University of Lincoln

About: University of Lincoln is a education organization based out in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2341 authors who have published 7025 publications receiving 124797 citations.

Stereotypic behaviour in the stabled horse: causes, effects and prevention without compromising horse welfare.

Abstract: Apparently functionless, repetitive behaviour in horses, such as weaving or crib-biting has been difficult to explain for behavioural scientists, horse owners and veterinarians alike. Traditionally activities such as these have been classed amongst the broad descriptor of undesirable stable vices and treatment has centred on prevention of the behaviours per se rather than addressing their underlying causes. In contrast, welfare scientists have described such activities as apparently abnormal stereotypics, claiming they are indicative of poor welfare, citing negative emotions such as boredom, frustration or aversion in the stable environment and even suggesting prevention of the activities alone can lead to increased distress. Our understanding of equine stereotypics has advanced significantly in recent years with epidemiological, developmental and experimental studies identifying those factors closely associated with the performance of stereotypics in stabled horses. These have allowed the development of new treatments based on removing the causal factors, improving the horses’ social and nutritional environment, re-training of horses and their owners and redirection of the activities to less harmful forms. Repetitive activities conventionally seen as undesirable responses to the stable environment, their causal basis and the effectiveness of different approaches to treatment are discussed, both in terms of reducing the behaviour and improving the horse’s quality of life.

Automated driving and autonomous functions on road vehicles

Abstract: In recent years, road vehicle automation has become an important and popular topic for research and development in both academic and industrial spheres New developments have received extensive coverage in the popular press, and it may be said that the topic has captured the public imagination Indeed, the topic has generated interest across a wide range of academic, industry and governmental communities, well beyond vehicle engineering; these include computer science, transportation, urban planning, legal, social science and psychology While this follows a similar surge of interest - and subsequent hiatus - of Automated Highway Systems in the 1990s, the current level of interest is substantially greater, and current expectations are high It is common to frame the new technologies under the banner of self-driving cars - robotic systems potentially taking over the entire role of the human driver, a capability that does not fully exist at present However, this single vision leads one to ignore the existing range of automated systems that are both feasible and useful Recent developments are underpinned by substantial and long-term trends in computerisation of the automobile, with developments in sensors, actuators and control technologies to spur the new developments in both industry and academia In this paper, we review the evolution of the intelligent vehicle and the supporting technologies with a focus on the progress and key challenges for vehicle system dynamics A number of relevant themes around driving automation are explored in this article, with special focus on those most relevant to the underlying vehicle system dynamics One conclusion is that increased precision is needed in sensing and controlling vehicle motions, a trend that can mimic that of the aerospace industry, and similarly benefit from increased use of redundant by-wire actuators

Structuring qualitative enquiry in management and organization research:a dialogue on the merits of using software for qualitative data analysis

Abstract: Purpose – To explore the cases for and against the use of computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) in qualitative organisation and management research.Design/methodology/approach – Reflecting the debate inherent in the questions raised about the use of CAQDAS, a dialogue between the authors is used.Findings – There are risks associated with using CAQDAS without considering its underpinning principles and assumptions about data analysis. If these are considered explicitly as part of a research methodology, then CAQDAS may be a valuable analytical tool. If not, there is risk of distortion and bias in results from the use of CAQDAS.Originality/value – The paper addresses a commonly posed question for qualitative researchers, in a format and structure that is likely to stimulate further debate.

Distributed Leadership in Colleges: Leading or Misleading?

Abstract: This article on leadership in the English learning and skills sector is a development of a keynote paper presented at the BELMAS 2002 conference and forms a pair with the companion article on schoo...