bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hopping conduction behavior with the Coulomb effects in colossal magnetoresistance materials
Authors: Lin C. H. , Young S. L. , Chen H. Z. , Kao M. C. , Horng Lance
Published: December 2007

We report on the temperature dependence of resistivity in La0.7–xPrxPb0.3MnO3 (x =0, 0.5, 0.7) bulk samples in order to explore the hopping transport behavior with the Coulomb effects for the colossal magnetoresistance materials. The experimental observations in La0.7–xPrxPb0.3MnO3 (x =0.5, 0.7) bulk samples reveal the exponential temperature dependence of resistivity ϱ (T) ∞ exp [(T1/T)n ] with n = 1/2, when system was the paramagnetic (PM) insulator at the high temperature range (T>Tp). Evidence for the hopping conduction with Coulomb effects is presented By using the approximate method of the VRH conduction in the localization regime base on Efros and Shklovskii model [A. L. Efros and B. I. Shklovskii, J. Phys. C, Solid State Phys. 8, L49 (1975)], the localization length of eg electrons can be estimated with the relationship, ξ=2.8e2/(4πε0κkBT1). The reasonable results of localization length can be evaluated to explain the possibility of the presence of the Coulomb interactions in these CMR materials. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A first‐principles study of electronic structures and magnetism for a Mn2As(001) surface
Authors: Jin Y. J. , Lee J. I.
Published: December 2007

The electronic structures and magnetic properties of Mn‐terminated Mn2As (001) surfaces were investigated by using the full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave method within the generalized gradient approximation. We considered three different types of Mn‐terminated Mn2As(001) surfaces, i.e., Mn(I)‐term, Mn(II)1‐term, and Mn(II)2‐term. The calculated results showed that the magnetic moment of the surface Mn(II) atom in the Mn(II)1‐term was greatly increased to 4.46 μB which was close to that of the free Mn atom. Those of the surface Mn(I) atom in the Mn(I)‐term and the surface Mn(II) atom in the Mn(II)2‐term were also considerably enhanced to 3.38 and 3.77μB compared with the center (1.97μB) and deep inner (3.23μB) layers, respectively. These results were discussed in relation with the band narrowing at the surfaces and the hybridization between the Mn‐d and As‐p states using the calculated spin polarized layer projected density of states. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quasi‐two‐dimensional superconductivity in wurtzite‐structured InN films
Authors: Ling D. C. , Cheng J. H. , Lo Y. Y. , Du C. H. , Chiu A. P. , Chang C. A. , Chang P. H.
Published: December 2007

C‐axis oriented InN films with wurtzite structure were grown on sapphire (0001) substrate by MOCVD method. Superconductivity with transition onset temperature Tc,onset around 3.5 K has been characterized by magnetotransport measurements in fields up to 9 Tesla for films with carrier concentration in the range of 1×1019 cm–3 to 7×1020 cm–3. Among them, the film with a nitridation buffer layer has the highest zero‐resistance temperature Tc0 of 2 K. The normal‐state magnetoresistance follows Kohler's rule ΔR /R ∝ (H /R)2, indicating that there is a single species of charge carrier with single scattering time at all points on the Fermi surface. The extrapolated value of zero‐temperature upper critical field Hc 2ab (0) and Hc 2c (0) is estimated to be 5900 G and 2800 G, respectively, giving rise to the anisotropy parameter γ about 2.1. The angular dependence of the upper critical field is in good agreement with the behavior predicted by Lawrence‐Doniach model in the two‐dimensional (2D) limit strongly suggesting that the InN film is a quasi‐2D superconductor. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Observation of room temperature magnetoresistance in a lateral ferromagnet–semiconductor structure
Authors: Koo Hyun Cheol , Kwon Jae Hyun , Eom Jonghwa , Chang Joonyeon , Han Suk‐Hee
Published: December 2007

For an efficient spin‐transport in a two‐dimensional electron gas system, control of ferromagnet–semiconductor interface resistance is a very crucial factor and the clear spin‐signal is detected in the range of 4 ∼ 50 Ω μm2 in our experiments. The magnetoresistance of the local spin‐valve measurement slowly reduces with increasing temperature, but ΔR /R remains near 1% at room temperature. Based on the experimental results and calculations, our InAs channel system shows strong possibility for a spin transistor application. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical absorption spectra of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in beryl crystals
Authors: Spinolo G. , Fontana I. , Galli A.
Published: December 2007

The cover picture of this issue relates to the article by G. Spinolo et al. on optical absorption spectra of Fe ions in beryl crystals [1]. It shows the low temperature polarized light absorption spectrum of a gem‐quality natural aquamarine, i.e. an iron rich beryl. The relevant achievement is that satisfactory attributions of the numerous peaks of the spectrum may be obtained only assuming that both Fe2+ and Fe3+ are substituted for Al in an octahedral oxygen environment. This result excludes the possibility, proposed by several authors, of alternative locations (tetrahedral or “channel“ sites) for iron in beryl. The paper also discusses the ligand‐to‐metal (probably Fe3+) charge transfer spectrum which was measured in beryl for the first time.

