bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variables Affecting Non‐financial Employment Commitment
Authors: Harpaz Itzhak
Published: January 2008

Pour étudier la motivation non financière au travail, on a utilisé la question dite de la loterie: “Continueriez‐vous à travailler si vous n'aviez plus besoin de gagner de l'argent?” 89.9% d'un échantillon représentatif d'actifs masculins israéliens ont affirmé qu'ils continueraient à travailler. Des résultats analogues avaient été obtenus en Israël il y a 10 ans. Mais la comparaison des enquetês fait apparaître des différences entre les réponses des plus jeunes et des plus âgés. On a fait appel à l'analyse discriminante pour classer les caractéristiques des travailleurs de l‘échantillon qui choisissaient soit de continuer, soit d'arrêter de travailler. A partir d'une liste de variables liées au travail, quatre discriminants significatifs sont apparus: l'origine ethnique, la satisfaction professionnelle, la localisation de la résidence et le niveau culturel.

To evaluate non‐financial commitment to work, the so‐called “lottery question” was employed—i.e. “Would you continue working if there were no financial reason to carry on?” In a representative sample of men in the Israeli labour force, 89.9% indicated that they would continue working. Similar findings were reported in Israel a decade ago. However, a comparison of the surveys reveals variations between the responses of younger and older respondents. A stepwise discriminant analysis was utilised to classify the characteristics of workers in the present sample who expressed their preference either to continue or stop working. From a list of work‐related variables, four significant discriminators emerged: ethnic origin, occupational satisfaction, place of residence, and educational level.
Job Stress Factors for New Zealand and Canadian Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Shouksmith George , Burrough Stephen
Published: January 2008

Les auteurs comparèrent, chez des contrôleurs de trafic aérien canadiens et néozélandais, les aspects de leur tâche professionnelle perçus comme stressants. Un protocole comprenant 19 indices de stress fut construit avec des contrôleurs canadiens (n= 207) et administréà 164 contrôleurs néozélandais. Le niveau général de stress perçu par les deux groupes est sensiblement égal, et quatre des cinq agents de stress les plus importants y sont identiques; c'est à dire: les limites de l'équipement, la charge de travail dans les pointes de trafic, la peur de provoquer des accidents et la qualité médiocre de l'environnement de travail. Les résultats complete de l'étude néozélandaise donnèrent lieu à une analyse factorielle à huit dimensions orthogonales. L'analyse des facteurs de stress importants désignés par les résultats des questionnaires et par l'observation des conditions d'exercice de la profession de contrôleur aêrien, montre que le stress est endémique dans cette fonction. Les problèmes interpersonnels liés au contrôle du travail, aux conditions physiques, à l'organisation du poste et á la variabilité des charges de travail sont pençus comme des agents stressants additionnels et majeurs de la profession. Ces résultats sont rapportés à un modèle général de stress professionnel.

A comparison was made of the aspects of their jobs perceived as stressors by Canadian and New Zealand air traffic controllers. A set of 19 items rated by the Canadian controllers (n= 207) as stress producing were administered to 164 New Zealand controllers. The overall level of stress perceived by the two groups is approximately equal and four out of the top five stressors for both groups were the same: equipment limitations, work load in peak traffic situations, fear of causing accidents and the poor quality of the general working environment. Results from the New Zealand study were factor analysed resulting in eight orthogonal varimax factors being isolated. Inspection of the high stress items from the questionnaires shows that specific role and task factors in the job of an air traffic controller mean that stress is endemic in this occupation. Interpersonal problems related to supervision, physical job conditions, the way the job is organised at present and variability in task load, are all seen to be additional and major occupational stressors. These results are related to a general model of occupational stress.
Family Smoking Patterns and Smoking among Eighth and Tenth Grade Students
Authors: Jacobs Gerard A. , Jerome Albert , Sayersy Steven , Spielberger Charles D. , Weinberg Herman
Published: January 2008

Les families de fumeurs ont étéétudiées à partir du comportement tabagique d'un grand échantillon représentatif des lycéens des 8* et 10* niveaux du centre de la Floride (n= 1416). Des analyses multivariées ont révélé que le tabagisme de la mère, du père, de la soeur ou du frère aînés rendait compte de 12% de la variance de la décision de se mettre à fumer. Des analyses de régression multiple ont montré qu'une grande soeur fumeuse expliquait la plus grande part de la variance des fumeurs, suivie par la mère et par le père. L'influence du frère aîné n'est pas significative. La famille n'est pas significativement liée au maintien du tabagisme chez les lycéens.

