http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/3888 2013-05-25T08:53:34Z 2013-05-25T08:53:34Z Bauermeister, Sarah http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/7069 2012-12-18T13:52:00Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Lifestyle activities, mental health and cognitive function in adults aged 50 to 90 years Authors: Bauermeister, Sarah Abstract: In a series of studies, lifestyle activities, mental health and aerobic fitness were investigated in relation to mean RT and response time variability (trial-to-trial variability in RT performance) obtained from a battery of cognitive measures in 257 healthy adults aged 50 to 90 years (M = 63.60). Cognition was assessed across four domains; psychomotor performance, executive function, visual search and word recognition. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to explore associations between age and outcome measures in a mediated-moderator analysis. The dedifferentiation of cognition and the dissociation between the outcome measures of mean RT and response time variability was also explored. Additionally, the neural correlates of response time variability were investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The findings indicated that poor mental health was associated with greater within-person (WP) variability and slower mean RTs and that this effect was greater in older adults. Higher lifestyle activity scores and higher aerobic fitness (VO2max) attenuated negative age gradients in WP variability and mean RT. Analyses suggested that the above effects were mediated by executive function. There was no evidence of dedifferentiation across cognitive domains and there was selective dissociation between the measures of mean RT and WP variability. The fMRI results suggested that WP variability was associated with fluctuations in executive control and, relatedly, attentional lapses. Overall, the findings suggest that executive function mediates a substantial portion of age-related variance in cognition and that this association is influenced by moderators such as an active lifestyle, aerobic fitness and mental health. The findings underline the potential benefits and importance of interventions to help maintain and promote mental health, and active lifestyles, in old age. Description: This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z Howes, R http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5392 2012-12-03T14:37:00Z 1983-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Project management control utilising innovative forecasting and computerised data bases Authors: Howes, R Abstract: The prime objective of this thesis is to research and develop a new system of project budgeting, monitoring and forecasting to meet the needs of the Construction Industry. It is intended that this work will facilitate the means for more efficient control of projects from inception to final completion, utilising where possible the latest developments in computer technology. The initial stage of the work involves an investigation and appraisal of existing methods of formulating project budgets. In particular attention is paid to previous work in the development of mathematical 's' curve models, together with their limitations in use and application. Potential for future development is also identified. The thesis then focuses on the evolution of an improved modelling philosophy for project budgets and forecasts which overcomes previously known problems. In parallel with this work is the development of a computerised system intended to enable the testing of the model against live project data. The model finally selected is then tested against the extensive research work previously undertaken by the DHSS and the data collected from sixteen construction projects. To facilitate the development of a suitable control system to act as a vehicle for the application of the principles developed, a contextual survey is included. This survey is intended to provide an update of previous survey work undertaken by the author in 1977 and to further investigate factors orientated specifically to the objectives of the thesis. The research then concentrates on the development of an integrated set of sub-systems which contribute to the budgeting, monitoring and prediction of project expenditure. These systems are developed in accordance with the need to establish the financial status of projects both before, during and after they are completed. The overall system is based on the latest computer technology available and is designed to be flexible in its application. Tests documented in the text prove that the system operates both in principle and in practice. A further extension of the research is the use of the various project data bases to provide information for a corporate control system which has been developed in principle. This thesis provides a significant step forward in computerised project budgeting and control utilisng 's' curve philosophy and provides a basis for further development. Potential exists for future development of the prediction and corporate control systems, together with software developments to improve general application over a wide range of industries and disciplines where project work is undertaken. Description: This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.

1983-01-01T00:00:00Z Lashmar, P http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/4337 2010-05-17T11:20:26Z 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigative journalism: a case for intensive care? Authors: Lashmar, P Abstract: Is Investigative Journalism in the UK dying or can a ‘Fifth Estate’ model resuscitate it? This paper is an examination of whether the American subscription and donation models such as ProPublica, Spot.US and Truthout are the way forward. In January 2009 a group of the UK’s top investigative journalists met privately to discuss ‘What is to be done?’ about the perceived perilous state of investigative journalism. There is profound concern that the traditional media either no longer has, or wishes to employ the resources to maintain a sustainable level of investigative journalism. While the Iraq War and the Credit Crunch have revealed the desperate need for better in-depth investigative reporting, the number of viable outlets has contracted. Investigative journalism is accepted as a core determinant of high quality journalism. The need for a critical mass of investigative journalists is widely perceived as vital to democracy as characterized by Carlyle’s ‘Fourth Estate’ model. The UK group is currently examining the US experience where long standing non-profit organisations like the Centre for Public Integrity and the Centre for Investigative Journalism have used the combined foundation and donation funding model. But new ‘Fifth Estate’ web based models are also being innovated. ProPublica, which employs a substantial number of experienced journalists, is funded by a wealthy philanthropist. Spot.US posts possible investigative projects and appeals to the public to donate to fund specific identified investigations. This paper will address whether new funding models can be employed in the UK.

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z Lashmar, P http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/4237 2010-05-17T11:18:04Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Subprime – The death of financial reporting or a failure of investigative journalism? Authors: Lashmar, P Abstract: The in-depth reporting in the UK of the subprime market began in the UK in earnest after Northern Rock ran into trouble last August and a liquidity crisis developed. It was only then that the media started to report the inherent problems of the subprime market and the role of highly complex financial vehicles, especially Collateralised Debt Obligations. The UK public received very little warning prior to August 2007 in the media that there were potential problems for UK investors, mortgage seekers, saver, borrowers or other interested parties. Nor was it revealed in a timely fashion how many of the UK’s most respectable financial institutions were heavily exposed to derivatives. At this stage two key questions emerge: with the dominance of the current ‘churnalism’ news desk model, did the UK’s major media fail to apply investigative techniques to this important issue? – and are the mechanisms of the globalised financial markets now so complex and secretive that it is impossible for journalists to investigate?

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z