bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAKING THE POLITICS OUT OF SPORT?
Authors: McKay Susan
Published: March 2007

Apart from so-called rebel tours there had been little sporting contact between Australia and South Africa between 1971 and 1992. In response to political reforms in South Africa, Australia started to relax its barriers to sporting contact in 1991, and in 1992 South Africa returned to the international sporting arena after an enforced absence of more than 20 years. This article explores representations of relationships between sport and politics in four Australian newspapers during the transition period in South African politics. While politics was inflected in the ways in which renewed sporting contacts between Australia and South Africa were reported, the frames used were not clearcut but interacted in complex and dynamic ways.
THE COMMODIFICATION OF FOOTBALL IN ISRAEL
Authors: Ben-Porat Amir
Published: March 2007

It is argued that commodification is the major process determining the social development of sport in modern capitalist societies. In this light, the development of football in Israel from state-hood to the present is described. Two types of sport — `political' and `commodity' — are used to delineate this development. It is proposed that the commodification of football needs to be analyzed at both the club and the player levels. Commodification has been much more pronounced at the player level, while the club level is specified as a hybrid type responding to both political and market rules. It is concluded that the history of football in Israel is that of a transformation from a game into a commodity via politics.
The Value of International Study Experience on the Labour Market the Case of Hungary
Authors: Bremer Liduine
Published: March 2007

This article reports on the findings of a 1996 research project undertaken by an international team in Hungary. The project aimed to identify and describe the various types of impact that a study period abroad (funded by the EU Tempus programme) has on individual Hungarian students, from the point of view of the students themselves, their home institutions, and their subsequent employers. Results show that former Tempus students, who can be classified as the intellectual elite, do obtain various clearly identifiable benefits from the study period spent abroad. These benefits can be identified as improved language and communication skills, enhanced knowledge of the host country, and a more flexible and open attitude. The Hungarian institutions also see these effects on students; they consider that these students may have some impact on Hungarian education reform, but judge the range of impact to be limited. Hungarian employers appreciate the enhanced skills, knowledge, and attitude of the former Tempus students and explicitly take these into account at recruitment and at selection for further internal promotion, e.g., for management training programmes. It was also found, however, that information on the opportunities offered by the Tempus programme does not reach many organisations in business and industry. In order to improve communication between Tempus alumni and business and industry, it is necessary to strengthen the role of existing organisations such as the Hungarian Round Table of Industrialists, and to develop new channels of communication between (prospective) graduates and employers. For better dissemination of the experiences of former Tempus students within the institutions, it is recommended that specific procedures be established in cooperation with existing structures such as student associations, particularly in regard to teaching methods, in order to involve these students more closely in the education process at home. The role of the alumni network of the Tempus Students' Circle should be strengthened. The procedures for recognition of study periods abroad should be improved, if possible through the introduction of a credit system which should be compatible with the European Credit Transfer System(ECTS) used in Socrates/Erasmus.
Outcome-Based Higher Education
Authors: Rassow Lloyd C.
Published: March 2007

Outcome-based education is increasingly coming into focus as faculty, administrators, and accrediting bodies stress outputs, rather than curricular inputs as a measure of successful educational efforts. The focus here is on extending recent work which has been aimed at developing a meaningful assessment framework for the international business major. A pedagogical view is presented of keyprogram components. More importantly, though, this study goes a step further, by suggesting specific and measurable assessment criteria in the second part of the paper. An existing program at a small college in Philadelphia is used as an example, but the recommendations can easily be extended to programs at other institutions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ASKED
Authors: Varese Federico , Yaish Meir
Published: March 2007

A common phenomenon in social life is that some individuals help others and a few even risk their lives to benefit others, as in the case of those who helped Jews escape persecution in Nazi Europe. A few scholars single out motivations as the prime explanation of these rescue activities, yet concede that material opportunities, information, and other situational factors might have played a role. Their work, however, stops short of offering an account of the nature and importance of these factors. In this article, we focus on the importance of opportunities and situational factors, with specific reference to the rescue of Jews from persecution during World War II. Following a secondary analysis of data on those who did and did not rescue Jews during the Nazi occupation of Europe, we show that a direct request for help substantially increased the likelihood of being rescued. We also explore the other side of the situation, namely whom were the Jews likely to ask for help? Jews were likely to ask people they knew and people they trusted to act as mediators. Finally, we show that few of those who were asked to help did not help. This finding suggests the existence of a selection mechanism: rescuers signalled their disposition to help and were subsequently asked. We conclude that opportunities and situational factors are crucial in accounting for the observed acts of helping.
NEGATIVE FREEDOM AND THE LIBERAL PARADOXES
Authors: van Hees Martin
Published: March 2007