Family smoking habits were examined as they related to the behaviour of a broad, representative sample of eighth and tenth grade students from central and south‐central Florida (n=1416). Multivariate analyses of variance revealed that 12% of the variance for smoking initiation (smoker) was accounted for by the smoking habits of mother, father, older sister, and older brother. Multiple regression analyses showed that older sister's smoking accounted for the greatest independent proportion of smoker variance, followed by mother's and father's smoking. Older brother's smoking habits did not contribute significant unique variance. Family smoking habits were not significantly related to the maintenance of students' smoking behaviour.
Research on Leadership and Group Decision in Japanese Organisations
Authors: Misumi] Jyuji
Published: January 2008

Cet article résume plus de 20 ans de recherches de laboratoire et de terrain sur le leadership au Japon, recherches basées sur la théorie du commandement Performance‐Maintenance. Comme résultats globaux, on trouve qu'un leader haut situé dans les fonctions P et M (leader PM) par ses subordonnés directs s'est révélé plus efficace que ceux qui l'étaient pour seulement l'une des deux fonctions (leaders P ou M), ou bas sur les deux (leader de type pm). Cette dernière catégorie était la moins efficace. Les travaux de laboratoire ont montré que l'efficacité du leadership PM ne résultait pas de la simple sommation des effets des comportements P et M, mais du produit de leur conjonction intéractive. Trois études de décision de groupe menées dans différentes usines japonaises sont exposées dans la seconde partie de l'article. Tout en utilisant les procédures de décision de groupe lewiniennes, l'auteur mesura le leadership et organisa une formation au commandement et à la rétroaction. On constata que dans ces usines le nombre d'accidents du travail et de la circulation baissa significativement.

This paper summarises more than 20 years of field and laboratory research on leadership in Japan, based on the Performance‐Maintenance (PM) Leadership Theory. As a general result, a leader who was evaluated high in both P and M functions (PM‐type leader) by his/her immediate followers, was found to be more effective than those who were high in only one of the two functions (P‐type and M‐type leaders), or low on both of them (pm‐type leaders). The latter type of leader was found the least effective. Laboratory studies suggested that the effectiveness of PM‐type leadership was not just the sum of the effect of P and M behaviours, but the result of their interactive combination. Three studies of group decision conducted in different Japanese plants are described in the second half of the paper. While introducing Lewinean group decision procedures, the author conducted leadership measurement, feedback and leadership training. As a result, the number of traffic and work accidents, which characterised these plants, decreased significantly.
Applied Psychology in China
Authors: Liancang XU
Published: January 2008

L'article décrit les principales voies de développement de la psychologie appliquée en Chine avant et après la fondation de la République Populaire. L'élan prometteur qui a suivi 1949 a été cassé pendant la Révolution Culturelle, mais une période de croissance et de consolidation est apparu à la fin des années 70. Les congrè nationaux de la Société Chinoise de Psychologie dans la décennie 80 sont l'expression d'une croissance continue et d'une diversification thématique. Le renforcement des liens de coopération internationale est un point d'appui pour de nouveaux développements.

The paper describes the major historical lines of development of applied psychology in China prior to and after the founding of the People's Republic. The field's promising take‐off after 1949 was disturbed during the Cultural Revolution but a period of growth and consolidation set in during the late 1970s. National Congresses of the Chinese Psychological Society in the 1980s reflect a continuing quantitative growth and thematic diversification of the area. The strengthening of international co‐operative ties is seen as an important basis for further developments.
Quality of Work Life and its Relation to Quality of Life
Authors: Elizur Dov , Shye Samuel
Published: January 2008

Cette étude s'est donné pour objectifs de parvenir à une définition d'ensemble du concept “Qualité de la vie au travail” (QVT) et d‘éprouver empiriquement sa structure. On propose une définition multiple de la QVT et de ses relations avec la qualité de la vie en général basée sur la théorie systémique de l'action, ce qui fournit des critères pour la sélection des items et la formulation des hypothèses sur la structure des interrelations entre les dimensions de la QVT. Utilisant des données recuellies sur des échantillons de travailleurs hongrois, les hypothèses ont étééprouvées au moyen de l'analyse du plus petit espace de Guttman. Les résultats confirment les hypothèses. On a obtenu un système conceptuel empirique doublement ordonné, une structure “radex” qui exprime les deux aspects de la définition de la QVT: mode de fonctionnement (expressif, integrateur, adaptateur, conservateur) et domaine de fonctionnement (psychologique, physique, social, culturel). La structure du monde de la QVT et de la qualité de la vie est comme prévu conique: la qualité de la vie occupe la base du cône et la QVT le sommet. La satisfaction procédant de la vie et du travail est située entre les deux.

The major objective of the present study was to suggest a comprehensive definitional framework for the quality of work life (QWL) concept and to test its structure empirically. A facet definition of QWL and its relation to quality of life (QOL) in general based on action systemic concepts is proposed, which provides guidelines for the selection of items and the formulation of hypotheses about the structure of interrelationships among components of QWL. Based on data collected from samples of Hungarian workers, the hypotheses were tested by means of Guttman's Smallest Space Analysis. The results support the hypotheses. An empirical doubly ordered conceptual system, a radex structure, was obtained that reflects the two facets of the definition of QWL: mode of functioning—expressive, integrative, adaptive and conservative; and field of functioning—psychological, physical, social and cultural. The structure of the total universe of QWL and QOL is a conical structure as hypothesised. Quality of life occupies the base of the cone and QWL the top. Satisfaction with life and work were found to be located between the two.
New Developments in Organisational Psychology in China
Authors: Liancang Xu , Zhongming Wang
Published: January 2008

