Showing papers by "University of Huddersfield published in 2000"
TL;DR: In this paper, the crucial role of private sector social entrepreneurship in the context of a state welfare system stretched beyond its means is considered, and a number of key points from relevant research projects, reflecting upon current developments and initiatives are discussed.
Abstract: Considers the crucial role of private sector social entrepreneurship in the context of a state welfare system stretched beyond its means. Defines social entrepreneurship, recounts a number of key points from relevant research projects, reflects upon current developments and initiatives, describes a number of cases and uses these to draw a set of tentative conclusions about social entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurship in the context of the current government’s aim of fostering rapid growth in the sector. Concludes that while such growth is highly desirable, a number of hurdles have to be overcome.
694 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the nature of the discipline of social work and argue that perhaps its central and unique characteristic is the way theory and practice are closely interrelated, and suggest it is important to locate social work in its particular social, political and historical contexts and to identify some of the key factors which have influenced not only its development but its forms.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of the discipline of social work and to argue that perhaps its central and unique characteristic is the way theory and practice are closely interrelated. In doing so it suggests it is important to locate social work in its particular social, political and historical contexts and to identify some of the key factors which have influenced not only its development but its forms. Social work is identified as being essentially ambiguous, complex and uncertain such that its major strengths are in terms of its ability to improve dialogue, understanding and interpretation, rather than simply be concerned with legislating and acting with authority. In this sense it has the potential to make a significant contribution to the contemporary social sciences more generally.
243 citations
TL;DR: The concept of supply chain design and management has come to the fore owing to the everincreasing complexity of the systems driving buyer-supplier relations in both industrial and consumer-based markets.
Abstract: The concepts of supply‐chain design and management have come to the fore, owing to the ever‐increasing complexity of the systems driving buyer‐supplier relations in both industrial and consumer‐based markets. The unprecedented levels of supply‐chain management complexity are partly attributed to the Internet, through its more recent business acceptance and commercial use. Deals with new competitive challenges being realised from the unprecedented speed of growth of the Internet and building commercially‐viable supply chains to meet the challenges faced by emerging virtual organisations.
161 citations
TL;DR: Because osteopathic manipulation produced a 12-month outcome that was equivalent to chemonucleolysis, it can be considered as an option for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, at least in the absence of clear indications for surgery.
Abstract: This single-blind randomised clinical trial compared osteopathic manipulative treatment with chemonucleolysis (used as a control of known efficacy) for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Forty patients with sciatica due to this diagnosis (confirmed by imaging) were treated either by chemonucleolysis or manipulation. Outcomes (leg pain, back pain and self-reported disability) were measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 months. The mean values for all outcomes improved in both groups. By 12 months, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome between the treatments, but manipulation produced a statistically significant greater improvement for back pain and disability in the first few weeks. A similar number from both groups required additional orthopaedic intervention; there were no serious complications. Crude cost analysis suggested an overall financial advantage from manipulation. Because osteopathic manipulation produced a 12-month outcome that was equivalent to chemonucleolysis, it can be considered as an option for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, at least in the absence of clear indications for surgery. Further study into the value of manipulation at a more acute stage is warranted.
135 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors make a contribution to that body of knowledge by studying the policies and procedures of a sample of banks which have signed a statement on banking and the environment promulgated by the United Nations Development Programme.
Abstract: Codes of conduct are a conspicuous feature of modern business organization, but doubts have been raised regarding their efficacy in ensuring high standards of behavior Although some of the issues involved have been discussed at some length in the business ethics literature, the amount of systematic empirical evidence on the impact of codes is very limited This paper seeks to make a contribution to that body of knowledge by studying the policies and procedures of a sample of banks which have signed a statement on banking and the environment promulgated by the United Nations Development Programme Although some differences are found when compared with a sample of banks which did not sign the Statement, they are not extensive The implications of the findings, for codes of conduct and for future empirical studies, are then discussed
134 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an exploration of the environmental impact of ancient metal mining and smelting in southern Jordan is presented, with an emphasis on the role of the Roman Empire in this process.
113 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, changes in the macroinvertebrate community in response to flow variations in the Little Stour River, Kent, UK, were examined over a 6-year period (1992-1997).