The corresponding author Giorgio Spinolo is a Professor of Physics at Milano–Bicocca University, Italy. After early studies on color centers in alkali halides, he became interested in intrinsic optical properties of transition metal halides and later in silica for electronic and photonic applications. Nowadays, his research is devoted to promote a solid state physics approach to study minerals of gemological interest. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanoparticle semiconductor compositions in the miscibility gap
Authors: Jesser W. A. , Schamp C. T.
Published: December 2007

When semiconductor alloys are used to engineer devices one may not be able to achieve compositions that could provide desirable properties such as a specific band gap because there exists an immiscibility of the alloys, particularly when compound semiconductors are involved. Bulk phase diagrams are used to predict the solubility limits as a function of temperature and modification of these limits can be achieved through strain of the alloy. Metastable alloys that are single phase can be prepared with compositions in the miscibility gap but these kinetically trapped alloys return to their equilibrium two‐phase state at elevated temperatures. An alternative approach to achieve compositions in the bulk miscibility gap is to prepare samples as nanoparticles with high surface curvature. These individual nanoparticles exhibit phase diagrams considerably different from those of the bulk and do not transform into a two‐phase state as long as the nanoparticles remain isolated. The purpose of this article is to show how phase diagrams in general can be expected to change with decreasing size and how the GaAs‐GaSb alloy in particular experiences changes from bulk behaviour when it is in the form of isolated nanoparticles with high surface curvature. In this paper is presented experimental characterization of GaAs‐GaSb alloy nanoparticles that are prepared by pulsed laser deposition and equilibrated in vacuum and analyzed in an analytical transmission electron microscope to show that compositions can be achieved in the bulk miscibility gap provided the nanoparticles are smaller than about 10 nm across. Further, the lattice parameter of nanoparticle alloys as a function of composition were found to deviate from Vegard's law by several percent in a positive sense, contrary to that for bulk alloys which show a deviation of a negative sign. Finally, the diffusivity of As in GaAsSb was estimated to be 1018 cm2/s, which is several orders of magnitude larger that known for bulk alloys. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical characterization of single‐phase CuIn(Se,S)2 thin films deposited using a two‐step process
Authors: Sheppard C. J. , Alberts V. , Botha J. R.
Published: December 2007

CuInSe2 has a band gap of about 1.0 eV, which limits the conversion efficiency of complete CuInSe2/CdS/ZnO devices. In order to increase the conversion efficiency of devices, it is necessary to increase the band gap value of the absorber films to about 1.2 eV. This can be achieved by systematically substituting some indium with a group III element and/or selenium with another group VI elements. The substitution of In and/or Se results in a shrinkage of the lattice parameters and thus an increase in the band gap value of the absorber films. However, this process is extremely complicated, especially for conventional two‐step growth processes in which metallic alloys are exposed to Se and/or S species. In this contribution, the optical and structural properties of homogeneous single‐phase CuIn(Se,S)2 alloys are demonstrated for the novel two‐step deposition process. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A portfolio approach to maintenance: a case study of a residential estate
Authors: Chu L. K. , Leung A. K. Y. , Sculli D.
Published: December 2007

The choice between repairing and replacing a defective piece of equipment is an economic decision that is faced by all maintenance managers, including housing estate managers. Such decisions need to be made within the limits and constraints set by maintenance expenditure budgets and by manpower availability. Our particular problem is concerned with the development of a maintenance policy for a residential estate of the Hong Kong Housing Authority. Our approach is to treat the numerous housing systems as a portfolio and to exploit flexibilities in performing or delaying the repair/replacement of these systems. The cost of a repair/replacement plan for the portfolio is formulated as an integer programme and genetic algorithms (GAs) are employed to generate optimal and sub‐optimal solution plans. The novel features of the approach are the model developed and use of GAs in this particular optimization context. The results and discussion of the case study will help practitioners to better understand the difficulties involved in collecting relevant cost data and in formulating repair/replacement plans for a group of buildings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Warning procedures for systems that are improving
Authors: García‐Escudero Luis A. , Fernández Miguel A. , Duque Oscar , Zorita Angel L.
Published: December 2007