Avec Ie rapide développement des quatre modernisations en Chine, la psychologie des organisations voit son importance croître. Des programmes d'enseignement et de courtes formations en psychologie des organisations sont proposés à travers tout le pays. En plus de la Commission de Psychologie Industrielle de la Société Chinoise de Psychologie, la Société Chinoise des Sciences du Comportement tisse son réseau de recherches et d'applications en psychologie des organisations grace à ses antennes dans beaucoup de provinces de Chine. Des recherches Chinoises récentes en psychologie des organisations ont porté sur des domaines tels que les besoins et la motivation au travail, l'efficacité du groupe, l'émergence et l'évaluation du leadership, le développement des organisations et la prise de décision dans les organisations. La psychologie des organisations est désormais plus étroitement reliée à la mise en oeuvre des réformes économiques en Chine.

With the rapid development of the four modernisations in China, organisational psychology has become an important subject. Teaching programmes and short training courses in organisational psychology are offered throughout the country. In addition to the Industrial Psychology Commission of the Chinese Psychological Society, the Chinese Behavioural Sciences Society establishes its own network of research and applications for organisational psychology through its local societies in the many provinces of China. Recent research into organisational psychology in China has focused upon such areas as work motivation and needs, group efficiency, leadership assessment and selection, organisational decision making and organisational development. Organisational psychology is now more closely linked to the practice of economic reforms in China.
Can Accidents be Predicted? An Empirical Test of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire
Authors: Larson Gerald E. , Merritt Charles R.
Published: January 2008

Cent cinquante neuf jeunes gens remplirent un questionnaire dans ie but d'évaluer la fréquence de diverses erreurs mentales banales. Les réponses au questionnaire furent alors comparées aux dossiers de chauffeur des sujets. Ceux qui obtenaient le plus d'erreurs mentales, devaient probablement être aussi ceux qui avaient causé des accidents de circulation, mais la corrélation apparut seulement après l'exclusion de ceux des sujets qui avaient des dossiers de chauffeur remarquablement mauvais. Dans un deuxième groupe de cent cinquante deux hommes, les réponses au questionnaire différenciaient également ces sujets qui avaient causé des accidents de ceux qui ne l'avait pas fait.

A total of 159 young men filled out a questionnaire designed to assess the frequency of various common mental slips. Their responses were then compared with the driving records of the respondents. Those subjects reporting more mental slips were also more likely to have caused traffic accidents, but the relationship only emerged following exclusion of those subjects with remarkably bad driving records. In a second group of 152 men, questionnaire responses again differentiated those subjects who had caused accidents from those who had not.
Community Social Psychology in Brazil
Authors: Lane Silvia T. Maurer , Sawaia Bader Burihan
Published: January 2008

Des comptes‐rendus de deux Conférences organisées en Psychologie Sociale des Communautés, l'une à São‐Paulo en 1981 et l'autre en 1988 à Belo Horizonte, nous extrayons une revue de ce qui a été réalisé dans ce champ depuis dix ans. Au début, les buts visaient la santé mentale et l'éducation populaire sans focaliser sur le rôle des psychologues. Dans les rapports de 1988, nous observons une définition plus claire de leur travail en conseil et en dynamique des groupes, à la recherche de la prise de conscience et de l'organisation des individus dans les communautés.

Une recherche participative entreprise dans une favela est présentée en détail, amenant une systématisation de la théorie et de la pratique en Psychologie Sociale des Communautés.

By using the published reports of two conferences on community social psychology, one held in São Paulo in 1981 and the other in Belo Horizonte in 1988, we present an overview of the developments in the field over a 10‐year period. In 1981, emphasis was placed on mental health and popular education and not on the role of the psychologist. In 1988, however, the psychologist's role was more clearly defined: using counselling and group dynamics to reach consciousness and the organisation of communities.

Participative research undertaken in a favela is reported in detail, which systematises theory and practice in community social psychology.
Methodological Issues in Human Exposure Studies of Low Level Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Otto D. , Hudnell H. K. , Prah J.
Published: January 2008

L'évaluation de l'irritation sensorielle et des effets neurocomportementaux de l'exposition à des associations complexes de solvants souléve une multiplicité de défis méthodologiques, particulièrement aux faibles doses couramment détectées dans les bâtiments récents. Des jeunes adultes masculins en bonne santé ont été exposés à un mélange de 22 composés organiques volatiles (VOC) d'une concentration de 25mg par m3, la plus élevée qui ait été trouvée dans des logements neufs. Une telle concentration équivant à environ 7ppm de toluène. Ce mélange n'a pas de conséquences sur les performances à une batterie neurocomportementale à large champ d'investigation, mais provoque les symptômes classiques du mal des immeubles: l'irritation des yeux et de la gorge, des céphalées et de la fatigue.

