Future of the music industries: Empowering the DIY artist through ICTs. A Habermasian view

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of the digital culture on the music industry through an analysis of official and unofficial websites, media reports and discussions with musicians. Research Design - A critical social theory approach is adopted to examine structures and processes related to communication between artists, fans, the media, as well as commercial and independent labels. We draw upon Habermas’ theory using the concept of ‘communicative action’ to inform an analysis of three vignettes or short case studies. Findings - At first glance it would appear that technology has brought about greater opportunities for independent musicians to communicate, network, promote and distribute, which previously could not be widely published, and to organise against the commercial power of major labels (Majors). Limitations of the study - In many spheres of the music industries this “empowerment” does not appear to be realised. For example, previous studies have shown that the domination of the Majors continues to impact on local music scenes to restrict and ultimately prevent the creative ideal deliver a situation that is necessary to empower independent musicians. Current media manipulation and corporate interests restrict and alienate independent musicians who often have more of an intellectual ownership and culture within their local music communities. Practical Implications - Although steps to enable improved visibility and cooperation have been made we are still a long way off musicians having a powerful enough voice to organise against the commercial power of the large labels and media conglomerates (e.g. Apple i-Tunes). The ideal speech situation remains elusive and the hegemonic state remains unchallenged. Social Implications - Music continues to be commodified and fans are increasingly constructed as “consumers”; the ultimate power remains in mass media and broadcasting rather than independent “narrowcast” and DIY artistry. Originality/value – This paper extends debate on the impact of the developing “digital culture” focusing on independent musicians and the music industries. It raises issues for further research in this area

The child, the family and the GP: tensions and conflicts of interest for GPs in safeguarding children May 2006-October 2008 Executive summary May 2009 and Research Brief March 2010

This Executive Summary and Research Brief provide an overview of a research project (full report available on the repository) exploring the key role identified for GPs in safeguarding children. The initial focus of this research was to investigate potential ‘conflicts of interest’ where parents and children were both patients of the GP and to identify strategies for managing these conflicts. In response to initial feedback from the piloting of research tools, the focus of the research was broadened to explore and understand the range of conflicts, interests and tensions that might constrain the participation and engagement of GPs in safeguarding children and child protection processes, and the complexity of relationships between GPs, parents and children, and other professionals. A summary of the study methods, strengths and limitations and key findings is provided, together with messages for policy, research and practice

Public opinion and nuclear power : a West Cumbrian case study

This work investigates the factors which might influence public opinion regarding the nuclear power industry, and the accuracy of existing theories about that opinion. West Cumbrian opinion is of particular interest, because the area has the highest concentration of the nuclear power industry in the UK, and might thereby represent a potentially 'nuclear-friendly' area which would contrast with the increasing scepticism reported in the rest of the country, and indeed across much of the industrialised world. The factors which may influence public opinion are analyzed in three ways. Firstly, historical factors are presented in an account of the development of the nuclear power industry. Next, the socio-economic situation and traditions of West Cumbria are examined, in order to assess particular local influences on public opinion. Thirdly, the public relations methods of important local and national groups are examined in the light of public relations theories, in order to assess the ability of such groups to influence public opinion (a new avenue of research related to nuclear power). In order to discover the state of West Cumbrian opinion in 1994, and to assess the impact of the above factors upon that opinion, a survey was conducted using a representative sample of the population of Cockermouth, chosen as a typical Cumbrian town. The scope of questions employed in previous studies was broadened to analyze attitudes towards antinuclear groups as well as towards the industry. Great attention was paid to the methodology of the new survey, the findings of which were analyzed in the light of a comparative analysis of existing research and theories related to West Cumbrian opinion. Local opinion was contrasted with that of a national 'public' consisting of political, environmental and energy orientated organizations. This study confirmed some previously held ideas about public opinion, but also found several differences which suggest flaws in the methodology of previous research. One very important finding was that it is important not to overstate the existence of controversy surrounding the nuclear industry in West Cumbria. Overall, the West Cumbrian population appeared to be relatively nuclear friendly, but not as strongly pro-nuclear as might have been thought. A surprisingly large number of people displayed a lack of knowledge about the subject, and many showed feelings of apathy and alienation. Nuclear power and coal were found to be controversial choices of fuel supply. Wind power received more support and less opposition. Environmental groups were seen to perform a watchdog role, for which they were welcomed in West Cumbria by more people than supported the presence of either BNFL or NIREX. Levels of pOlitical activity amongst local people were low. The particular socio-economic situation in West Cumbria appeared to have had an impact upon local opinion. Support extended to the local industry, and to BNFL in particular, far more than it did to the nuclear industry in general. The insular aspect of West Cumbrian culture has affected attitudes towards those groups perceived as 'outsiders', including the national media and environmental groups. It has also affected attitudes to the industry where public relations campaigns have been targeted at a national rather than a specifically West Cumbrian audience

Invited Panel: Evidence Based Practice (EBP) – The Problem and Challenges, The Need within IS research and practice, Open Access Publishing.