Nowadays it is quite usual that systems are correctly maintained. This leads to a decreasing number of failures for the system. In this paper we discuss how to establish warning procedures that take into account features giving the chance of detecting eventual changes of trend in the systems and allowing taking measures before too much damage has actually happened. The proposed procedure is applied to the study of the reliability and maintenance of the railway electric supply system. In this kind of systems, complex and extended, testing the performance of the system and effectiveness of the maintenance tasks has special interest. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of boldenone formation and related steroids transformations in veal faeces by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Arioli Francesco , Gavinelli Matteo P. , Fracchiolla Maria L. , Casati Alessio , Fidani Marco , Ferrer Emilia , Pompa Giuseppe
Published: December 2007

It is established that bovine urine can result positive for boldenone and androstadienedione in consequence of faecal contamination. The simple transfer of steroids to urine is one minor aspect of faecal contamination. A high de novo production of steroids in faeces after deposition and in faeces‐contaminated urine is almost certainly due to microbial activity, although the precursor compounds and transformations leading to the presence of these illegal steroids are unclear. We developed a simple in vitro method – incubation of faecal matter suspended in 0.9% saline – to induce steroid transformations in faeces, and analyzed the products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, without the need for prior extraction. Norethandrolone was the internal standard. The linearity (R2: 0.987–0.999), sensitivity (LODs: 0.3 to 1.0 ng/mL; LOQs: 1.0 to 3.0 ng/mL), precision (intra‐day CVs: 2.6–8.2; inter‐day CVs: 4.5–11.5) and accuracy (percentage recovery: 89–120%) were calculated for the studied steroids. Androstenedione, androstadienedione, α‐ and β‐boldenone, testosterone and epitestosterone transformations were investigated. Mutual interconversion of steroids was observed, although 17β‐hydroxy steroids had low stability compared with 17α‐hydroxy and 17‐keto steroids. The results suggest that this simple in vitro system may be an effective way of studying hormone transformations in faeces and, after analogue studies, in faeces‐contaminated urine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of packet losses due to propagation impairments: Application to TCP performance over satellite
Authors: Drougas Athanasios E. , Panagopoulos Athanasios D. , Cottis Panayotis G.
Published: December 2007

The transmission control protocol (TCP) is widely used to provide reliable data transmission due to its congestion and flow control mechanisms that provide reliable error recovery in higher layers. In satellite links, various atmospheric phenomena may lead to high packet loss rate (PLR) degrading the TCP throughput. Modern satellite systems operate at frequencies above 10 GHz, where rainfall is the dominant fading mechanism leading to high bit error ratio and correlated packet losses. In this paper, a mathematical analysis is presented to accurately describe the statistical properties of the packet‐error process in a dynamically varying satellite channel. The proposed method is extended to provide PLR estimations when block forward error correction (FEC) is employed. A new Markov‐based method, based on the previous analysis and adapted to the rain‐faded satellite channel, is also presented for the estimation of TCP SACK throughput and tested against simulation results. Based on the information provided by the packet‐error model, a study between the TCP performance under various FEC schemes and a proposed adaptive FEC scheme has provided indications about the superiority of the proposed model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recycling Technology for a Recycling Society and the Consumer's Expected Consciousness: Recycling from the Viewpoint of Four Items of Home Appliances
Authors: Sakurai Toshiaki , Kubo Ryogo , Watanabe Masami , Ogi Hiromi
Published: December 2007

The concept of ‘recycling’ was adopted to solve the overuse of resources by mass production and mass consumption of products in the 20th century. In the latter half of the 20th century, all companies started recycling activities slowly but positively, and some of them established their own recycling plants. This article introduces the processes through which used home appliances are made into materials (for reuse), and the machines, facilities, and methods for such reuse, as well as the results of their actual application by the study of a recycling plant. It is expected that this article would motivate the readers for recycling and to consider and feel what we, consumers, should do. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Design Estimation of the Hybrid Power Source Railway Vehicle based on the Multiobjective Optimization by the Dynamic Programming
Authors: Ogawa Tomoyuki , Yoshihara Hiroaki , Wakao Shinji , Kondo Keiichiro , Kondo Minoru
Published: December 2007