In their game-theoretic formulations, the liberal paradoxes of Amartya Sen and Alan Gibbard show a tension between freedom on the one hand, and Pareto optimality and stability on the other. This article examines what happens to the liberal paradoxes if a negative conception of freedom is used. Given a game-theoretic definition of negative freedom, it is shown, first, that the liberal paradoxes disappear in this new context: there are game forms in which individuals have a minimal amount of negative freedom and which guarantee the existence of Pareto-optimal and stable outcomes. Furthermore, if a game form gives each individual a maximal amount of negative freedom, the Pareto optimality of each stable outcome of the corresponding game is guaranteed. However, many games that provide such maximal negative freedom do not contain stable outcomes. We show that the liberal paradox may reappear in the mixed extension of such games.
EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIALS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: Need Ariana , de Jong Uulkje
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we test how well Rational Action Theory, as developed to explain educational differentials, applies in the Dutch situation. The question we address is the extent to which the mechanisms assumed to be at work can explain class and gender differentials in participation in higher education. After explaining the Dutch educational system and outlining Rational Action Theory, we formulate four hypotheses that we test using data from a panel survey among high school pupils first interviewed in 1991. Evaluating the theory, we conclude that the mechanisms assumed to be at work can indeed explain class differentials in participation in higher education. Moreover, we find support for the hypothesis that the mechanism of relative risk aversion is the most crucial factor in the model. We could not convincingly show that the theory explains gender differentials.
The Insufficiency of Game Theory for the Resolution of Real-World Collective Action Problems
Authors: HECHTER MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

Game-theoretical analyses of the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma (PD) supergame aim to deduce the existence of wholly endogenous solutions to collective action problems. So far, however, game theory has been unable to identify a unique equilibrium solution to the PD supergame. This lack of success, together with the assumption of complete and perfect information, suggests that these purely deductive searches for endogenous solutions are insufficient for understanding collective action problems in the real world. To be of use in the social sciences, applied game theory must be oriented toward specifying the links between its abstract categories and actual social structures.
Game Theory Defined
Authors: RAPOPORT ANATOL
Published: March 2007

A sharp distinction is made between normative and descriptive theories of decision. The former is purely deductive and thus can be regarded as belonging to a branch of mathematics. The results of a normative decision theory are not applicable to descriptions or predictions of how people will make decisions in given situations. Given a sufficiently precise definition of a “rational decision,” a normative theory can prescribe one in a given situation. Descriptive decision theory attempts to predict decisions of people in given situations sufficiently precisely described. In his critique of Prisoner's Dilemma, Aaron Wildavsky regards the theory underlying this game as a descriptive (or predictive) theory. For this reason, although his discussion calls attention to many interesting questions relating to people's decision behavior, his conclusions have no relevance to the theory of games.
Response to Discussants
Authors: Smelser Neil J.
Published: March 2007

The Forum consists of comments on previously published papers and responses by authors. Unlike the Comment section in many other academic journals, the Forum includes solicited as well as unsolicited contributions. We encourage debates by actively seeking points of view contrary to those expressed in articles published in the journal. The Forum is intended to promote an open and critical debate that contributes to the intellectual vitality and further development of rational-choice-based theory and research.

Forum contributions should follow the form used by Rationality and Society and should not exceed five double-spaced pages.
Rethinking Rationality and Rebellion
Authors: LICHBACH MARK I.
Published: March 2007

This article rethinks the Rebel's Dilemma, or Collective Action (CA) problem in political dissent. The author argues that the marriage of CA theories and conflict studies has largely failed. To remedy this situation, a new typology of solutions to the CA problem is proposed. One set of solutions is based on the Market. Such solutions focus on changes in the parameters of the canonical model of CA. The other three sets of solutions are based on varying the context in which the baseline model is placed. Community solutions focus on how common belief systems solve Olson's problem, Contract solutions on how mutual agreements produce CA, and Hierarchy solutions on how authority structures CA. Approximately two dozen sets of solutions to the CA problem are placed within this four fold typology. The existence of so many potential solutions implies that it is relatively easy to solve the Rebel's Dilemma. Rather than trying to explain why rational people rebel, the focus should be on solutions as politics: the struggle between dissident groups trying to implement solutions and regimes trying to impede those solutions. The challenges then become to determine the conditions under which one or more combinations of solutions are adopted and the conditions under which they are effective. Evaluating such explanations will be difficult because the politics of CA renders aggregate levels and particular outbreaks of collective dissent unstable and unpredictable. A combination of Lakatosian and Popperian criteria will be needed.
The Normalcy of Crime
Authors: COHEN LAWRENCE E. , MACHALEK RICHARD
Published: March 2007

