line surveys to investigate the psychometric properties of existing instruments for measuring these constructs using two response formats: visual analogue scale and Likert scale. A 2 × 2 design with response format and orientation support as independent variables was used. Ninety participants carried out an information retrieval task using an experimental on-line shopping site before completing the scales. Factor analysis confirmed the existence of three distinct scales that possessed high reliability. Evidence for validity, and to a lesser extent, sensitivity, was found. Although psychometric results generally converged, some differences between the two response formats were found. A framework for the comprehensive investigation of response formats of on-line questionnaires is proposed as a basis for future research. Practical implications for the on-line measurement of the quality of users' interactions with web-based systems are discussed.

From evidence to best practice in the management of fractures of the distal radius in adults: working towards a research agenda

Abstract: Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. We report our work towards evidence-based and patient-centred care for adults with these injuries. We developed a systematic programme of research that built on our systematic review of the evidence of effectiveness of treatment interventions for these fractures. We devised schemata showing 'typical' care pathways and identified over 100 patient management questions. These depicted the more important decisions taken when progressing along each care pathway. We compiled a comprehensive document summarising the evidence available for each decision point from our reviews of randomised trials of treatment interventions. Using these documents, we undertook a formal and structured consultation process involving key players, including a patient representative, to obtain their views on the available evidence and to establish a research agenda. The resulting feedback was then processed and interpreted, using systematic methods. Some evidence from 114 randomised trials was available for 31 of the 117 patient management questions. However, there was sufficient evidence to base some conclusions of effectiveness for particular interventions in only five of these. Though only 60% of those approached responded, the responses received from the consultation group were often comprehensive and provided important insights into treatment practice and policy. There was a clear acceptance of the aims of the project and, aside from some suggestions for the more explicit inclusion of secondary prevention and management of complications, of the care pathways scheme. Though some respondents stressed that randomised trials were not always appropriate, there was no direct overall criticism of the evidence document and underlying processes. We were able to identify important core themes that underpin management decisions and research from the feedback of the consultation exercise. Overall, this project is an important advance towards evidence-based and patient-centred management of adults with distal radial fractures. It exposes the serious deficiency in the available evidence but also provides a template for further action. As well as being a valuable basis for viewing and informing current practice, the insights gained from this project should inform a future research agenda.

The representativeness heuristic in judgements involving entrepreneurial success and failure

Abstract: The representativeness heuristic generates a decision‐bias encouraging over‐estimation of the probability of low likelihood events when they are associated with strongly context representative propositions. An experimental investigation into decision making by final year business undergraduates demonstrates that this heuristic operates and consistently affects subjects’ judgement of the probability of probe details about an entrepreneur in the representativeness‐generating context of the future success or failure of a proposed venture by that entrepreneur. The results suggest that the representativeness heuristic could hinder the quality of managerial decision making, especially decisions involving investment in new ventures. Evidence is generated in favour of a specifically cognitive source for this bias as opposed to a semantic mechanism proposed by some workers. This study adds to the growing literature on the representativeness bias in managerial decision making but is believed to be the first to consider it in an entrepreneurial context.

A systematic review of protein and energy supplementation for hip fracture aftercare in older people.

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate whether protein and energy supplementation influences recovery after hip fracture. Design: Systematic review of randomised and quasi-randomised trials in people aged 65 y and over. Data sources: We searched seven electronic databases from 1966 to April 2002, four journals and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted trial investigators and experts for details of other trials. Main outcome measures: Mortality, complications and unfavourable outcome (mortality or survivors with complications) were the primary outcomes. We also sought data on length of hospital stay, functional status after hip fracture, quality of life and compliance with supplementation. Results: In total, 12 randomised trials involving 898 participants were included. Nine trials evaluated protein and energy supplementation (five oral and four nasogastric feeding), and a further three trials tested oral protein supplementation. Potential biases resulting from inadequate allocation concealment and lack of assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis, as well as the limited outcome data, mean that the results must be interpreted with caution. Pooled data from eight of the nine trials evaluating protein and energy supplements showed no evidence for an effect on mortality (relative risk 0.92, 95% CI 0.56–1.50). Limited data from only three trials showed that oral protein and energy supplements may reduce unfavourable outcome (relative risk 0.52, 95% CI 0.32–0.84). Conclusion: Based on limited evidence, oral protein and energy supplementation after hip fracture may reduce unfavourable outcome. Further evidence from good-quality randomised trials is required to inform clinical practice. Sponsorship: Medical Research Council, Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Executive Health Department.