The power source of hybrid railway vehicles consists of both generation and energy storage devices. The hybrid vehicles have a high degree of freedom in the system design because they have different power sources. Therefore, it is difficult to establish generalized design methods of the power system. Various patterns of device capacities of generation and energy storage equipments are available for the hybrid vehicle. And various types of power control strategies are also selectable. With this background, this paper proposes a globally searched design estimation method for hybrid vehicles, which is based on multiobjective optimization by dynamic programming. The proposed method enables us to globally clarify the optimal candidates in accordance with various railway lines from a wide search domain. This results in various design concepts of the hybrid vehicles. Then, this paper confirms that the proposed method provides effective design guidelines for the conceptual design of the hybrid vehicles. Therefore the proposed method is useful for the design problem of hybrid vehicles that have a higher degree of freedom compared to electric railway vehicles. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
IPMSM Position Sensorless Drives Using Robust Adaptive Observer on Stationary Reference Frame
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Matsui Keiju
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a novel sensorless control system for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) using adaptive observer on a stationary reference frame with its design and some experiments of position sensorless control. In sensorless control of IPMSM, adaptive observer structure and its design remain as one of the open problems. This is because the linear model on the stationary reference frame for IPMSM has not been established so far. As a result, the construction of an adaptive observer seems to be complicated owing to nonlinearity of the IPMSM model. From this viewpoint, a novel linear model of IPMSM on a stationary reference frame is first described in this paper. Second, an adaptive observer design is proposed based on γ‐positive real problem, yielding realization of both robust position estimation and robustly stable speed adaptation with respect to speed adaptation delay. Finally, some experiments with and without load torque at low and middle speed ranges are shown to demonstrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed system. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Image‐Based Crack Detection for Real Concrete Surfaces
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Nakamura Shingo , Saegusa Ryo , Hashimoto Shuji
Published: December 2007

In this paper, we introduce a novel image‐based approach to detect cracks in concrete surfaces. Crack detection is important for the inspection, diagnosis, and maintenance of concrete structures. However, conventional image‐based approaches cannot achieve precise detection since the image of the concrete surface contains various types of noise due to different causes such as concrete blebs, stain, insufficient contrast, and shading. In order to detect the cracks with high fidelity, we assume that they are composed of thin interconnected textures and propose an image‐based percolation model that extracts a continuous texture by referring to the connectivity of brightness and the shape of the percolated region, depending on the length criterion of the scalable local image processing techniques. Additionally, noise reduction based on the percolation model is proposed. We evaluated the validity of the proposed technique by using precision recall and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis by means of some experiments with actual concrete surface images. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pursuit‐Escape Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Higashitani Mitsuharu , Ishigame Atsushi , Yasuda Keiichiro
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a new Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with pursuit and escape behavior. This method takes a cue from the behaviors of schools of sardines and pods of killer whales. When the sardines are attacked by the killer whales, they would behave unusually, that is, the sardines would escape from the killer whales, and on another front, the killer whales would pursue the sardines. By this method, particles are divided into two categories called the pursuit‐particles and the escape‐particles, having interactions with each other. They play the key roles of intensification and diversification, respectively. This allows the particles to avoid local optimal solutions and find a global optimal one, and also achieve an appropriate balance between diversification (global search) and intensification (local search) during the search. Then, the proposed method is validated through numerical simulations using several functions which are well‐known as the optimization benchmark problems by comparing them to powerful methods such as SAPPO, LDIWM, and CFM. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On achieving sustainable development: The Costa Rican model
Authors: Figueres José María
Published: December 2007

One of the hottest buzzwords in today's global corporate environment is “sustainability.” But long before the topic became “cool,” it was on the mind and on the agenda of Costa Rica's president, José María Figueres. In this well‐thought‐out article, Figueres maps the route that he forged for Costa Rica's future as a developing country leveraging its resources into a model of sustainable development for Latin American emerging economies. Using concrete examples, he explains the thought leadership behind projects that have moved Costa Rica into the forefront of countries doing well by also doing good. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mexican American Adolescents’ Cultural Orientation, Externalizing Behavior and Academic Engagement: The Role of Traditional Cultural Values
Authors: Gonzales Nancy A. , Germán Miguelina , Kim Su Yeong , George Preethy , Fabrett Fairlee C. , Millsap Roger , Dumka Larry E.
Published: December 2007

This study of 598 7th grade students of Mexican origin examined the role of traditional cultural values as a mediator of the effects of immigrant status, Mexican cultural orientation and Anglo cultural orientation on adolescent externalizing behavior and academic engagement. Immigrant status of adolescents and their maternal caregivers uniquely predicted increased Mexican cultural orientation and decreased Anglo cultural orientation, and both Mexican and Anglo cultural orientation related positively to adolescents’ endorsement of traditional cultural values. Endorsement of traditional cultural values related, in turn, to decreased externalizing behaviors and increased academic engagement and these findings were replicated across adolescent and teacher report of these two outcomes. Tests of mediation provided further evidence to support these pathways. Findings support the central importance of traditional cultural values as a protective resource that explains why immigrant youth exhibit fewer externalizing problems and increased academic engagement when compared to their second and third generation peers.
Nutrition and bone health projects funded by the UK Food Standards Agency: have they helped to inform public health policy?
Authors: Ashwell Margaret , Stone Elaine , Mathers John , Barnes Stephen , Compston Juliet , Francis Roger M. , Key Tim , Cashman Kevin D. , Cooper Cyrus , Tee Khaw Kay , Lanham-New Susan , Macdonald Helen , Prentice Ann , Shearer Martin , Stephen Alison
Published: December 2007