L'échec de la mise en évidence de déficits fonctionnels pourrait étre dûà plusieurs facteurs: (1) les tests neurocomportementaux peuvent ne pas avoir été assez sensibles ou assez difficiles pour détecter des effets; (2) les jeunes adultes masculins en bonne santé sont sans doute, dans la population générale, les moins sujects à présenter une détérioration des performances. D'autres études s'imposent si l'on veut savoir qui est le plus vulnérable à l'exposition aux basses concentrations de solvants; (3) finalement, les associations de VOC à faible densité peuvent bien ne pas être neurotoxiques. D'autres cibles physiologiques, telles que la réponse inflammatoire et les fonctions pulmonaires, doivent être explorées.

Assessment of sensory irritant and neurobehavioural effects of exposure to complex solvent mixtures poses a variety of methodological challenges, particularly at the low levels typically found in new buildings. Healthy young adult males were exposed to a 25mg/m3 mixture of 22 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) representative of the highest concentration found in new homes. This concentration is equivalent to about 7ppm toluene. This mixture produced no consistent effects on performance of an extensive neurobehavioural battery, but did elicit classical “sick building syndrome” (SBS) symptoms of eye and throat irritation, headache and fatigue.

Failure to find functional deficits could be due to several factors: (1) The neurobehavioural tests may not have been sensitive (or difficult) enough to detect effects; (2) healthy young adult males are probably the least likely subset of the general population to show performance decrements. Further study is needed to determine which subsets are most vulnerable to low‐level solvent exposure; (3) finally, low‐level VOC mixtures may not be neurotoxic. Other physiological endpoints (e. g. inflammatory response and pulmonary function), need to be explored.
Specificity of Motor Learning Does Not Deny Flexibility
Authors: Whiting H.T.A. , Savelsbergh G.J.P. , Pijpers J.R.
Published: January 2008

Deux expériences sont rapportées qui mettent en question la généralisabilité de l'hypothèse de spécificité. La première expérience dans laquelle les sujets (N = 24) furent requis de faire des prises à une main en ne pouvant voir que la balle, dans une pièce par ailleurs complètement noire, produit des résultats dans la ligne de l'hypothèse. Cependant, quand les mêmes sujets après un entraînement de trois jours, dans les mêmes conditions, passèrent à une autre passation dans laquelle ils pouvaient voir à la fois la balle et la main qui l'envoyait, contrairement à ce qui pouvait être prévu selon l'hypothèse, il y eut augmentation significative des prises. Dans une seconde expérience, les sujets (N = 32) furent requis d'attraper les balles dans des conditions très variées, regarder seulement la balle ou seulement la main et la balle, entremêlées en de nombreuses configurations. Les résultats suggérèrent que les sujets qui ont l'expérience de la performance en présence des deux informations (balle seulement ou balle et main) adoptent le couple spécifique perception/action appropriéà la situation dans laquelle ils se trouvent eux‐mêmes et jusqu'à un certain point, traitent les deux conditions comme des performances différentes. Ceci conduit à une réinterprétation de l'hypothèse de spécificité qui prend en compte la flexibilité de la performance sous des conditions environnementales changeantes, caractéristique du performeur habile.

Two experiments are reported that challenge the generalisability of the specificity hypothesis. The first experiment in which subjects (N = 24) were required to make one‐handed catches under the condition that they could only see the ball, in an otherwise completely dark room, produced results in line with the hypothesis. However, when the same subjects, after a 3–4 day training period, under the latter condition, were transferred to a condition in which they could see both hand and ball they demonstrated, contrary to what would be predicted by the hypothesis, significant increases in catching performance. In a second experiment subjects (N = 32) were required to catch balls under a variety of conditions in which viewing the hand only, or viewing the hand and ball, were interspersed in a number of ways. The results suggested that subjects who have experience of performing in the presence of both kinds of information (ball only or ball and hand) adopt the particular perception/action coupling appropriate to the situation in which they find themselves and, to this extent, treat the two conditions as different skills. This lead to a reinterpretation of the specificity hypothesis which takes account of the flexibility in performance under changing environmental conditions characteristic of the skilled performer.
The Transformational and Transactional Leadership of Men and Women
Authors: Bass Bernard M. , Avolio Bruce J. , Atwater Leanne
Published: January 2008

Les données d'une étude en cours furent rassemblées dans trois conditions d'échantillonnage variées afin d'examiner si des cadres hommes et femmes, observés par leurs évaluateurs directs, avaient le même style de commandement. L'étude en cours se démarque d'une recherche beaucoup plus ancienne sur les différences entre hommes et femmes en leadership, en ceci que nous y avons examiné des différences dans les deux styles de leadership transformationnel et transactionnel, en utilisant le Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Dans les trois échantillons, les cadres féminins furent reconnues par des évaluateurs à la fois féminins et masculins comme manifestant des aspects‐clés fondamentaux du leadership transformationnel (p. ex. charisme, considération individualisée) plus fréquemment que les hommes. Bien que la taille des échantillons fut généralement petites, les données de ces études suggèrent que les femmes ne sont pas moins transformationnelles que leurs homologues masculins et pourraient en fait l'être davantage. Le sexe des noteurs n'apparaît pas comme influençant les résultats obtenus.