A troublesome but generally ignored paradox characterizes contemporary sociological explanations of crime causation. Although many sociologists interpret crime as if it were pathological or aberrant and thus “abnormal” behavior, most simultaneously embrace Durkheim's famous dictum of crime as “normal” behavior. A review of Durkheim's theory of crime causation reveals that it is burdened by several serious logical flaws. And ironically, despite his reputation for propagating a purely sociological explanation of crime, Durkheim resorts ultimately to individual characteristics, rather than social facts, in order to identify the root causes of crime. Contemporary evolutionary game theory affords an alternative explanation of the normalcy of much crime without suffering the deficiencies of the classical Durkheimian approach. The authors' evolutionary ecological-based theory explains the incidence of “expropriative” crime as a by-product of normal patterns of social organization and processes of social interaction. Furthermore, this alternative perspective successfully explains, within one theoretical frame-work, the link between key macro-and microlevel forces responsible for patterns of expropriative crime.
CHOICE CHARACTERISTICS AND PARENTS' CHILD-CARE DECISIONS
Authors: Hofferth Sandra L. , Chaplin Duncan D. , Wissoker Douglas A. , Robins Philip K.
Published: March 2007

Choice models are a key tool of empirically oriented rational choice researchers. However, most researchers do not have the information they need to adequately test their hypotheses and rely solely on individual characteristics of the choosers. The lack of information on the options and constraints parents face may lead researchers to conclude that choices are not rational rather than to question whether they have the appropriate data. This issue is particularly important for researchers interested in modeling child-care choice, since the characteristics of care are more amenable to policy intervention than the characteristics of persons. This paper estimates models of choice of child-care arrangement that include measures of price, quality and availability obtained directly from parents in the National Child Care Survey of 1990. This paper compares alternative estimates of the associations of these characteristics with mode choice. Adding care characteristics to models with individual characteristics improves the explanation of parental child-care choices. Using parent reports of the characteristics of arrangements they used and those they did not use produces results more consistent with expectations than estimates based on predicted values. The results also suggest that having parent reports on the characteristics of alternatives not used improves the precision of estimates of the associations between prices and child-care mode choices. Correcting for selectivity does not appear to be a reasonable substitute when such information is lacking.
CULTURE, CIRCLES, AND COMMERCIALS
Authors: Chwe Michael Suk-Young
Published: March 2007

This paper applies a game theoretic argument, that common knowledge is necessary for `solving' coordination problems, to a variety of cultural practices. This argument helps in understanding how cultural practices such as mass ceremonies constitute power, how talking in inward-facing circles helps coordination, and why `social' goods tend to be advertised on popular and expensive television shows. The main conclusion is that cultural practices, usually understood in terms of `meaning' or `content', must also be understood in terms of `publicity', or more precisely common knowledge generation.
RATIONALITY AND EXTERNAL REFERENCE
Authors: Gaertner Wulf , Xu Yongsheng
Published: March 2007

This article is about rationality conditions underlying individual choice and questions the universal applicability of the `standard conditions'. It is argued that when making choices and decisions, an individual appeals to external references. As a consequence, the issue of rationality can be sensibly analyzed only if external references are spelled out. Utility maximization, menus, private and social norms are some of the examples of external references. In important cases, utility maximization of the standard form is not adequate for explaining individual rationality. Two such cases are analyzed and axiomatically characterized: the choice of the second largest element and the choice of the median. In both situations, the external references are norms. The characterizing axioms in each case are compared to the standard axioms of rational choice theory.
A PARADOX OF SOCIAL RATIONALITY
Authors: Kara Ahmet
Published: March 2007

This article proves the existence of perplexing cases where individual irrationality is more conducive than individual rationality to producing rational and Pareto-efficient social preferences. Though the existence of such cases does not undermine the overall importance of individual rationality in achieving desirable social outcomes, it does establish that the nature of that importance is `contextual' or `context-dependent'.
International Health Care Perspectives: The Cameroon Example
Authors: Fongwa Marie N.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this article is to describe the health care system in the West African country of Cameroon and to make recommendations for quality improvement. The Cameroon health care system, used here as an example of the type of system often encountered in developing countries, is described in terms of factors influencing its operation with subsequent health outcomes. International assistance and collaboration with developed countries to improve the Cameroon health care system and health status of the Cameroon people are recommended.
Guatemalans’ Practices for Health Promotion and the Meaning of Respect Afforded them by Health Care Providers
Authors: Purnell Larry
Published: March 2007