The UK Food Standards Agency convened an international group of expert scientists to review the Agency-funded projects on diet and bone health in the context of developments in the field as a whole. The potential benefits of fruit and vegetables, vitamin K, early-life nutrition and vitamin D on bone health were presented and reviewed. The workshop reached two conclusions which have public health implications. First, that promoting a diet rich in fruit and vegetable intakes might be beneficial to bone health and would be very unlikely to produce adverse consequences on bone health. The mechanism(s) for any effect of fruit and vegetables remains unknown, but the results from these projects did not support the postulated acid–base balance hypothesis. Secondly, increased dietary consumption of vitamin K may contribute to bone health, possibly through its ability to increase the γ-carboxylation status of bone proteins such as osteocalcin. A supplementation trial comparing vitamin K supplementation with Ca and vitamin D showed an additional effect of vitamin K against baseline levels of bone mineral density, but the benefit was only seen at one bone site. The major research gap identified was the need to investigate vitamin D status to define deficiency, insufficiency and depletion across age and ethnic groups in relation to bone health.
Effect of blueberry feeding on plasma lipids in pigs
Authors: Kalt W. , Foote Kim , Fillmore S. A. E. , Lyon Martha , Van Lunen T. A. , McRae K. B.
Published: December 2007

Two feeding trials were conducted with pigs to determine the effects of blueberry supplementation on plasma lipid levels and other indices of cardiovascular benefit. In the first trial, where basal diets contained a high level of plant-based components (70 % soya, oats and barley), supplementation with 1, 2 and 4 % blueberries resulted in a decrease in total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol. The greatest reduction was observed in the 2 % blueberry-fed pigs, where total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol were reduced 11·7, 15·1 and 8·3 %, respectively. In the second trial where basal diets contained only 20 % (w/w) of soya, oats and barley, the lipid-modulating effect of blueberries was attenuated, so that supplementation with 1·5 % blueberries reduced total cholesterol by 8 %, which occurred only in pigs whose diets had been supplemented with cholesterol (0·08 %), NaCl (0·11 %) and fructose (9 %). In the first feeding trial, blueberry supplementation had no effect on blood platelet activity. Blueberry supplementation also had no effect on the susceptibility of leucocyte DNA to oxidation in the first trial and no effect on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in the second trial. Results of these two feeding trials are discussed in relation to the effects of basal diet composition on lipid-modulating effects of blueberries.
Those dreaded memes: The advantage of memetics over “symbolic inheritance”
Authors: Blackmore Susan
Published: December 2007

Jablonka & Lamb (J&L) reject “the dreaded memes,” but memetics can explain human uniqueness and culture (as a product of the ability to imitate) without depending on their slippery notion of symbolism. Modern memes show the beginnings of a division into replicators and vehicles, and the replacement of reconstructive processes with systems of blind copying, variation, and selection.
Bridging the gap: The developmental aspects of evolution
Authors: Jablonka Eva , Lamb Marion J.
Published: December 2007

The commentaries onEvolution in Four Dimensionsreflect views ranging from total adherence to gene-centered neo-Darwinism, to the acceptance of non-genetic and Lamarckian processes in evolution. We maintain that genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, and cultural variations have all been significant, and that the developmental aspects of heredity and evolution are an important bridge that can unite seemingly conflicting research programs and different disciplines.
Novelty transmittal and innovative species
Authors: Cachel Susan
Published: December 2007

Captive or experimental studies may be of greater utility than field studies in documenting novel behaviors. Social hierarchy affects the spread of innovations. Innovative species should also be found in cases where sociality is low or absent.
Behavioral innovation and phylogeography
Authors: Deleporte Pierre
Published: December 2007

Indirect identification of innovations in wild populations involves inferring past, unobserved behavioral events. Such historical inference can make simple use of present distribution patterns of differently behaving individuals, but population genetic studies are a potential source of complementary relevant information. Methodological lessons can be taken from phylogeography, that is, molecular approaches to the history of population spatial distribution patterns and gene flows. Opportunities for such studies in primates should increase with the developing population genetic studies used for management and conservation purposes.
Knowing psychological disposition might help to find innovation
Authors: Gajdon Gyula K.
Published: December 2007

Ramsey et al.'s article provides a more sensitive framework for comparative innovation than others' operationalisations have done. Nevertheless, a methodology has to be elaborated in order to determine to what degree a behaviour is novel. Psychological processes have to be considered when evaluating the value of reference groups and in order to figure out where to look for innovation.
Can a restrictive definition lead to biases and tautologies?
Authors: Giraldeau Luc-Alain , Lefebvre Louis , Morand-Ferron Julie
Published: December 2007