Data for the current study were gathered in three diverse sample conditions to examine whether male and female managers differed in styles of leadership observed by their direct reports. The current study differs from most prior research on male‐female differences in leadership, in that we examined differences in both transformational and transactional leadership styles using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. In three samples, women leaders were rated by both their female and male direct reports as displaying certain key aspects of transformational leadership (i. e. charisma, individualised consideration) more frequently than men. Although the effect sizes were generally small, the results of these studies suggest that women are no less transformational than their male counterparts, and may, in fact, be more so. The sex of the raters did not appear to make any difference in the results obtained.
Editorial
Authors: Frese Michael
Published: January 2008

This is my final year (sixth year) as editor of this journal. I am absolutely delighted to welcome the new editor, Prof. Dr. Miriam Erez, who will accept manuscripts starting from July 1997 and will officially take over by the end of this year. Her address for correspondence is: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
Immigrants' Perceptions of Host Attitudes and Their Reconstruction of Cultural Groups
Authors: Horenczyk Gabriel
Published: January 2008

The acculturation of immigrants does not take place in a social vacuum; it occurs and unfolds itself within the context of intragroup and intergroup relations that provide at times the support and at times the challenge for the reconstruction of selves and identities. In his comprehensive and integrative review, John Berry points to the importance of contextual “societal” factors (subsumed under the “group‐level” category in his acculturation framework) and their effects on individual adaptation. It is on an important component of this category of factors, namely the attitudes of the host (or majority) society towards immigrants and immigration, that I would like to elaborate in the first part of this commentary.
WORLD OUTLOOK
Authors: Dicks Geoffrey
Published: January 2008

Clear signs that the world recovery is underway have e merged in the first half of 1983. We have revised our forecast upwards and predict an increase of 1 3/4 per cent in OECD GNP in I983 and a further 3% per cent in 1984. By hirtorical standards such a recovery would be extremely modest and would not be expected to trigger off a resurgence in inflation. If so GNP could advance a further 2% per cent in each of I985 and 1986. However, there is a danger that the relaration of monetary policy in the US in conjunction with the expansionary fiscal stance will bring about a very rapid upswing in the second half of 1983, thereby generating upward pressures on US interest rates. If, as the Presidential election approaches, these pressures are resisted and US monetary growth maintains its recent rapid expansion, an increase in the rate of inflation would be likely in 1984. If this were met with a tighter policy response (higher interest rates both in the US and elsewhere) after the election, the prospects would be for a sharp slowdown in the world economy in 1985.
The 1994 Budget: Time for tax reform?
Authors: Sentance Andrew
Published: January 2008

Andrew Sentance argues that Kenneth Clarke would do well to resist the pressure for significant tax cuts in his second Budget, despite the background of healthy growth and low inflation. But that should not mean a “do‐nothing” Budget. Instead, the 1994 Budget should mark the start of a new programme of tax reform‐to encourage private saving, increase work incentives and deter pollution….
An end to boom and bust ‐ can the Chancellor deliver?
Authors: CURRIE DAVID , SENTANCE ANDREW
Published: January 2008

In his Mansion House speech, the Chancellor of the Exchequer emphasised his desire to avoid the boom and bust cycle that has characterised the UK economy in recent years. The objective of a more stable economy is one with which it is hard to disagree. It strikes a chord with all those who have to take long‐term decisions in the business community. But can the Chancellor deliver? In this article, we argue that despite the changes to the government's economic policy framework in recent years, many of the causes of the past instability of the UK economy remain. And while the Chancellor seeks to retain short‐term control of interest rate decisions, there is always the risk that political pressures on monetary policy will be an added source of volatility.
Will Rio stick: Barriers to global cooperation on CO2 abatement?
Authors: Smith Clare
Published: January 2008

The Rio Earth Summit resulted in commitments to reduce CO2 emissions from all industrialized countries, but there are many banners to overcome before its full objectives can be met. One major obstacle is carbon leakage, the increase in developing country emissions predicted as a result of OECD policies for abatement. Causes of carbon leakage are discussed here and its magnitude assessed. The effect is found to be relatively small ‐ nevertheless, in the long run policies that provide incentives for CO2 abatement globally will become imperative.
The UK and European Monetary Union: Why we should not stand aside
Authors: Currie David
Published: January 2008

Ahead of next year's IGC David Currie considers the case for European monetary Union. He argues overall that EMU is desirable, though political arguments dominate the economic ones, which are finely balanced. he also argues that the UK should participate if other member states proceed to EMU, because of the dangers of marginalisation in Europe and of reduced attractiveness as a location for inward investment.
CAM THE US DEFICIT BE TAMED?
Authors: Nixon James
Published: January 2008

