Editorial Note: Referees

As the volume of UK social research addressing ethnicity grows, so too do concerns regarding the ethical and scientific rigour of this research domain and its potential to do more harm than good. The establishment of standards and principles and the introduction of guidance documents at critical points within the research cycle might be one way to enhance the quality of such research. This article reports the findings from the piloting of a guidance document within the research commissioning process of a major funder of UK social research. The guidance document was positively received by researchers, the majority of whom reported it to be comprehensible, relevant and potentially useful in improving the quality of research proposals. However, a review of the submitted proposals suggested the guidance had had little impact on practice. While guidance may have a role to play, it will need to be strongly promoted by commissioners and other gatekeepers. Findings also suggest the possibility that guidance may discourage some researchers from engaging with ethnicity if it raises problems without solutions; highlighting the need for complementary investments in research capacity development in this area.     

Model for the spread of non-persistent virus diseases

This study considers the buildup of virus infection within a crop area. The virus is transmitted by aphid vectors which acquire virus from source plants and inoculate the sensitive crop. The model relates the increase of infection to the behaviour of incoming vectors and of vectors moving from plant to plant within the crop area. The model is implemented using some data available on spread of cucumber mosaic virus in a pepper plot in Israel. The effect of control means is considered.     

A Preliminary Analysis of the World-View of the Tsivitca Movement in Northern North America

Un examen sommaire du culte Tsivitca, par le biais de sa vision du monde, met en lumiere les caracteristiques suivantes: une origine messianique, une conception de l'univers comme etant unidimensionnel dans l'espace et le temps, une vue apocalytique de l'avenir, une indiscutable confiance dans l'existence de la verite absolue, une singuliere preoccupation au sujet du mal et du peche, et des valeurs sociales qui mettent l'accent sur le conformisme dans les styles de vie ainsi que dans les croyances et rituels religieux. Un rituel Tsivitca est analyse puis on recommande la poursuite des recherches dans ce domaine.
A brief examination of the Tsivitca cult reveals in its world-view such features as a messianic origin, a concept of the universe as unidimensional in space and time, an apocalyptic view of the future, an unchallengeable belief in the existence of absolute truth, a preoccupation with evil and sin, and social values stressing conformity in life-styles as well as in religious ritual and belief. A major Tsivitca ritual is analysed. Further research is suggested.     

Usage of public restroom lounges as support systems by elderly females

The common stereotype of elderly men whiling their time away on park benches illustrates the important concept of public social spaces, that is, places which act as support systems serving to anchor a person's identity and providing physical and/or emotional support. This paper examines the usage of public places by a different segment of the population—elderly females in an urban setting. Eight ladies' restroom lounges in four large department stores and the elderly women spending time there were observed in a northern midwestern city. The findings suggest that for these elderly ladies, the restroom lounges were serving as public social spaces. The physical character of those lounges, their social context, and patterns of use by various females were examined.     

Benchmarking small companies on the internet

The World Wide Web offers tremendous opportunities to high growth SMEs, but successive research studies have shown that significant business benefits are not being realised. This paper reports the results of the first comprehensive study into web adoption and usage by SMEs in Northern Ireland. It confirms broader research into SME adoption and usage of the World Wide Web and suggests that, if SMEs are to realise the full potential of the Web, they must think globally, act strategically and learn from competitors.     

The Cloth of Field of Gold: Material Culture and Civic Power in Colonial Ibadan

The article focuses on a political controversy which occurred in Ibadan, a city in south-western Nigeria, during 1939. At face value, the contentious issue was a particular design of damask cloth. Ruth Watson suggests that the controversy was actually far more complex and argues that it cannot be understood unless one develops an historical reading of political culture in the city. This reading explores the cultural/symbolic meanings of political practices and how, at certain times, these practices served to generate material forms of civic power.     

The Federal Constitution as Viewed by the Newspapers of 1787

The purpose of this study was to describe a group of fifth grade students as they engaged in process drama during their social studies class. The author found that students who engaged in process drama learned to combine texts to understand and create new texts. As they became engaged in the material, students collaborated with each other and became leaders in class while honoring the cultures they studied in their social studies textbooks.