bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Adaptation in Autonomous Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Marković Dimitrije , Gros Claudius
Published: November 2011

A massively recurrent neural network responds on one side to input stimuli and is autonomously active, on the other side, in the absence of sensory inputs. Stimuli and information processing depend crucially on the qualia of the autonomous-state dynamics of the ongoing neural activity. This default neural activity may be dynamically structured in time and space, showing regular, synchronized, bursting, or chaotic activity patterns.

We study the influence of nonsynaptic plasticity on the default dynamical state of recurrent neural networks. The nonsynaptic adaption considered acts on intrinsic neural parameters, such as the threshold and the gain, and is driven by the optimization of the information entropy. We observe, in the presence of the intrinsic adaptation processes, three distinct and globally attracting dynamical regimes: a regular synchronized, an overall chaotic, and an intermittent bursting regime. The intermittent bursting regime is characterized by intervals of regular flows, which are quite insensitive to external stimuli, interceded by chaotic bursts that respond sensitively to input signals. We discuss these findings in the context of self-organized information processing and critical brain dynamics.
Noise Tolerance of Attractor and Feedforward Memory Models
Authors: Lim Sukbin , Goldman Mark S.
Published: November 2011

In short-term memory networks, transient stimuli are represented by patterns of neural activity that persist long after stimulus offset. Here, we compare the performance of two prominent classes of memory networks, feedback-based attractor networks and feedforward networks, in conveying information about the amplitude of a briefly presented stimulus in the presence of gaussian noise. Using Fisher information as a metric of memory performance, we find that the optimal form of network architecture depends strongly on assumptions about the forms of nonlinearities in the network. For purely linear networks, we find that feedforward networks outperform attractor networks because noise is continually removed from feedforward networks when signals exit the network; as a result, feedforward networks can amplify signals they receive faster than noise accumulates over time. By contrast, attractor networks must operate in a signal-attenuating regime to avoid the buildup of noise. However, if the amplification of signals is limited by a finite dynamic range of neuronal responses or if noise is reset at the time of signal arrival, as suggested by recent experiments, we find that attractor networks can outperform feedforward ones. Under a simple model in which neurons have a finite dynamic range, we find that the optimal attractor networks are forgetful if there is no mechanism for noise reduction with signal arrival but nonforgetful (perfect integrators) in the presence of a strong reset mechanism. Furthermore, we find that the maximal Fisher information for the feedforward and attractor networks exhibits power law decay as a function of time and scales linearly with the number of neurons. These results highlight prominent factors that lead to trade-offs in the memory performance of networks with different architectures and constraints, and suggest conditions under which attractor or feedforward networks may be best suited to storing information about previous stimuli.
Kernel Current Source Density Method
Authors: Potworowski Jan , Jakuczun Wit , Łȩski Szymon , Wójcik Daniel
Published: November 2011

Local field potentials (LFP), the low-frequency part of extracellular electrical recordings, are a measure of the neural activity reflecting dendritic processing of synaptic inputs to neuronal populations. To localize synaptic dynamics, it is convenient, whenever possible, to estimate the density of transmembrane current sources (CSD) generating the LFP. In this work, we propose a new framework, the kernel current source density method (kCSD), for nonparametric estimation of CSD from LFP recorded from arbitrarily distributed electrodes using kernel methods. We test specific implementations of this framework on model data measured with one-, two-, and three-dimensional multielectrode setups. We compare these methods with the traditional approach through numerical approximation of the Laplacian and with the recently developed inverse current source density methods (iCSD). We show that iCSD is a special case of kCSD. The proposed method opens up new experimental possibilities for CSD analysis from existing or new recordings on arbitrarily distributed electrodes (not necessarily on a grid), which can be obtained in extracellular recordings of single unit activity with multiple electrodes.
Nondegenerate Piecewise Linear Systems: A Finite Newton Algorithm and Applications in Machine Learning
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Tong , Yan Shuicheng
Published: November 2011

We investigate Newton-type optimization methods for solving piecewise linear systems (PLSs) with nondegenerate coefficient matrix. Such systems arise, for example, from the numerical solution of linear complementarity problem, which is useful to model several learning and optimization problems. In this letter, we propose an effective damped Newton method, PLS-DN, to find the exact (up to machine precision) solution of nondegenerate PLSs. PLS-DN exhibits provable semiiterative property, that is, the algorithm converges globally to the exact solution in a finite number of iterations. The rate of convergence is shown to be at least linear before termination. We emphasize the applications of our method in modeling, from a novel perspective of PLSs, some statistical learning problems such as box-constrained least squares, elitist Lasso (Kowalski & Torreesani, 2008 ), and support vector machines (Cortes & Vapnik, 1995 ). Numerical results on synthetic and benchmark data sets are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of PLS-DN on these problems.
Critical systems theory
Authors: Fischer-Lescano Andreas
Published: November 2011