There now appears to be a consensus in the US towards tackling the budget deficit. James Nixon looks at some of the arithmetic underlying proposals to balance the budget by the year 2002. In particular he challenges the view that this deficit‐cutting exercise can take place without any loss to output even if the proposed reductions are seen to be fully credible. He also questions the underlying methodology of the calculations.
To cut or not to cut? The Chancellor's Budget dilemma
Authors: Sentance Andrew
Published: January 2008

This article analyses the Chancellor's options for the forthcoming Budget and, in particular, the case for tax cuts. James Nixon, John O'Sullivan and Andrew Sentance argue that there is no case for large reductions, with public borrowing still running at an unsustainable rate and reasonable prospects for growth next year. The case for a modest reduction is more finely balanced. Against a background of public spending restraint, a small tax reduction can be seen as an insurance policy against a much weaker economy next year.
Are we entering a new golden age of economic growth?
Authors: Sentance Andrew
Published: January 2008

Andrew Sentance presents an upbeat assessment of UK medium‐term growth potential. He argues that the economy can sustain a lower average level of unemployment than we have become accustomed to, without inflation. As a result, he argues that the UK economy can grow faster over the next ten years than recent trends or long‐term performance suggest. A return to the growth rates of the “golden era” of the 1950s and 1960s is not out of the question. The key to this scenario is not a dash for growth, but steady management of the economy coupled with measures to raise educational standards, speed the introduction of new technology and improve the functioning of the labour market.
Let's fight the next sovereign debt war now
Authors: Portes Richard
Published: January 2008

Recent difficulties in Mexico have reminded us of the dangers of financial crisis in heavily indebted countries. In this article, Richard Portes argues that we need to plan now to deal with the next sovereign debt crisis. He proposes a programme of reform to enable an orderly ‘work‐out’of debt in such situations. This, he argues, is preferable to an expensive bailout or a messy and dangerous default.
ON THE APPEARANCE OF GAS IN THE TRACHEAE OF INSECTS
Authors: KEILIN D.
Published: January 2008

(1) The aquatic apneustic insects, on hatching from eggs or after each moult, have their tracheal system filled with fluid.

(2) A short time after hatching, or moult, the gas suddenly appears, usually in the large tracheal trunks, and thence rapidly spreads into the capillaries.

(3) There is no evidence of the secretory origin of this gas, the gas‐secreting cells having never been revealed in insects.

(4) The secretory theory of gas does not explain the fate of the disappearing tracheal fluid. Frankenberg's, Pause's and Tillyard's suppositions are discussed and rejected.

(5) The following new explanation of the appearance of the gas in the tracheae is proposed:—The tracheal fluid is absorbed by the cells of various tissues from the intracellular capillary tracheoles; the column of the fluid is thus ruptured, the space left by the retiring fluid being immediately filled by gases diffusing from the surrounding media (blood).

This supposition explains both the elimination of the tracheal fluid and the appearance of the gas as being due to the same cause—absorption of the tracheal fluid by the tissue cells.
ON THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECHINODERM EGG
Authors: CARTER G. S.
Published: January 2008

1. The effects of alterations in the reaction of the medium upon the various changes which succeed the initiation of development in the egg of Sphaerechinus granularis are described. It is concluded that the absence of a visible membrane in eggs fertilised in acid sea‐water is not a secondary result of any of the other known effects of acidity of the medium upon the sperm of the egg.

2. If eggs of Sphaerechinus are caused to develop without the formation of a normal fertilisation membrane by any of several methods, membranes cannot be formed by treatment with the usual parthenogenetic agents if more than three or four minutes have elapsed after the initiation of development.

3. If eggs in which development has been initiated in this way are placed in water containing small quantities of KCN before the appearance of the gelatinous layer (20–30 minutes after the initiation of development) and treated with sub‐ stances that form membranes in unfertilised eggs, typical membranes are formed. The suggestion is made that the KCN produces this effect by inhibiting the in‐ creased oxidations in the egg.

4. It is concluded that the substances which are responsible for the extrusion of the membrane remain unchanged in the surface of these eggs after the initiation of development and therefore play no part in the initiation of development.

5. Evidence is brought forward that treatment which can only be external to the egg, namely treatment for 10 secs, with sea‐water acidified to pH 4·4 by the addition of HCl, produces the initiation of development in a certain proportion of the eggs.

It is concluded that the primary change in the initiation of development must consist of a change of the surface conditions of the egg, while in artificial parthenogenesis membrane‐formation is due to action of the parthenogenetic agent below the surface.