Abstract: Changes in the macroinvertebrate community in response to flow variations in the Little Stour River, Kent, UK, were examined over a 6 year period (1992-1997). This period included the final year of the 1988-1992 drought, followed by some of the wettest conditions recorded this century and a second period of drought between 1996 and 1997. Each year, samples were collected from 15 sites during late-summer base-flow conditions. Correspondence analysis identified clear differences between samples from upstream and downstream sites, and between drought and non-drought years. Step-wise multiple regression was used to identify hydrological indicators of community variation. Several different indices were used to describe the macroinvertebrate community, including macroinvertebrate community abundance, number of families and species, and individual species. Site characteristics were fundamental in accounting for variation in the unstandardized macroinvertebrate community. However, when differences between sites were controlled, hydrological conditions were found to play a dominant role in explaining ecological variation. Indices of high discharge (or their absence), 4-7 months prior to sampling (i.e. winter-spring), were found to be the most important variables for describing the late-summer community. The results are discussed in relation to the role of flow variability in shaping instream communities and management implications.
108 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an exploratory investigation of the travel motivations of gay and lesbian tourists is conducted based on in-depth interviews and focus groups, which investigates the interrelationships between sexuality, tourism behaviour and tourism spaces.
Abstract: This paper is an exploratory investigation of the travel motivations of gay and lesbian tourists. Based on in-depth interviews and focus groups, it investigates the interrelationships between sexuality, tourism behaviour and tourism spaces. Given that public space is controlled and heterosexualized, the paper suggests that whilst gay and lesbian people are motivated to travel for a range of reasons, such is the power of the dominant heterosexual milieu that their sexuality has a critical impact on their tourism choices. The need for safety, to feel comfortable with like-minded people, and to escape from heterosexism – often to specifically gay spaces – emerge as key influences on their choice of holiday.
103 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of the qualitative research reported in this paper was to identify any gaps in nursing services for acutely sick children and their families following discharge and to suggest ways to improve integration and communication between hospital and primary care to facilitate a 'seamless web of care' for families.
Abstract: Weaving the seamless web of care: an analysis of parents’ perceptions of their needs following discharge of their child from hospital
Changes in children’s nursing services in the United Kingdom in recent years have focused on the need for adequate and efficient services to be provided in the interests of the child. Early discharge is now the norm and children are often sent home in an earlier recovery stage than adults with comparable conditions. Whilst the contributions of paediatric community nursing services have gone some way to providing specialist nursing care for children and their families in their own homes, the majority of children are discharged home without such support being available. This may place an overwhelming responsibility of caring for a recovering child onto parents. The purpose of the qualitative research reported in this paper was to identify any gaps in nursing services for acutely sick children and their families following discharge, and to suggest ways to improve integration and communication between hospital and primary care to facilitate a ‘seamless web of care’ for families. Families were surveyed following discharge (n=164) and interviews carried out with those experiencing problems (n=20). General practitioners were also surveyed for their opinion as key contributors of primary care. Findings revealed the isolation felt by parents following discharge, with their need for information about a child’s illness and expected recovery, and for reassurance and specific advice through some means of support, which was clearly not being met. The perceived benefit of continuity of care was a common theme, with both parents and professionals acknowledging the importance of closer liaison between hospital and primary health care services. This study is valuable in providing preliminary qualitative information regarding the gaps in children’s nursing services and how these can be overcome by using our present resources more imaginatively, in order to ensure the delivery of cost-effective and quality health care services in the best interests of local need.
100 citations
TL;DR: Overall, the relative performance of the beds was similar, but some significant differences were found, and bacterial removal efficiency was strongly, negatively correlated with the flow rate of effluent through the system and, at times of high flow, beds were often relatively inefficient in removing both indicator organisms.
89 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The paper provides an insight into the changing nature of the learning process through the adoption of interactive new media solutions into a traditional University Campus through the use of software from Blackboard Inc.
Abstract: The paper provides an insight into the changing nature of the learning process through the adoption of interactive new media solutions into a traditional University Campus. The use of software from Blackboard Inc. has provided the foundations for building both a complex and dynamic learning community at Huddersfield University Business School. The specific focus of the research project is on student adoption and utilisation of a Web-based learning perspectives.
TL;DR: In this paper, a lifting wavelet representation for extraction of different components of a surface is proposed and a fast algorithm is developed to extract different frequency components of the surface and then reconstruct them according to the intended requirements of functional analysis.