Besides their skepticism about universal reason and universal morality, the Frankfurt Schools of Critical Systems Theory and Critical Theory share basic assumptions: (1) the thinking in societal-systemic, institutional concepts, which transcend simple reciprocal relations by dint of their complexity; (2) the assumption that society is based on fundamental paradoxes, antagonisms, antinomies; (3) the strategy to conceptualize justice as a contingent and transcendental formula; (4) the form of immanent (and not morality-based, external) critique as an attitude of transcendence; (5) the aim of societal (and not only political) emancipation in an ‘association of free individuals’ (Marx). The article focuses on those parallels and aims to conceptualize a critical turn-around of autopoietic systems theory.
Resisting Agamben: The biopolitics of shame and humiliation
Authors: Guenther Lisa
Published: November 2011

In Remnants of Auschwitz, Giorgio Agamben argues that the hidden structure of subjectivity is shame. In shame, I am consigned to something that cannot be assumed, such that the very thing that makes me a subject also forces me to witness my own desubjectification. Agamben’s ontological account of shame is problematic insofar as it forecloses collective responsibility and collapses the distinction between shame and humiliation. By recontextualizing three of Agamben’s sources – Primo Levi, Robert Antelme and Maurice Blanchot – I develop an alternative account of shame as the structure of intersubjectivity, and of a collective responsibility that is more fundamental than the subject itself. On this basis, I sketch the preliminary outline of a biopolitics of resistance rooted in the ethics of alterity. The intuition driving this approach is that life is never bare; even in situations of extreme affliction there remains a relation to alterity which provides a starting point for resistance.
Immune Functioning in Non lymphoid Organs: The Liver
Authors: Parker George A. , Picut Catherine A.
Published: November 2011

The liver is the primary hematopoietic organ of the mammalian body during the fetal stage. The postnatal liver retains immunologically important functions and contains a substantial population of immunologically active cells, including T and B lymphocytes, Kupffer cells, liver-adapted natural killer (NK) cells (pit cells), natural killer cells expressing T cell receptor (NKT cells), stellate cells, and dendritic cells. The liver is the major site of production of the acute phase proteins that are associated with acute inflammatory reactions. Kupffer cells have an important role in the nonspecific phagocytosis that comprises a major component of the barrier to invasion of pathogenic organisms from the intestine. Hepatic NK and NKT cells are important in the nonspecific cell killing that is important in resistance to tumor cell invasion. The liver has a major role in deletion of activated T cells and induction of tolerance to ingested and self-antigens. Disposal of waste molecules generated through inflammatory, immunologic, or general homeostatic processes is accomplished via the action of specific endocytic receptors on sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver. Age-related changes in sinusoids (pseudocapillarization), autophagy, and functions of various hepatic cell populations result in substantial alterations in many of these immunologically important functions.
The Role of High School Coaches in Helping Prevent Adolescent Sexual Aggression
Authors: Lyndon Amy E. , Duffy Donna M. , Smith Paige Hall , White Jacquelyn W.
Published: November 2011

In this qualitative study, we examine whether male high school coaches could effectively serve as advocates or educators for male-focused programs to prevent sexual aggression. We conduct open-ended key informant individual and focus group interviews with high school coaches and administrators. The five themes the authors identified suggest that coaches (a) believe they have influences over athletes, (b) lack education about sexual aggression, (c) endorse rape myths, (d) minimize the problem of sexual aggression, and (e) are resistant to being engaged in sexual aggression prevention. Our results reveal that coaches may need in-depth training on sexual aggression even if they do not want to engage in prevention efforts because they may be transmitting values and beliefs that support and condone sexual aggression of their athletes.
Gender Verification and Gender Policies in Elite Sport
Authors: Sullivan Claire F.
Published: November 2011

Sex-segregated sports require governing bodies to clearly and accurately place athletes in two categories, one labeled “men” and the other labeled “women.” Sports governing bodies such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) used sex testing procedures to attempt to verify the sex of athletes competing in women’s events. In 2004, the IOC introduced the Stockholm Consensus to regulate the inclusion of, primarily, male-to-female transsexual athletes, to compete at the Olympic Games. These governing bodies, and others, are dealing with society’s basic categorization of humans and thus are entangled in attempts to scientifically and medically define sex. This article will focus on the history and implications of gender-verification testing and gender policy on notions of “fair play” and athlete eligibility.
‘We-research’: Adopting a wiki to support the processes of collaborative research among a team of international researchers
Authors: Young Susan , Pérez Jèssica
Published: November 2011