Launch of the ‘Journal for Evidence Based Information Systems’ (EBIS): An open access journal for IS researchers and practitioners – An independent journal in association with the UKAI

A strong sense of coherence associated with reduced risk of anxiety disorder among women in disadvantaged circumstances: British population study.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients receiving medical treatment for anxiety relapse or do not improve. Research has therefore been turning to coping mechanisms as a way to decrease anxiety rates. Previously, we showed that living in a deprived area significantly increases the risk of anxiety in women, but not in men. The objective of this study is to assess whether sense of coherence (coping mechanism) buffers the influence of area deprivation on women's risk of generalised anxiety disorder using data from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk. DESIGN: Large, population study. SETTING: UK population-based cohort. PARTICIPANTS: 30 445 people over the age of 40 years were recruited through general practice registers in England. Of these, 20 919 completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire used to assess generalised anxiety disorder and sense of coherence. Area deprivation was measured using 1991 Census data, and sense of coherence and anxiety were examined in 1996-2000. 10 183 women had data on all variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Past-year generalised anxiety disorder defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition. RESULTS: In this study, 2.6% (260/10 183) of women had generalised anxiety disorder. In those with a strong sense of coherence, area deprivation was not significantly associated with anxiety (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.17). However, among women with a weak sense of coherence, those living in deprived areas were almost twice as likely to have generalised anxiety disorder compared with those living in more affluent areas (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.91). CONCLUSION: The number of women living in deprived conditions is large worldwide, and significant numbers are affected by generalised anxiety disorder. Sense of coherence moderates the association between area deprivation and anxiety in women; therefore, interventions targeting coping mechanisms may need to be considered for people with anxiety

Lancashire BME Network Evaluation Report for the Energy Redress Scheme Energy 360 Project, Aug 2020 – Feb 2022

During the period February-March 2023, the Global Race Centre for Equality (GRACE), University of Central Lancashire and onEvidence Ltd, conducted an end-of-cycle evaluation of the Energy 360 Project. This project was funded by the Energy Redress Scheme (Phase 1, Round 6), in the amount of £439,313.20, and was implemented by LBN from August 2020 to February 2022 in Pennine Lancashire. The evaluation, commissioned and funded by LBN, reviewed the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of project implementation and, specifically, documents its outcomes in relation to its objectives. In addition, best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of the project were identified, which can be used when designing similar interventions in the future. A mixed methodology was employed for this evaluation which covered the implementation of the project and comprised the following tools: (a) a desk study, (b) a stakeholder analysis, and (c) semi-structured interviews with programme managers and delivery partners. Findings and conclusions The main findings and conclusions presented in this report are divided into sections related to the evaluation criteria and key questions. Relevance Generally, the project was highly relevant to the target beneficiaries’ needs throughout its implementation. Its alignment with the LBN programmes of work was high, as well as with the core priority of the Energy Redress Scheme with regard to “helping people who are most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills”. Effectiveness Despite major adjustments to the implementation plan, the project was effective in the delivery of the main outputs and activities, while services were extended to more beneficiaries than originally planned. Efficiency Project implementation suffered delays due to external factors, which affected the technical and financial execution. However, resources were used in an efficient manner, with the delivery of services and activities being guided by LBN know-how and high standards of quality. Best practices and lessons learned The evaluation identified best practices that are linked to the adaptive approach taken by the project, the good use of the flexibility provided by the Energy Redress Scheme, and the ability of LBN to seize opportunities to add value. The evaluation also revealed some lessons learned that could be useful for the following purposes: (a) more tactical and in-depth work with beneficiaries; and (b) the optimal utilisation of LBN senior staff. Recommendations There are 4 recommendations arising from this evaluation that respond to the main findings, conclusions and lessons learned, which are organised by evaluation criteria. These recommendations relate to: (1) the selection of beneficiaries; (2) monitoring and evaluation frameworks; and (3) project design and contract negotiation with partner organisations