Abstract: This paper reviews the existing numerical analysis methods and their problems in surface metrology. Based on the requirements of functional analysis of surfaces, this paper proposes a lifting wavelet representation for extraction of different components of a surface. The theory of the lifting wavelet is introduced and a fast algorithm is developed. Different frequency components of the surface can be separated, extracted and then reconstructed according the intended requirements of functional analysis. The surface textures can be highlighted and multi-scalar topographical features can be identified and clearly recovered. In order to verify the behaviour of the new model, a computer simulation based on sinusoidal and triangular waveforms is used. Case studies are conducted using a series of typical surfaces of engineering and bioengineering, such as planes, cylinders and curves, measured by contact (stylus) and non-contact (phase-shifting interferometry) instruments, to demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of using the lifting wavelet model in the analysis of these surfaces.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was suggested that the mechanism may involve unimolecular ring opening to generate a sulfonylium ion, and the Brnsted lg value for the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-benzyl-sultams is 0.60, compatible with rate-limiting formation of the trigonal bipyramidal intermediate (TBPI).
Abstract: -Sultams show extraordinary rate enhancements of 109- and 107-fold, respectively, compared with the acid- and base-catalyzed hydrolysis of corresponding acyclic sulfonamides. They are about 103-fold more reactive than analogous -lactams. The alkaline hydrolysis of some -sultams shows a rate term that is second-order in hydroxide ion concentration, which is indicative of a stepwise mechanism involving a trigonal bipyramidal intermediate (TBPI). The Brnsted lg value for the alkaline hydrolysis of N-aryl--sultams is -0.58 and the kinetic solvent isotope effect / is 0.60, compatible with rate-limiting formation of the TBPI. Conversely, / for N-alkyl--sultams is 1.55, indicative of rate-limiting breakdown of the TBPI. The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of -sultams is strongly retarded by electron-withdrawing groups to the sulfonyl group, and it is suggested that the mechanism may involve unimolecular ring opening to generate a sulfonylium ion. The Brnsted lg value for the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-benzyl--sultams is 0.32. The general-acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-benzyl--sultam by carboxylic acids shows a Brnsted value of 0.67 and is attributed to a specific acid-nucleophilic mechanism with the formation of a mixed-anhydride intermediate.
TL;DR: The EPSRC-funded work covered by this paper is aimed at developing novel planning and scheduling reference models for industrial sectors where the MRPII paradigm is not a good fit.
Abstract: The key focus in the 1990s for manufacturers of capital equipment and high-value goods has been to optimize their responsiveness to customer requirements without compromising the performance of their products. Important elements which underpin such agility must be the information links to the customer and the interfaces to key suppliers. The extended lead-time for engineer-to-order (ETO) products typically requires a review of the whole order fulfilment process and the software systems that support this to improve responsiveness. Research shows that a key factor for manufacturing responsiveness is the performance of the firm's manufacturing control function. Whilst there is a wide range of generic proprietary software available that meets a company's planning and scheduling requirements with varying degrees of success, the main difficulty lies in understanding the match between the business needs and the capabilities of the software. This is a particular problem for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) whi...
TL;DR: In this paper, phosphorus-containing flame retardants, including some intumescents, have been formulated with selected resins and applied as back-coatings to both cotton and cotton-polyester (35:65) blended fabrics.
Abstract: Selected phosphorus-containing flame retardants, including some intumescents, have been formulated with selected resins and applied as back-coatings to both cotton and cotton-polyester (35:65) blended fabrics. While all formulations raise the limiting oxygen index, only those based on ammonium polyphosphate and a cyclic phosphonate enable samples to pass a small-scale version of the simulated match test, BS5852: 1979, Source 1. As expected, the back-coatings containing intumescents promoted higher levels of char formation, but these did not reflect in their performance to the match test where most incurred failures.
Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that the more effective flame retardants as exemplified by ammonium polyphosphate, are those which liquefy by melting and/or decomposition well below 300 °C. It is proposed that this enables wetting by these products of the back face of the fabric and their diffusion to the front face where, as the temperature rises towards 300 °C, char formation occurs before ignition of surface fibres can take place.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the reasons for parenthood among couples expecting a baby, couples presenting for treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and couples presented for donor insemination (DI).
Abstract: This study investigates the reasons for parenthood among couples expecting a baby, couples presenting for treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and couples presenting for donor insemination (DI). Rank scores of the reasons for parenthood were compared between the three groups, and only two differences were discerned. First, DI couples ranked 'make us a family' significantly higher than the expectant couples but not IVF couples. Second, DI couples also ranked give a child a 'good home' significantly higher than the expectant couples but not IVF couples. A modified form of network analysis using face - to - face interviews was also conducted. All three networks showed a core group of highly endorsed reasons that were centred on the need to 'give love', 'receive love' and 'become a family'. However, the DI network was the most complex, and it is suggested that this may be due to the greater perceived stigma of donor insemination. Differences and similarities between the three groups and the implications ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a local six-electrode conductivity probe was used to measure the volume fraction and axial velocity in vertical upward and upward inclined solids-water flows.