This article discusses the adoption of a wiki to support the processes of collaborative research between members of an international team involved in the project MyPlace: MyMusic. The focus is on how new technological communications, here specifically the wiki, can enable and transform the methods and processes of research. We propose two main aspects the use of the wiki can bring to research in music education: to facilitate multi-modal research processes and to promote research as a collective rather than individual practice. Both aspects, we argue, can extend the potential for music education research and subvert some of the limiting hierarchical traditions of academic research. This shift to a networked, multi-modal research method calls for new skills: technological, personal and social. Some analytical models of networked processes by other authors provide illuminative templates and these are introduced. The article maintains a balanced view, describing potential advantages alongside possible pitfalls.
The impact of specific language impairment on performance in science and suggested implications for pedagogy
Authors: Matson Gill , Cline Tony
Published: November 2011

The impact of specific language impairment (SLI) on the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills has been well researched. In contrast little has been written on its impact on the third core subject in the National Curriculum (NC) of science and this article describes a preliminary investigation into the scientific reasoning skills of children with SLI in comparison with those of typically developing (TD) children. In individual assessment sessions 11 pairs of target children with SLI and control TD children in the Key Stage (KS) 2 age span (ages 7–11 years) undertook a series of scientific reasoning tasks appropriate to their age involving receptive and expressive language skills. The children with SLI had for the most part significantly more difficulty with expressive language tasks (ELTs) than the TD children, in spite of the provision of scaffolding, and there was some evidence that they also had greater difficulty with the production of causal connectives, e.g. because, so. However, there was no difference between the two groups on receptive language tasks (RLTs) when scaffolding was used. Some possible implications for pedagogy are considered in light of these findings, and problems in matching children with SLI and TD controls are discussed.
Dreaming of a small business?
Authors: Robinson Lesley
Published: November 2011

Even though we may be more than satisfied with our current job, most of us occasionally dream of doing something different. If we sadly lose a job in the current climate, then pragmatic considerations of security and income can vie with thoughts of a really different future. If we have a background in research then we have many advantages as we consider other options. This case study demonstrates how desk research and on the spot, face to face exploration were combined in one instance to reach a clear decision about the future. It demonstrates how many angles need to be considered before setting up your own business – or not.
Merits, problems and paradoxes of regional innovation policies
Authors: Grillo Francesco , Landabaso Mikel
Published: November 2011

Public investments in innovation and research assets have been recently perceived by policy makers as an effective tool for the development of less developed regions. This has been particularly true in the case of the European cohesion policies and the structural funds expenditures. However, the expectations have not always been matched by effective results. This article will examine the problem in three main sections. In the first we will review the debate about whether regional imbalances can be corrected by market forces and what is, eventually, the role that regional innovation strategies can play within cohesion programmes. In the second we will discuss the so called ‘regional innovation paradox’ and the problems of designing and implementing strategies within less developed regions. In the third we will identify 10 criteria that programme managers at EU, national and regional levels should consider as they try to solve those problems.
English regions disbanded: European funding and economic regeneration implications
Authors: Pugalis Lee , Fisher Ben
Published: November 2011

The investiture of a UK Coalition Government in 2010 heralded the (ongoing) production of new sub-national geographies of governance in England. Of primary concern is the disbanding of the English regions, outside of London, which were New Labour’s preferred scale for ‘managing’ economic regeneration during the 2000s. In a bid to roll back the functions of the state as part of their deficit reduction plan, the Coalition embarked on a political rescaling strategy resulting in various institutional reconfigurations. This rescaling of state power has significant policy implications in the context of European funding, which is the focus of this article. By analysing a field of policy activity during a period of significant motion, the intent is to highlight some notable dilemmas, aided by posing some practical questions, in order to prompt some much needed policy discussion and academic deliberation.
The ‘Employment in the Neighbourhoods’ project: A local economic development experience in Catalonia
Authors: Hernando Mateo , Remesar Nemo
Published: November 2011

‘Employment in the Neighbourhoods’ is a local economic and urban regeneration project that has been developed by the Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC) since 2007 and includes, in an innovative way, premises and know-how that aim to inspire the configuration of future active labour and local development policy models in Catalonia. This innovative approach is focused on a change from sectorial implementation to territorial implementation of economic development policies, on strengthening local and territorial cooperation between stakeholders, on strengthening and recognizing local authorities’ role as main actors in employment promotion and local development, as well as for its ‘Charter of services’ that integrates several labour market measures into a single project.
Whither a Europe of the (English) regions? Reflections on the prospects for the representation of English territorial interests in Europe
Authors: Sykes Olivier , Lord Alexander
Published: November 2011