6. Evidence is brought forward to show that this primary surface change occurs in parthenogenetic activation when the eggs are placed into the solution containing the parthenogenetic agent and reasons are given why its effects do not appear in this solution.
THE PARASITISM OF HELMINTHOSPORIUM GRAMINEUM, RAB. (LEAF‐STRIPE DISEASE OF BARLEY.) ABSTRACT
Authors: SMITH. N. J. G.
Published: January 2008

This fungus was considered by Ravn* to inhabit the growing point of its host, like the Smut fungi. That this might well be doubted was pointed out to me by Mr Brooks, who suggested a re‐investigation of the life‐history of this fungus and related forms. The results here summarised make it certain that leaf‐stripe disease of barley is produced without the fungus being present in the growing‐point.
SOME STATISTICAL ASPECTS OF GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
Authors: THACKER. A. G.
Published: January 2008

In recent discussions on the geographical distribution of animals and plants the subject has been approached from a novel point of view. An attempt has been made to investigate certain problems of distribution by the statistical or bio‐ metrical method; and it is thought by some that this method may throw new light, not only on the phenomena of distribution, but upon the general principles of biology, of which the facts of distribution must be in some degree the ex‐ pression*. There appear to be certain purely statistical aspects of the problems raised, which have so far been ignored; and since some of these considerations seem to be of a fundamental character, it is perhaps worth while to place them upon record. I advance these considerations with diffidence, because the points which I am about to make are in no way obscure; they are on the contrary very simple; and the only excuse for discussing them is that their fundamental im‐ portance for the statistics of distribution appears to have been overlooked.
THE EFFECT OF LIGHT ON THE VERTICAL MOVEMENT OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Authors: FOX H. MUNRO
Published: January 2008

1. Paramecium and echinoid larvae under certain environmental conditions swim downwards in light, upwards in darkness. Thus the phenomenon already described by various authors for arthropods exists not only in animals swimming by muscular movements but in organisms moving by ciliary action.

2. The phenomenon is reversible.

3. The most effective rays are in the ultra‐violet.
THE MECHANISM OF CELL‐DIVISION II. OXYGEN CONSUMPTION DURING CLEAVAGE.
Authors: GRAY J.
Published: January 2008

The process of cell division in echinoderm eggs has under normal conditions no effect upon the rate of oxygen consumption. If the nucleus plays any direct role in the oxidative processes in the cell it does so independently of any particular phase of nuclear activity. The development of the egg is associated with an acceleration in the rate of oxygen consumption.
NOTE ON THE PENETRATION OF HYDROXYL IONS INTO GELATIN JELLIES
Authors: GRAY J.
Published: January 2008

One of the characteristic features of living cells is that they are permeable to ammonia, but relatively impermeable to caustic soda or caustic potash. The usual method of demonstrating this fact is by staining cells with neutral red. This dye is readily taken up by living cells and is at first diffused through the cytoplasm, which thereby acquires a distinct red colour. At a later stage the dye is usually aggregated into irregular granules. When exposed to dilute solutions of ammonia the neutral red in living cells rapidly becomes yellow, indicating the penetration of the alkali. In NaOH or K. OH the colour of the dye does not change, however, until the cell begins to show obvious signs of degeneration.
AQUATIC AND AERIAL RESPIRATION IN ANIMALS
Authors: CARTER G. S.
Published: January 2008

1. The physical conditions governing respiratory exchange across epithelia exposed to water and air are considered, and the efficiency of aerial and aquatic types of respiration are compared. The effects of the known differences in the dissociation curves of the various respiratory pigments which occur in animals are discussed.

2. The changes which have taken place in the respiratory organs of animals possessing aerial respiration, but belonging to groups of which the majority of the species are aquatic, are reviewed.

3. From the previous discussion of the physical conditions of respiration, it is concluded that respiration in water should be more efficient than in air, if the structure of the respiratory epithelia are similar. It is found that a comparison between the area of respiratory epithelium in organs of aerial and aquatic respiration in the vertebrates supports this conclusion.

4. The suggestion is made that the relative ease with which invertebrates, such as the Molluscs and Crustaceans, can pass from water to land as compared with the vertebrates is due, at least in part, to the value of the tension of loading of haemocyanin, which is lower than that of the types of haemoglobin contained in corpuscles, which are found in the organs of aerial respiration of the vertebrates.

5. The apparently greater efficiency of some forms of cutaneous respiration in air than in water is considered, and is found to be due to secondary factors. It is suggested that one condition which has permitted the large size of some animals, possessing no restricted organ of respiration, such as some of the Oligochaetes, is the presence of haemoglobin in solution. The tension of loading of this pigment is much lower than that of any other respiratory pigment.

6. The reason why the majority of terrestrial animals have reached the land through the fresh waters rather than directly from the sea is discussed. The suggestion is made that this has been partly caused by the favourable series of inter‐mediate environments between the fresh waters and the land, and that the evolution of many of the numerous adaptations necessary for terrestrial life has been induced in these environments serially, and therefore with much greater ease. The much greater variability of the fresh‐water environments has also undoubtedly been important in producing this result. The importance of the tide in maintaining the constancy of conditions on the marine littoral is emphasised.
THE TIME FACTOR IN ELECTRICAL EXCITATION
Authors: RUSHTON. W. A. H.
Published: January 2008

The rate of development of the excitatory process in tissues may conveniently be characterised by a measure, the “Excitation Time,” which was formerly known as “Chronaxie.” This constant also measures roughly the rate of other processes in the tissue, e.g. action‐potential wave, conduction velocity, rate of contraction, etc. probably because all these processes are limited by the development of electrical states in the tissue.