We argue that the operational definition proposed by Ramsey et al. does not represent a significant improvement for students of innovation, because it is so restrictive that it might actually prevent the testing of hypotheses on the relationships between innovation, ecology, evolution, culture, and intelligence. To avoid tautological thinking, we need to use an operational definition that is taxonomically unbiased and neutral with respect to the hypotheses to be tested.
Genetic assimilation of behaviour does not eliminate learning and innovation
Authors: Hunt Gavin R. , Gray Russell D.
Published: December 2007

Ramsey et al. attempt to clarify methodological issues for identifying innovative behaviour. Their effort is seriously weakened by an underlying presumption that the behavior of primates is generally learned and that of non-primates is generally “innate.” This presumption is based on a poor grasp of the non-primate literature and a flawed understanding of how learned behaviour is genetically assimilated.
Objectivism should not be a casualty of innovation's operationalization
Authors: Kendal Rachel L. , Dean Lewis , Laland Kevin N.
Published: December 2007

We agree with Ramsey et al. regarding the need for new methods and concepts in the study of innovation, and welcome their initiative, but are concerned that their operationalization is over-reliant on subjective judgements.
Social learning is central to innovation, in primates and beyond
Authors: Logan Corina J. , Pepper John W.
Published: December 2007

Much of the importance of innovation stems from its capacity to spread via social learning, affecting multiple individuals, thus generating evolutionary and ecological consequences. We advocate a broader taxonomic focus in the field of behavioral innovation, as well as the use of comparative field research, and discuss the unique conservation implications of animal innovations and traditions.
Innovation and the grain problem
Authors: Russon Anne , Andrews Kristin , Huss Brian
Published: December 2007

Our concern is with Ramsey et al.'s method for identifying innovation. We show that either it yields false positives or the authors offer insufficient guidance for its application. To avoid these results, the authors need to modify the key or offer better guidelines for delineating input. Either choice requires addressing the processes that generate a behavior.
Defining and detecting innovation: Are cognitive and developmental mechanisms important?
Authors: Sargeant Brooke L. , Mann Janet
Published: December 2007

Although the authors' ingenuity in identifying criteria for innovation for field studies is appealing, most field studies will lack adequate data. Additionally, their definition does not clearly distinguish innovation from individual learning and is vague about cognitive mechanisms involved. We suggest that developmental data are essential to identifying the causes and consequences of learning new behaviors.
Lasing properties and nonlinearities of dyes under high power pumping
Authors: Milani M. , Ferraro L. , Causa F. , Batani D.
Published: December 2007

Nitrogen lasers have been used for many years to make dye solutions lase. A nitrogen laser, which transverse electrical discharge in gas at atmospheric pressure has been built in our laboratory. It has been characterized and applied to pump different dyes: Rhodamine 6G, Coumarin 440, DOTCI, and pyranine in simple “on axis” geometric configuration. It has been shown that pyranine can lase in the absence of any optical external mirror cavity, this happens at very low threshold, and in different solvents. Dyes under consideration can be grouped into two major classes according to their lasing behavior independently on their concentration in the solvent: Rhodamine 6G and DOTCI can lase both axially or transversally and Coumarin 440 and pyranine can lase only axially. Other intriguing features have been observed that span from simultaneous multiple beam generation, to super fluorescence and to distribute axial pumping of dye solutions. A preliminary basis for understanding and controlling such processes is the spatial energy distribution and the energy density of the beam.
Clans for Markets: The Social Organization of Inter-Firm Trading Relations in China's Automobile Industry
Authors: Lee Khan-Pyo
Published: December 2007

This article addresses one of the institutional elements identified as essential to modern capitalism, but which has received little research attention, that is, the “freedom of the markets.” Through an analysis of inter-firm trading ties for the procurement of intermediate products in China's automobile industry, this article demonstrates that to a significant extent the exchange structure remains bound by particularistic networks of trading between institutionally tied actors. It also shows how the resultant “dualism” in market networks, which discriminates between actors sharing particularistic ties and those that do not, is derailing the rational development of the industry by sustaining a “cellular” pattern of industrial development. The case of the auto industry suggests that it may specifically be the large-scale, modern industrial sectors – which require resources to be mobilized and actors to be co-ordinated at vast scale and scope – where the need for the “rational capitalistic establishments” are greatest, and therefore the failure to institute them may constitute a real hurdle to development.
The Political Ecology of Pollution Enforcement in China: A Case from Sichuan's Rural Industrial Sector
Authors: Tilt Bryan
Published: December 2007