This article considers the prospects for the maintenance of a European ‘capacity to act’ by UK sub-state authorities in light of the rescaling of the institutions tasked with fostering local and regional development in England. It considers the formalization and greater resourcing of European regional policy following the Single European Act of 1986 and the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the discourse of a ‘Europe of the Regions’. It then moves on to examine sub-national capacities through developments such as the creation of ‘Brussels Offices’ to represent the interests of sub-national agencies in the European Union policy-making process. It concludes with an examination of the scaling back of European representation for English regions and a suggestion that any accompanying reduction in influence may in time be regretted.
Are Teleworkers Less Likely to Report Leave Intentions in the United States Federal Government Than Non-teleworkers Are?
Authors: Caillier James Gerard
Published: November 2011

Teleworking is the most common alternative work schedule used in public organizations. Despite the adoption of teleworking in government agencies, no studies were found that empirically examined the effect it has on retention in these agencies. This article therefore extends the literature by examining the impact of teleworking on turnover intentions in U.S. federal agencies. In so doing, the findings suggest that teleworking did not exact a social exchange in public agencies. That is, teleworkers and nonteleworkers reported similar intentions to quit implying that telecommuting should not be used by managers and organizations “solely” to reduce the turnover of government employees. Furthermore, an examination of each of the teleworking and nonteleworking arrangements revealed that government workers were more likely to report a leave intention when they were denied the opportunity to telecommute. As a result, this finding validates the social denial hypothesis. The managerial and theoretical implications of these findings are thoroughly discussed in the article.
Examining the Dimensionality of EARLI Literacy Skill Scores Using Nonlinear Factor Analysis
Authors: Hochstedt Kirsten S. , Lei Pui-Wa , DiPerna James C. , Morgan Paul L.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine response dimensionality for a new measure of young children’s early literacy skills. The Early Arithmetic, Reading, and Learning Indicators (EARLI) include six brief measures of early literacy skills. These measures were administered at three time points (October, January, and April) to children enrolled in Head Start. Responses from each of the EARLI literacy measures were analyzed by nonlinear factor analysis and DIMTEST. Results suggest that the majority of the EARLI literacy skill scores are essentially unidimensional.
‘Change You Can Believe In’, You Better Not Believe It
Authors: Williams Johnny E
Published: November 2011

This study evaluates the extent to which the moneyed establishment influences Obama’s politics and policy positions. Drawing on insights from power structure theory, the article elaborates on how Obama’s acceptance of the moneyed elite’s political, economic, and cultural hegemony as normative and determinate of everyday reality configures his policies. Drawing primarily on secondary sources (i.e. journal articles, public speeches, newspapers, magazine interviews, and Internet sites) that scrutinize government policies and the appointees who formulate them, this study suggests that the American political system’s narrow commercial parameters incline Obama to govern as the presidential facilitator and protector of private financial interest.
The effect of exposure to community violence on levels of aggression: Evidence from a sample of Jamaican children
Authors: Bailey Corin , Coore-Desai Charlene
Published: November 2011

Scholars agree that aggression among children can lead to a host of delinquency issues that can last into adulthood. Research has found that exposure to violence is one of the strongest predictors of aggressive behaviour and the use of violence. Utilizing a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the article seeks to determine the effect of exposure to community violence on levels of aggression among children in Kingston, Jamaica. Using data obtained from a sample of preparatory and primary school children, the article finds that unlike studies done in larger countries, there was no significant difference in aggression among the children. With levels of aggression similar across the sample, the article argues that the widespread nature of violence in Kingston means that no one is immune to the effects. Exposure occurs in a number of ways and the direct witnessing of community violence is only one of a variety of risk factors for increased aggression.
Conventional helicopters: an adaptiveness study for more electric and alternative propulsion technologies
Authors: Buysschaert F , Hendrick P , Newman S
Published: November 2011

The power plant and drive systems in a conventional helicopter cause high development and operating costs, compromise safety, and introduce performance limitations. Even though much effort is devoted to mechanical transmission systems, the use of electric components promises a higher reliability. Magnetic gearboxes address many of the problems in mechanical transmissions, but proved to be too heavy at this time. However, since this technology has not achieved its full potential, improvements are imminent and could allow its implementation in the near future. Several combinations with energy sources, amongst which liquid hydrogen (LH2), showed a turboshaft with kerosene to offer the lightest configuration. For the lower required power range, Avgas piston engines should at least be replaced with more efficient diesel engines. The possibility of using electric motors, such as the switched reluctance motor, to drive the tail rotor is possible at the expense of weight. The use of LH2, which has a threefold higher energy density than kerosene, in a helicopter seems feasible; though heavier due to an increased helicopter volume and tank weight, it offers a free cold source for high-performing high-temperature superconductive devices.
The ideological construction of solidarity in translated newspaper commentaries: Context models and inter-subjective positioning
Authors: Chen Ya-mei
Published: November 2011