Abstract: This paper describes the design and construction of a local six-electrode conductivity probe which can be used in solids-water pipe flows to simultaneously measure the local solids volume fraction and the local solids axial velocity. Using finite element analysis, the probe electrode geometry was designed so that the regions of the solids-water mixture that were interrogated by the probe were optimal for measurement of the volume fraction and for cross correlation velocity measurement. The probe was used, in conjunction with a computer controlled traversing mechanism, to obtain distributions of the local solids volume fraction and the local solids axial velocity both in vertical upward and in upward inclined solids-water flows. Such distributions can be used to validate volume fraction and velocity profiles obtained using dual-plane electrical resistance tomography systems. Experimental results indicated that the six-electrode probe can be used to estimate the local solids volume fraction in vertical upward solids-water flows with a mean absolute error of approximately 0.01. Experimental results also indicated that the six-electrode probe can be used to measure the local axial solids velocity with a mean error of 2% of the reading.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that we need to be able to develop entrepreneurship within the context of marketing, and marketing within the contexts of entrepreneurship in order that we are able to understand fully that most common of business forms -the small firm.
Abstract: Given the world wide predominance of the small to medium sized enterprise (SME) we should consider whether we need to segment and target our marketing knowledge, practice and attitudes towards this business type. It is argued that we need to be able to develop entrepreneurship within the context of marketing, and marketing within the context of entrepreneurship in order that we are able to understand fully that most common of business forms – the small firm. This implies that we should consider how much of our existing marketing knowledge is appropriate to the SME and how much needs to be rethought and adapted. The body of work by colleagues in what could be described as the “marketing entrepreneurship interface” demonstrates both appropriate concerns and potential solutions. As such it represents a solid start to a debate in which we hope that many of our marketing colleagues will join.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the problem posed by the need to build policy coherence across the levels of government but with a focus on the strategic role of the centre in the hollow state, and consider the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) as an example of a structure, the taskforce, designed to meet the demands of coherence-building.
Abstract: This article considers the problem posed by the need to build policy coherence across the levels of government but with a focus on the strategic role of the centre in the hollow state. It considers the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) as an example of a structure, the taskforce, designed to meet the demands of coherence-building. It concludes that, far from the centre being hollowed out, resulting in a permanent loss of capacity, there is a growing emphasis in the core executive on strategic co-ordination and the emergence of institutions such as the SEU indicate a counter-tendency to hollowing out: filling in.
TL;DR: In this article, Ramaman spectroscopy has been applied to the determination of molecular structural features in sulfonated polystyrene resins, and the ability to undertake analysis of these resins in the hydrated state, with various amounts of water being present in the resins.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the hydrological behaviour of an undisturbed rainforest system on steep topography in the Temburong District of Brunei, north-west Borneo, and concluded that the most distinctive feature of the hydrology of this steepland rainforest is the extremely "flashy" nature of the catchment runoff regime produced by the combination of thin but very permeable regolith on steep slopes.
Abstract: Many remaining areas of tropical rainforest in south-east Asia are located on landscapes dominated by deep valleys and very steep slopes. Now that logging activities are extending into these steeplands, it is essential to understand how the natural rainforest system behaves if any kind of realistic assessment of the effects of such disturbance is to be made. This paper examines the hydrological behaviour of an undisturbed rainforest system on steep topography in the Temburong District of Brunei, north-west Borneo. The physical and hydrological properties of the regolith material are generally typical of tropical residual soils. The regolith has a clay texture and a low dry bulk density beneath a superficial litter/organic horizon. The infiltration capacity of the surface soil was several hundred mm h−1. That of the exposed mineral subsoil was an order of magnitude less, similar to the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of around 180 mm h−1 at a depth of 150 cm. There was no indication that Ksat reduced with depth except very near the bedrock interface.
Soil tensions were measured using a two-dimensional array of tensiometers on a 30° slope. During dry season conditions, infiltrating rain-water contributes to soil moisture, and drying of the soil is dominated by transpiration losses. During wet season conditions, perched water tables quickly develop during heavy rainfall, giving rise to the rapid production of return flow in ephemeral channels. No infiltration excess or saturation overland flow was observed on hillslopes away from channel margins. Subsurface storm flow combined with return flow produce stream flow hydrographs with high peak discharges and very short lag times. Storm event runoff coefficients are estimated to be as high as 40%. It is concluded that the most distinctive feature of the hydrology of this ‘steepland rainforest’ is the extremely ‘flashy’ nature of the catchment runoff regime produced by the combination of thin but very permeable regolith on steep slopes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and discuss some of these ethical issues and assesses their implications for the internalisation of trade, the design of transfer pricing systems, and international tax rules.