This article uses a case study approach to examine the processes and consequences of pollution enforcement in an industrial township in rural Sichuan. China's national pollution emissions standards are relatively strict, but enforcement is the responsibility of some 2,500 Environmental Protection Bureaus (EPBs) within municipal and county governments. EPB officials exercise considerable discretion in prioritizing and carrying out enforcement activities, but exactly what factors influence regulatory behaviour within EPBs is poorly understood. Data for the article are drawn from interviews with EBP officials, township government officials, industrial managers and local residents, as well as a review of township and district financial records and pollution enforcement records. In this case study, EPB enforcement priorities and actions were guided by State Council directives and State Environmental Protection Administration policy, but citizen complaints and media exposure regarding polluting factories also played a key role, and action culminated in the forced closure of township factories. The article uses political ecology as an analytical framework for understanding how pollution enforcement is shaped by the competing values, goals and priorities within the EPB and the administrative unit in which it operates. This is crucial in China, where the decentralized nature of environmental oversight requires an examination of both policy formulation and implementation. The implications of pollution enforcement on rural enterprises for ecological health, fiscal revenue and rural development are also discussed.
The UN Human Rights Council: A New ‘Society of the Committed’ or Just Old Wine in New Bottles?
Authors: SCHRIJVER NICO
Published: December 2007

This article provides an assessment of the replacement of the UN Commission on Human Rights by the Human Rights Council, with a view to ascertaining whether the human rights architecture of the United Nations is now in better or worse shape. Institutionally, it is unique in that an international organ is dismantled and replaced by a new one for the sake of achieving greater effectiveness. What are the chances for success? For a proper assessment, the article first examines the status, functioning, and falling into disgrace of the UN Commission on Human Rights and, second, reviews the establishment of the new Human Rights Council as part of the UN reform process and identifies the new features of the Council compared with the previous Commission. Third, it discusses the work of the Council in its first year, in particular the extensive June 2007 decision on institution building of the UN Human Rights Council. The article concludes that the Council had a far from fresh and easy start, but that its establishment and functioning so far are not a radical departure from the acquis of the UN human rights regime. The first years of the Council are crucial for solid institution building and functioning credibly in an action-oriented way. The first members on the Council bear the heavy responsibility of seizing this historic opportunity.
Diplomatic Protection and International Criminal Law: Can the Gap Be Bridged?
Authors: DEEN-RACSMÁNY ZSUZSANNA
Published: December 2007

The concepts of nationality and allegiance are central to the doctrine of diplomatic protection as well as to certain institutions of (horizontal) international criminal law such as jurisdiction over treason, passive and active personality jurisdiction, and the non-extradition of nationals. In this sense, there appears to be a clear parallel between these two fields of international law. Yet most scholars – including John Dugard – tend to place and keep diplomatic protection and international criminal law in distinct conceptual compartments, never addressing them in relation to each other. This study considers whether this prevailing strict doctrinal separation is necessary and justified – in other words, whether diplomatic protection and international criminal law are, or can, or should be bridged.
John Dugard's Contribution to the Topic of Diplomatic Protection
Authors: KATEKA JAMES L.
Published: December 2007

An overview of the Draft Articles on Diplomatic Protection is followed by an assessment of the role of the Special Rapporteur, Professor John Dugard. It is concluded that the Special Rapporteur played a crucial role in the Commission's achievement on the topic.
Prevalence of RTI/STI agents and HIV infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic women attending peripheral health set-ups in Delhi, India
Authors: RAY K. , BALA M. , BHATTACHARYA M. , MURALIDHAR S. , KUMARI M. , SALHAN S.
Published: December 2007

The study was carried out in symptomatic and asymptomatic women attending peripheral health centres to determine the laboratory prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI), reproductive tract infection (RTI) and HIV. A total of 4090 women in four study groups were subjected to general and speculum examination and screened for aetiological agents of RTI/STI by standard laboratory techniques. The main complaint was vaginal discharge, singly (11·2%) or along with other symptoms (49·0%). Prevalence of RTI/STI/HIV infection was 36·8%. Agents of RTIs were harboured by 24·3% and that of STIs by 12·5%. HIV seroprevalence was very low (0·1%). HSV-2 represented the commonest aetiological agent of STIs, suggesting the necessity of including anti-HSV treatment in the national syndromic management guidelines. The present study highlights the importance of routine RTI/STI screening of antenatal mothers to avoid adverse consequences to the unborn child, and periodic surveys to detect the infection pattern in symptomatic and asymptomatic women, in order to control HIV infection.
Upscaling pore‐scale reactive transport equations using a multiscale continuum formulation
Authors: Lichtner P. C. , Kang Q.
Published: December 2007