This article utilizes Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive approach as a theoretical framework to demonstrate how news translators ideologically construe solidarity in translated newspaper commentaries about the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signing between Taiwan and China. Using a corpus of 26 Chinese commentaries from the Liberty Times in Taiwan and their English translations from the Taipei Times as data, this article (1) compares the context models, together with relevant ideological forces, constructed by the news translators and the original writers and (2) investigates how contextual variations guide the translators to make inter-subjective positioning shifts through engagement resources. The results reveal that the shifts identified in the translated headlines and arguments (including the change in dialogic nature and the notable addition of dialogically expansive expressions) were performed by the translators to establish presumably appropriate solidarity relations (i.e. tolerance-based solidarity) and to align the writers and the potentially diverse target audience, at whom the translated pieces are aimed. In this way, the translators can achieve the goals of translating commentaries while adequately responding to the pro-independence ideology of the Taipei Times and the professional ideology of the news translators as media practitioners.
Role of reactive intermediates in the immunopathogenesis of the pristane-induced Balb/c model of lupus
Authors: Minhas U , Das P , Bhatnagar A
Published: November 2011

Pristane-induced lupus in Balb/c mice represents an environmentally induced lupus model which is widely used for unravelling the mystery of the pathogenesis of the disease. An intraperitoneal innate immune reaction to pristane is primarily accountable for the development of the systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease in the model. In this study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were assessed (as a measure of chronic inflammation) in the peritoneum of the Balb/c model of SLE-like disease 6 months after a single intraperitoneal injection of pristane. Levels of ROS in peritoneal macrophages were significantly enhanced (mean fluorescence value ± SD: 648 ± 100.9) in pristane-treated mice (PT) as compared with control mice (mean fluorescence value ± SD: 79 ± 7.8) treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBST). An immunofluorescence study reveal the localization of ROS within nuclei, suggesting oxidative damage. Similarly, levels of NO were also markedly raised in PT mice (34.71 µmol/l ± 8.48) as compared with PBST mice (1.36 nmol/l ± 0.14). These new findings lead to speculation about the role of reactive intermediates in the development of disease. This study proposes that the sustained production of reactive intermediates during chronic intraperitoneal inflammation might reduce antioxidant defences and lead to a condition of oxidative stress, which might further be responsible for this autoimmune condition.
Sources of Media Influence on Regulation
Authors: Gibbons Thomas
Published: November 2011

The complex pattern of regulation in medical practice and health care is intended to secure decision making that is based on sound reasoning and evidence. To what extent can the media influence regulatory practice, and to what extent should any such influence be a cause for concern? This article considers different conceptions of regulation, the functions of the media, and the kinds of influence which they may bring to bear. It argues that, while some forms of media influence are inappropriate, others reflect legitimate public interest in regulatory process. Regulators should engage positively with media interest in their work and do not need to compromise their purposes to do so.
Media Bullshit in the Assisted Dying Debate
Authors: Brassington Iain
Published: November 2011

In this paper, I use an argumentative device suggested by Harry Frankfurt to suggest that media coverage of assisted dying and euthanasia is frequently distorted, and that that this distortion, though comprehensible and sometimes inevitable, is at least sometimes morally troubling. I shall also suggest a reason to be sceptical about the ability of media coverage to improve the quality of public debate.
Impact of Trade Liberalisation on Technical Efficiency of Vietnamese Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Chu Son Ngoc , Kalirajan Kaliappa
Published: November 2011

This study has examined whether trade liberalisation facilitated manufacturing firms in Vietnam to realise their production potentials fully using firm-level balanced panel data over the period 2000ȓ03. The fi ndings support the theoretical implications of the positive and robust impact of trade liberalisation on firm performance. The study reveals that while more trade liberalisation is conducive to better firm performance, increasing the share of skilled labour is the key for firms to achieve higher potential output in the long-run rather than using more unskilled labour, which is relatively more abundant in Vietnam. The policy implication is that more attention should be paid by policymakers to provide incentives and support for firms to facilitate upgrading the skills of their workers through different means such as on-the-job training.
Typikalität, Musiker-Image und die Musikbewertung durch Jugendliche
Authors: Cohrdes Caroline , Lehmann Marco , Kopiez Reinhard
Published: November 2011