Sleep duration and risk of fatal and nonfatal stroke: a prospective study and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between sleep duration and stroke incidence in a British population and to synthesize our findings with published results through a meta-analysis. METHODS: The prospective study included 9,692 stroke-free participants aged 42-81 years from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk cohort. Participants reported sleep duration in 1998-2000 and 2002-2004, and all stroke cases were recorded until March 31, 2009. For the meta-analysis, we searched Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for prospective studies published until May 2014, and pooled effect estimates using a weighted random-effect model. RESULTS: After 9.5 years of follow-up, 346 cases of stroke occurred. Long sleep was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08, 1.98]) after adjustment for all covariates. The association remained robust among those without preexisting diseases and those who reported sleeping well. The association for short sleep was smaller (and not statistically significant) (HR = 1.18 [95% CI 0.91, 1.53]). There was a higher stroke risk among those who reported persistently long sleep or a substantial increase in sleep duration over time, compared to those reporting persistently average sleep. These were compatible with the pooled HRs from an updated meta-analysis, which were 1.15 (1.07, 1.24) and 1.45 (1.30, 1.62) for short and long sleep duration, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study and meta-analysis identified prolonged sleep as a potentially useful marker of increased future stroke risk in an apparently healthy aging population.The design and conduct of the EPIC-Norfolk study was supported by program grants from the Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom (grants G9502233 and G1000143) and Cancer Research UK (grants SP2024/0204 and C864/A14136). Ms. Leng is supported by Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trusts. Prof. Cappuccio leads the Sleep Health & Society Programme at the University of Warwick supported, in part, by the University of Warwick RDF and IAS. It has received funding by the NHS National Workforce Projects and the Economic & Social Research Council (ES/K002910/1).This is the final published version. It first appeared at http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2015/02/25/WNL.0000000000001371.short

Sleep duration and risk of fatal and nonfatal stroke : a prospective study and meta-analysis

Objective: To study the association between sleep duration and stroke incidence in a British population and to synthesize our findings with published results through a meta-analysis. Methods: The prospective study included 9,692 stroke-free participants aged 42-81 years from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk cohort. Participants reported sleep duration in 1998-2000 and 2002-2004, and all stroke cases were recorded until March 31, 2009. For the meta-analysis, we searched Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for prospective studies published until May 2014, and pooled effect estimates using a weighted random-effect model. Results: After 9.5 years of follow-up, 346 cases of stroke occurred. Long sleep was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08, 1.98]) after adjustment for all covariates. The association remained robust among those without preexisting diseases and those who reported sleeping well. The association for short sleep was smaller (and not statistically significant) (HR = 1.18 [95% CI 0.91, 1.53]). There was a higher stroke risk among those who reported persistently long sleep or a substantial increase in sleep duration over time, compared to those reporting persistently average sleep. These were compatible with the pooled HRs from an updated meta-analysis, which were 1.15 (1.07, 1.24) and 1.45 (1.30, 1.62) for short and long sleep duration, respectively. Conclusions: This prospective study and meta-analysis identified prolonged sleep as a potentially useful marker of increased future stroke risk in an apparently healthy aging population

Strengthening Quadriceps Muscles with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Following Total Hip Replacement: a Review

Purpose of Review Functional recovery from total hip replacement can be suboptimal and deficits in quadriceps muscle strength may hinder the return to activities of daily living. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) devices have long been used to preserve and restore skeletal muscle mass and function following periods of muscle atrophy due to immobilisation. Here, we evaluate the potential role of NMES for strengthening the quadriceps muscles following hip replacement. Recent Findings Two studies have investigated the effects of NMES on quadriceps strength following hip replacement. NMES in addition to exercise training is reported to reduce length of stay and improve gait speed, stair climbing performance and sit-tostand scores in one study. Conversely, the other study reports no significant effect of NMES on length of stay or gait speed, but instead, benefits to knee extensor strength of the operated side, functional status and independence. The benefits of NMES for the treatment of atrophic musculature following knee replacement are better established. Summary Although it is not possible to offer best-practice recommendations for clinical rehabilitation, the promising approach of NMES following total hip replacement requires further investigation. When used as an adjunctive treatment to standard care physiotherapy, NMES may facilitate recovery and, when used immediately post-surgery, can enable a high exercise volume, with little effort, at a time point where muscle inhibition and atrophy are most prevalent

Daytime napping and increased risk of incident respiratory diseases: symptom, marker, or risk factor?

BACKGROUND: We have identified a strong association between daytime napping and increased mortality risk from respiratory diseases, but little is known about the relationship between daytime napping and respiratory morbidity. METHODS: Data were drawn from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk cohort. Participants reported napping habits during 1998-2000 and were followed up for respiratory disease hospital admissions until March 2009. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between daytime napping and respiratory disease incidence risk. RESULTS: The study sample included 10,978 men and women with a mean age of 61.9 years, and a total of 946 incident respiratory disease cases were recorded. After adjustment for age, sex, social class, education, marital status, employment status, nightshift work, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, self-reported general health, hypnotic drug use, habitual sleep duration, and preexisting health conditions, daytime napping was associated with an increase in the overall respiratory disease incidence risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15, 1.52 for napping <1 h; HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.14, 2.09 for napping ≥1 h). This association was more pronounced for lower respiratory diseases, especially for the risk of chronic lower respiratory diseases (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.96 for napping <1 h; HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.92 for napping ≥1 h, overall p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Excessive daytime napping might be a useful marker of future respiratory disease incidence risk. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and help understand potential mechanisms.Medical Research Council (Grant IDs: G9502233, G1000143); Cancer Research UK (Grant IDs: SP2024/0204, C864/A14136)This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2016.06.01