The excitation time of muscle (but not medullated nerve) is very largely dependent on the size of the electrodes used. This is easily explained in terms of a physical theory of excitation. If nerves are stimulated by the penetration of current through the nodes of Ranvier, these will constitute unvarying pore electrodes and account for the relative independence of nerve upon electrode size.

According to Lapicque, paralysis by curare and other similar conditions is due to a great increase in chronaxie of the muscle, which initially was the same as that of the nerve. This standpoint, which is fundamental in Lapicque's school, is criticised in detail. In the first place, the evidence upon which the theory rests is inadequate, In the second, further work by Lapicque's school has rendered the theory so complicated that it is now of doubtful practical value. Lastly, the experiments of other workers appear to make the theory untenable.

In the light of the rejection of Lapicque's views and of the dependence of excitation time upon the nature of the electrodes, it is necessary to review the significance of the measure, and to modify the technique of its determination. Some practical aspects are discussed, and it is pointed out that at present the chief application to biology is in the analysis of multiple excitabilities (e.g. muscle with nerve twigs, tonic and phasic muscles, etc.). But it must be emphasised that in this analysis it is essential to determine the whole strength‐duration curve if the results are to be significant.
THE PROCESS OF REGENERATION IN HYDROIDS
Authors: BARTH L. G.
Published: January 2008

1. In the hydroids in general, and Tubularia and Corymorpha in particular, the stimulus for regeneration involves two factors: (1) removal of dominance exerted by either the fully formed hydranth or a regenerating hydranth, and (2) the presence of a gradient of oxygen at a localized region of the stem or a mass of cells isolated from the stem.

2. Dominance, or the inhibitory effect of a regenerating region, can be explained either on the basis of electrical differences in potential which produce chemical inhibition, or as the competition of regions of the stem for hypothetical substances circulating in the stem and necessary for regeneration. As yet no single experiment has decided between these two explanations of dominance and both should be subjects for investigation.

3. The regional differences in rate of regeneration are correlated with regional differences in the rate of oxygen consumption of the stem, and the rate of regeneration can be varied by varying the oxygen consumption of the stem. These regional differences in oxygen consumption are due to differences in the resting stem and are not caused by the regional differences in regeneration.

4. Since the stimulus for regeneration can be traced to an oxygen gradient, which results in an oxygen consumption gradient in the tissues, there is little value in speaking of an organizer in hydranth formation. Any agent which will bring about the above conditions will be an organizer. It is, therefore, possible to speak of the following as organizers: (1) oxygen locally applied, (2) tissues that have a higher oxygen consumption than the surroundings, and, perhaps, (3) respiratory catalysts, when their effects are investigated. On the whole, it would be better to speak of the coenosarc as organizing itself in response to a stimulus. The manner in which the tissue responds by cell movements and change in form is, of course, entirely unknown.
THE NUTRITION OF THE PROTOZOA
Authors: DOYLE WM. L.
Published: January 2008

The principal feature of recent studies on the nutrition of the Protozoa has been the development of culture media suitable for the maintenance of several score of species in ‘pure culture’. As investigators approached precise definition of the constitution of the culture media the significance of ‘trace elements’, accessory food factors and the like became more apparent. The types of culture apparatus, the methods of sterilization of organism and medium, the procedures of estimating growth of populations, and the exact composition of reagents have all been found to be of greater importance than originally realized. Within the phylum there exist chlorophyll‐bearing, plant‐like forms and numerous intermediary types up to and including those requiring living particulate food, thus providing the full range of nutritional types. The older systems of physiological classification have been extensively revised, but none of those proposed is adequate. In some instances the relations between variations in cytoplasmic structure (plastids) and nutritional requirements have been demonstrated.

Many species of chlorophyll‐bearing and colourless flagellates have been studied. Intensive work on Polytoma, Chilomonas and Euglena has revealed notable species and strain variations with respect to factors such as fatty acid metabolism, nitrogen requirements, the effects of light on nutrient requirements and on response to plant hormones and vitamin constituents. The effect of systematic modification of chemical structure on the utilization of vitamin components has been studied for some species. A few dozen of the normally phagotrophic (holozoic) forms have been grown in the absence of other living forms (pure liquid culture), while certain forms have been grown on single species of food organisms (pure mixed culture) or on dead food organisms. With the exception of certain amoebae the salient work on pure culture has been carried out with the smaller ciliates, particularly Glaucoma. The media employed (protein hydrplysates, tissue autolysates, etc.) are chemically and physically highly complex. Such media contain labile constituents susceptible to important changes when subjected to minor procedural variations. Analyses of the media before and after the growth of organisms have given some indications of the nature of the nitrogenous fractions metabolized. The accessory growth‐factor requirements of these forms are complex. The very specialized nutrients required by parasitic forms have demonstrated interesting evolutionary relationships. An increasing number of biochemical experiments is being reported on the existence of various enzyme systems in the Protozoa. Our knowledge, however, of the metabolism of representative Protozoa remains fragmentary.