This study investigates the relationship between typicality, a musician’s image and music evaluation by adolescents. We pay particular attention to adolescents’ sensitivity to the (un-)conventionality of the music and the musicians. First, in the theoretical part, we reveal the variable “typicality” (with the extremes conventional vs. unconventional) as an important parameter for the development of adolescents’ evaluation of music. Second, in the experimental part, we investigate the influence of a conventional and unconventional image of a musician on music evaluation by using an unknown piece of pop music. The image is introduced via two different cover stories about a fictitious band and compared to a control condition without cover story. The evaluation of music is used as the dependent variable. Results show a medium effect size ( d = 0.67) for a positive value judgement by an unconventional musician image. Accordingly we give a preview of further research methods and designs. The consequences of our findings for identity formation are discussed in the context of the theories of social identity and self-categorization. We assume that group processes of distinction and identification control music perception and evaluation. In this process, in-groups are characterized by shared norms and attitudes and enable the evaluation of unknown music to be predicted. We suggest that the processes of music perception and evaluation are affected by the image of a musician.
Exploring relationships between pianists’ body movements, their expressive intentions, and structural elements of the music
Authors: Thompson Marc R. , Luck Geoff
Published: November 2011

Body movements during music performance have been found to be indicative of the performer’s musical intentionality, and contribute to an observer’s perception of expressive playing. This study investigates the effect of structural elements of the score, and the playing of different levels of expression on body movements during a piano performance. Pianists were required to play the same piece in four different performance conditions. Their movements were tracked by an optical motion capture system, and the comparisons that were made between specific parts of the body used, performance condition, and musical score locations were subsequently statistically examined. We found that the head and shoulders exhibited more movement per measure, as well as larger differences between each condition, than the fingers, wrists and lower back. Differences between performance conditions were observed primarily at structurally significant portions of the score, and biomechanical factors also played a role. Moreover, our data supports the view that performers equate playing without expression to playing without nonessential movements.
Teaching a Comprehensive Course on Stress and Work
Authors: DeFrank Richard S.
Published: November 2011

Given the growing literature on and documented importance of workplace stress, it is suggested that this topic deserves more than a casual mention in introductory management classes. The current article reviews a comprehensive course dedicated to the phenomenon of stress in the work setting, which addresses issues such as theories, demands and stressors, and individual and organizational consequences and coping methods. The structure and learning objectives of the course are also detailed, along with some future directions for incorporating work stress into other aspects of management education.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Comparison of MK-0929 and Placebo in the Treatment of Adults With ADHD
Authors: Rivkin Anna , Alexander Robert C. , Knighton Jennifer , Hutson Pete H. , Wang Xiaojing J. , Snavely Duane B. , Rosah Thomas , Watt Alan P. , Reimherr Fred W. , Adler Lenard A.
Published: November 2011

Objective: Preclinical models, receptor localization, and genetic linkage data support the role of D4 receptors in the etiology of ADHD. This proof-of-concept study was designed to evaluate MK-0929, a selective D4 receptor antagonist as treatment for adult ADHD. Method: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in adults with primary ADHD. The primary end point was changed from baseline in total score on the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale following a 4-week treatment regimen. Additional measures included Clinical Global Impression–Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale and D4 genotype analysis. Results: No statistically significant treatment differences were found between MK-0929 and placebo in any of the primary or secondary assessments. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that blockade of the D4 receptor alone is not efficacious in the treatment of adult ADHD.
Citizens’ support for the European Union and participation in European Parliament elections
Authors: Stockemer Daniel
Published: November 2011

The dominant paradigm characterizes European Parliament (EP) elections as second-order national elections. Scholars adhering to this view (for example, Marsh, 2008 ; Reif and Schmitt, 1980 ; Schmitt, 2005 ) not only identify these elections as less important, but also emphasize that low turnout in EP elections is unrelated to citizens’ support for the European Union (EU). In this article, I challenge this latter proposition. Analyzing all EP elections since 1979, I first find that higher macro-level support for EU membership leads to higher turnout. Second, I discover that changes in aggregate EU support directly trigger changes in turnout rates. Third, a multilevel analysis of Eurobarometer data confirms these macro-level trends at the micro level and finds that citizens who consider their country's membership in the EU ‘a good thing’ have a higher likelihood of voting in EP elections than those who reject it. These findings have both empirical and theoretical implications. Empirically, the low turnout in EU elections is directly linked to citizens’ rejection of the EU project. Theoretically, the second-order national election thesis needs to be altered. Turnout in EP elections is driven by not only national-level factors but also citizens’ satisfaction with the EU.
Associations Between Three Characteristics of Parent–Youth Relationships, Youth Substance Use, and Dating Attitudes
Authors: Tharp Andra Teten , Noonan Rita K.
Published: November 2011