Abstract: The pursuit of economic opportunity has frequently put transnational manufacturing enterprises in the spotlight, accused of contributing to, if not causing, economic hardship, social deprivation, unsustainable growth, labour exploitation, resource plundering and ecological degradation in home and host countries. A substantial part of international trade now consists of intra-firm sales, or commercial transactions between units of the same business corporation, within or beyond the national borders of the parent company. Known as transfer pricing and viewed as a legitimate business opportunity by transnational corporations, it is often used to misrepresent financial success and evade taxation. This has recently instigated many fiscal agencies and governments to take more draconian measures than ever before to protect national financial interests. However, while the fiscal legality of transfer pricing practices is now carefully scrutinized, the heightened interest in its tax aspects has neglected the considerable ethical issues it entails. Unethical transfer pricing behaviour consumes scarce resources, causes costs but does not create value. This paper identifies and discusses some of these ethical issues and assesses their implications for the internalisation of trade, the design of transfer pricing systems, and international tax rules. Opportunities for future research are also outlined.
TL;DR: A range of N-substituted isoindolin-1-ones was prepared and their potential as novel antimicrobial agents was investigated, and MIC values for active compounds were determined and reported.
TL;DR: The use of platinum complexes as catalysts for allylic substitution has been studied and the development of a highly enantioselective reaction that makes use of chiral diphenylphosphinooxazoline ligands (abbreviated as (S)-PN) is also described.
Abstract: Platinum complexes of phosphino-oxazoline ligands catalyse allylic alkylations with good yields and enantioselectivity (see diagram), but show interesting differences compared to similar palladium complexes. Highly regioselective alkylation of mono(alkyl)-substituted allylic acetates is observed when Cy3P is used as ligand.
TL;DR: In this article, the macroinvertebrate community within the interconnected Peak-Speedwell cave system in the English Peak District was examined over a 2-year period, and the communities found in the surface streams which supply recharge to the Speedwell Cavern stream, and communities in the three springs which discharge water from the cave system, were also examined.
Abstract: 1. The freshwater ecology of cave ecosystems has been poorly studied when compared with surface (epigean) systems. Most subterranean communities are typified by low abundance and low diversity of fauna due to the absence of primary production and other readily available organic carbon sources.
2. The macroinvertebrate community within the inter-connected Peak–Speedwell cave system in the English Peak District was examined over a 2-year period. The communities found in the surface streams which supply recharge to the Speedwell Cavern stream, and the communities in the three springs which discharge water from the cave system, were also examined.
3. Changes in the community were strongly associated with seasonal variations and natural hydrological variability. Spatial patterns within the caves reflect differences in water sources (sinking streams or percolation water) and in the ability of the organisms to survive and move through subterranean environments.
4. The majority of taxa recorded within the caves were also found at the surface either in the sinking streams or in the springs.
5. Threats to cave geo-ecosystems, including quarrying, agriculture, waste disposal, groundwater abstraction and tourism/recreation, are examined and discussed in relation to the management and conservation of subterranean environments.
Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, a linear ramp cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electroactivity of Zeneca products and filtration solvents using platinum microelectrodes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the contribution of land-use planning to the objectives of local sustainable development in some of the UK's most urbanized areas and speculates upon the lessons they may offer to the government's more recent proposals on modernizing local government.
Abstract: This paper assesses the contribution of land-use planning to the objectives of local sustainable development in some of the UK's most urbanized areas. Sustainable development provides the context within which local planning policies are now being prepared, and can be seen to be a potentially important aspect of central government's proposals for modernizing local government. Using the results from a comprehensive survey of development plans in metropolitan authorities, the paper assesses both the strengths and the weaknesses of land-use planning in terms of sustainable development and speculates upon the lessons they may offer to the government's more recent proposals on modernizing local government.
TL;DR: In this paper, the design of aerostatic bearings for use within machines requiring nanometre precise translation or rotation is discussed, and the major design parameters which affect aerostastic bearing performance are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 1,4-addition of ZnEt2 to 2-cyclohexenone proceeds in up to 77% e.g. with the same ligand family.
TL;DR: In this article, β-Lactam antibiotics display a range of biological activities and the origin of this diverse biological activity is discussed with reference to the chemical reactivity of the small ring system.