Reactive transport equations are solved at the pore scale using the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method, and the results are upscaled using volume averaging over a representative elemental volume and are fit to a multiscale continuum model. The multiscale continuum model accounts for local concentration gradients within diffusion‐dominated matrix domains that are coupled to the primary continuum fluid. In general it is found that a multiscale continuum formulation is required to fit the upscaled pore‐scale results. However, it is also demonstrated that in some cases, multiscale processes may be represented by a single‐continuum model employing effective parameters that are not directly measurable. Provided that sufficient resolution of the pore‐scale geometry can be obtained, the pore‐scale model can be used to determine the most appropriate form of continuum formulation (single, dual, or multiple continua) that best fits the upscaled pore‐scale simulation and, simultaneously, to provide parameters needed for constitutive relations appearing in the multiscale continuum formulation. It is suggested that a multiscale continuum approach may help explain the observed discrepancy between laboratory and field‐derived reaction rates by explicitly representing distinct transport domains through separate interacting continua which could be responsible for the formation of preferential pathways. An example is presented on the basis of a multiscale, synthetic, structured porous medium describing transport of a tracer and linear reaction kinetics.
Transition from an eastern Pacific upper‐level mixed Rossby‐gravity wave to a western Pacific tropical cyclone
Authors: Zhou Xiaqiong , Wang Bin
Published: December 2007

The ancestor of unseasonal Typhoon Nanmadol (2004) over the western North Pacific is traced back to the Eastern Pacific (near 120°W) as an upper tropospheric, counter‐clockwise rotating mixed Rossby‐gravity (MRG) wave. The temporal and spatial evolution from an equatorial trapped MRG‐wave‐type disturbance to an off‐equatorial tropical depression is documented by utilizing NOGAPS (Navy's Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System) analysis data. It is found that the MRG wave moved away from the equator after a dramatic reduction in its zonal dimension and downward development and amplification in the lower troposphere. These dramatic changes in MRG wave properties are attributed to the modulation of the easterly vertical shear, low‐level westerly‐easterly confluence in the large‐scale background flows, and convective coupling, as well as underlying high sea surface temperature (SST). The boundary layer convergence associated with asymmetric pressure field of the MRG wave is likely responsible for the transition from an equatorial MRG to an off‐equatorial tropical disturbance. This case study addresses the possibility that upper tropospheric MRG waves over the far eastern Pacific may provide “seeds” for tropical cyclogenesis over the western North Pacific.
Pathological Science and the Myth of Recovered Memories: Reply to McNally
Authors: Boag Simon
Published: December 2007

Richard McNally's thoughtful commentary points to a noncontroversial source of the fixation with Freud's early theory of repression. At the same time, however, McNally's account does not directly address the critical issue at the heart of my original article, namely that Freud's later theory of repression is persistently misconceptualized and accompanied by a breakdown in critical inquiry. Although the account proposed by McNally does not necessarily contradict this proposal, other potential sources of bias should also be considered. In particular, the acrimony provoked by the recovered memory dispute and the prevalence of ad hominem attacks against Freud suggest that emotional factors may also be obscuring rigorous debate. Issues surrounding the scientific inquiry of Freud's theory of repression are further discussed.
Prominent Schools or Other Active Specialties? A Fresh Look at Some Trends in Psychology
Authors: Spear Joseph H.
Published: December 2007

Past studies investigating trends in psychology have reported some conflicting and surprising results. This article critiques and reevaluates these reports, with a particular focus on those related to the cognitive revolution and the place of neuroscience in psychology. Based on a wide variety of indicators, the following trends are demonstrated: (a) Although cognitive psychology has grown in importance, it has not come to dominate psychology; (b) contrary to prior findings, attention to neuroscience in psychology has grown in a pattern similar to that of cognitive psychology; and (c) there are many signs that cognitive neuroscience is in the process of emergence. Trends are interpreted in light of the argument that psychology is a disunified discipline allowing for many different interests, schools, and approaches.
Meeting Current Challenges in Higher Education: The Need for More Psychologists
Authors: Logue A. W.
Published: December 2007

Higher education is currently facing many serious challenges. These challenges derive from the effects of globalization, massification (the wide availability of higher education), competition, expanding technology, regulation, litigation, and tuition increases that are outpacing student aid. Many psychologists possess the skills to overcome these challenges: to facilitate the learning, creativity, and performance of each student, faculty member, and staff member; foster productive group relations; analyze human behavior qualitatively, quantitatively, and experimentally; and generate and steward funds for their institutions. Psychologists are well prepared to lead institutions of higher education through and beyond their 21st-century challenges. Relatively few higher education leaders are psychologists, however. Psychologists should be encouraged to choose administrative career paths and thus greatly benefit our colleges and universities.