Various dimensions of parenting have been associated with youth risk behaviors, such as substance use and dating violence. These associations have spawned many prevention strategies that focus on parenting. However, it is unclear which characteristics of parent–youth relationships, and thus, which parent-focused prevention strategies, may be most influential in youth risk behaviors and, thus, which should be targeted in prevention. Using responses from the YouthStyles 2007 survey ( N = 1,357), this study identified three youth-reported parent–youth relationship characteristics: communication about risk behaviors, closeness/respect, and rules/monitoring. The authors examined the associations among these characteristics and youths’ demographics, attitudes supporting controlling dating relationships, and use of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Results suggested risk behavior communication was more frequently reported by girls and was more frequent among older youth. Closeness/respect and rules/monitoring were more frequent among younger youth. Regressions suggested communication about risk behaviors was not a predictor of attitudes supporting controlling dating relationships but was a significant predictor of substance use, closeness/respect and rules/monitoring predicted substance nonuse and attitudes unsupportive of controlling dating relationships. The findings suggest that parental communication alone may not be sufficient to influence youth risk taking, but that parental monitoring and the establishment of respectful, close relationships with children may be important elements of parent-focused health promotion efforts.
Challenges and Opportunities for Promoting Booster Seat Use
Authors: Will Kelli England , Dunaway Krystall E. , Kokorelis Diane A. , Sabo Cynthia Shier , Lorek Edward J.
Published: November 2011

Motivating parents to take certain safety precautions when traveling with their children remains challenging for advocates. Caregivers of booster-aged children are particularly difficult to reach because they do not consider their children to be of “safety-seat” age and have inherently low perceptions of vulnerability to crash injury. Unfortunately, most booster seat programs fail to adequately motivate their intended population because they are primarily informational in nature and rely on caregivers to seek out and attend to the information. In this article, interventions using threat appeal tactics and progressive dissemination methods are recommended to effectively target participation and perceptions of vulnerability among this population. Recent research on risk communication indicates that threat appeals are supported when they contain high threat and high efficacy components. Threat appeal tactics are particularly desirable when perception of vulnerability is low, as is the case with parents of booster-aged children. In addition to theoretical arguments for more aggressive intervention approaches, a case example is presented wherein such techniques were used to promote booster seat use. The intervention resulted in significant increases in knowledge, risk-reduction attitudes, sense of efficacy, and observed booster seat use. Through use of progressive dissemination methods, the intervention has reached an audience of 431,600 people and counting.
Physical Cultural Studies and Embodied Research Acts
Authors: Giardina Michael D. , Newman Joshua I.
Published: November 2011

This article critically examines the emerging field of physical cultural studies, especially its contributions to our understandings of “the body” in and through its ongoing relationship with the research act. That is, a focus on the confluence of the embodied self and the [auto-]ethnographic self as it relates to the conduct of inquiry. It also addresses the politics of the body within a particular neoliberal condition, and the way the body and its health and well-being is leveraged as a pedagogical apparatus of neoliberalism. It concludes by arguing that we need to privilege bodily copresence within the theory, method, and practice of physical cultural studies.
Dancing in the Shadows of War
Authors: Metz Jennifer L.
Published: November 2011

This article explores the use of performative pedagogy to examine popular culture, the body and gender from a critically engaged, personal, and moral perspective. It examines the effectiveness of using reflexive auto-ethnography in the classroom by having students create Mystories (Denzin, 1997) to explore their conceptions of gender. Moving forward in the reflexive moment, by juxtaposing the image of Pat Tillman and patriotism and the athletes on Dancing with the Stars as archetypes of the hyper masculine (sporting males) over and against excerpts from my students’ self-reflexive stories, I explore my own raced and gendered position as an educator and researcher and the challenges and politics of teaching politically engaged academic inquiry.
Leadership Behaviour and Effectiveness of Academic Program Directors in Australian Universities
Authors: Vilkinas Tricia , Ladyshewsky Richard K.
Published: November 2011

This article focuses on leadership behaviour and effectiveness of university academic program directors who have responsibility for managing a program or course 1 of study. The leadership capabilities were assessed using the Integrated Competing Values Framework as its theoretical foundation. Data from 90 academic program directors and 710 significant others from four Australian universities were analysed. The results lead to the conclusions that these academic program directors were reasonably effective and had the ability to implement and further develop their leadership capabilities, even though they had no formal authority. In their role, these directors mainly focused on ‘getting the job done’ and ‘working with people’. At the same time, they placed less emphasis on monitoring their programs, maintaining networks and introducing changes, thereby putting their programs at risk.
The Belgo-Belgian conflict in individual narratives: Psychodynamics of trauma in the history of Belgium
Authors: Heenen-Wolff Susann , Verougstraete Anne , Bazan Ariane
Published: November 2011

On the basis of interviews, we highlight important historical elements with potential traumatic implications in order to understand some of the psychological roots of the current conflict-ridden relationship between French-speaking and Flemish Belgian citizens. We suggest that this conflict has a complex psychodynamic structure. Due to former experiences of shame, humiliation, disdain and contempt, two concomitant but asymmetrical defensive processes can be observed: repression in the French-language group, dissociation or rejection in the Flemish group. In particular, we hypothesize that the war experiences traumatized the Flemish identity in a complex way, generating an internal defensive pressure characterized by dissociation. The impact of these psychological processes on the current political situation is explored.
Influence of thermal history on hot ductility of steel and its relationship to the problem of cracking in continuous casting
Authors: Banks K M , Tuling A , Mintz B
Published: November 2011

A variety of heating and cooling programmes have been examined for plain C–Mn and high strength low alloy steels to examine their suitability in a hot tensile test for assessing the likelihood of transverse cracking occurring in the straightening operation. A tensile test temperature of 800°C was chosen for comparison, this being the temperature that generally results in poor ductility. For steels with 1·4–1·75Mn, the simple procedure of heating to ∼1300°C to take all the microalloying additions into solution, followed by cooling to the test temperature, was found to be the easiest and most suitable. For high strength low alloy steels containing Ti and low Mn, high S steels, melting is required. For these steels, it is also advisable to have both primary rapid cooling followed by a slower secondary cooling stage, simulating more accurately the actual industrial operation. The addition of thermal oscillations to simulate slab roll contact makes the cycle even closer to the commercial process and generally led to a small decrease in reduction in area values. Because of its complexity, this latter method would not be generally recommended for steels showing wide trough behaviour (high Mn, peritectic C steels), and melting followed by primary and secondary cooling is sufficient. For narrow troughs (low Mn, low C steels), which require melting and where the minimum ductility will be at a temperature of >800°C, the more complex procedure will be required. It will be necessary to obtain the full hot ductility curve using a cycle that, as well as melting and having primary and secondary cooling, also incorporates commercial thermal oscillations or at least some limited thermal oscillations.
State-of-the-knowledge on TWIP steel
Authors: De Cooman B C , Kwon O , Chin K-G
Published: November 2011

High Mn twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steel is a new type of structural steel, characterised by both high strength and superior formability. TWIP steel offers an extraordinary opportunity to adjust the mechanical properties of steel by modifying the strain hardening. The use of TWIP steel may therefore lead to a considerable lightweighting of steel components, a reduction of material use and an improved press forming behaviour. These key advantages will help implement current automotive vehicle design trends which emphasise a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and lowering of fuel consumption. In addition, high strength TWIP steel will effectively contribute to weight containment in vehicles equipped with hybrid and electric motors, as these are considerably heavier than conventional motors. The present review addresses all aspects of the physical metallurgy of the high strength TWIP steel with a special emphasis on the properties and key advantages of TWIP sheet steel products relevant to automotive applications.
Effect of fruit and vegetable intake on oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Baldrick Francina R. , Elborn J. Stuart , Woodside Jayne V. , Treacy Katherine , Bradley Judy M. , Patterson Chris C. , Schock Bettina C. , Ennis Madeleine , Young Ian S. , McKinley Michelle C.
Published: November 2011

Epidemiological evidence supports a positive relationship between fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Increasing FV intake may attenuate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with COPD.

An exploratory randomised controlled trial to examine the effect of increased consumption of FV on oxidative stress and inflammation in moderate-to-severe COPD was conducted. 81 symptomatically stable patients with a habitually low FV intake (two or fewer portions of FV per day) were randomised to the intervention group (five or more portions of FV per day) or the control group (two or fewer portions of FV per day). Each participant received self-selected weekly home deliveries of FV for 12 weeks.

75 participants completed the intervention. There was a significant between-group change in self-reported FV intake and biomarkers of FV intake (zeaxanthin (p=0.034) and β-cryptoxanthin (p=0.015)), indicating good compliance; post-intervention intakes in intervention and control groups were 6.1 and 1.9 portions of FV per day, respectively. There were no significant changes in biomarkers of airway inflammation (interleukin-8 and myeloperoxidase) and systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) or airway and systemic oxidative stress (8-isoprostane).

This exploratory study demonstrated that patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were able to comply with an intervention to increase FV intake; however, this had no significant effect on airway or systemic oxidative stress and inflammation.