This descriptive study, the second part of a multinational study of Central Americans and Mexicans, describes Guatemalans’ practices for health promotion and wellness, disease and illness prevention, and the meaning of respect afforded them by health care providers. Understanding a person’s beliefs and values when planning nursing and health care interventions helps the caregiver provide culturally acceptable care that improves clients’ satisfaction and health status. Culturally respectful, acceptable, and appropriate care conserves the utilization of human, material, and financial resources. There were 25 participants in this sample. This study uses selected primary and secondary characteristics of culture and selected domains from the Purnell model for cultural competence as guides for questionnaire development, review of the literature, data analysis, and discussion of the findings.
Embracing Street Culture: Fitting Health Care into the Lives of Street Youth
Authors: Barry Paul J. , Ensign Josephine , Lippek Sarah H.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this article is to describe a unique model for the provision of comprehensive primary health care for homeless youth in Seattle, Washington. Through the description of our program, we argue for the use of youth-centric instead of youth-friendly programs. This means a change from using the friendly health program as the central focus to having the young people be the starting point and adapting the health service to meet their needs. We describe how our model of care optimizes chances for homeless youth to establish positive connections with caring adults. We also show how homeless youth have their own street culture, which is of primary importance to them and which has a powerful impact on how they use and view health care.
Cultural Care of Older Greek Canadian Widows within Leininger's Theory of Culture Care
Authors: Rosenbaum Janet N.
Published: March 2007

Cultural care themes were abstracted from a large scale study of older Greek Canadian widows conceptualized within Leininger's theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality. Ethnonursing, ethnographic, and life health-care history methods were used. Data were collected using observation-participation and interviews in three Greek Canadian communities with 12 widowed key informants and 30 general informants. Enabling tools used were interview inquiry guides, Leininger's Life History Health Care Protocol, Leininger's Acculturation Rating and Profile Scale of Traditional and Non-Traditional Lifeways, and field journal recordings. Data were analyzed using Leininger's phases of analysis for qualitative data. The two major cultural care themes which were abstracted from the raw data and patterns were: (1) Cultural care for Greek Canadian widows meant responsibility for, reciprocation, concern, love, companionship, family protection, hospitality, and helping, primarily derived from their kinship, religious, and cultural beliefs, and values, and (2) Cultural care continuity diminished the spousal care void and contributed to the health of Greek Canadian widows. These findings will stimulate future nursing research related to cultural care of diverse populations and guide nursing practice to provide culturally congruent care which will assist widows to reduce their spousal care void. The author thanks Dr. Madeleine Leininger, Dr. Judith Floyd, Dr. Marjorie Isenberg, and Dr. Bernice Kaplan for their guidance in completing the large scale study on which this article is based.
Massage by Nurses in the United States and the People's Republic of China: A Comparison
Authors: Wright Catherine Kipp
Published: March 2007

Massage performed by a Chinese nurse is described as observed by the author. A brief history of both Eastern and Western massage is presented. A comparison of theory, indications, methods, and outcomes of massage as performed by nurses from the United States (U.S.) and the People's Republic of China is made. The comparison is based on nursing texts and journals printed in the U.S., the author's personal experience in the People's Republic of China, correspondence with a nurse from the People's Republic of China, and texts and journals printed in English in the People's Republic of China. Massage as a nursing intervention differed on many points of comparison between the two countries. Chinese nurses perform massage over the meridians which are the channels for Chi—the life force of energy. Nurses in the U.S. perform massage over tense muscles. Massage performed by U.S. nurses involves three to five strokes while Chinese nurses use dozens of strokes. In China, massage is considered curative; in the U.S. it is mostly palliative.
A Systematic Review of the Religiosity and Delinquency Literature
Authors: JOHNSON BYRON R. , De LI SPENCER , LARSON DAVID B. , McCULLOUGH MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

The influence of religion on delinquency has been debated for more than 30 years, and yet, there remains a lack of consensus about the nature of this relationship. In an effort to bring some clarity to this area, this study assesses the religion-delinquency literature by using a methodological approach to reviewing a body of literature that is new to the social sciences—the systematic review (SR). This SR revealed that the literature is not disparate or contradictory, as previous studies have suggested. Religious measures are generally inversely related to deviance, and this is especially true among the most rigorous studies. As criminologists continue to examine the neglected topic of religion or what has been referred to as the forgotten factor, this article is a warning that measurement issues around a complex topic like religion, or even spirituality or forgiveness, is of paramount concern. The findings further indicate that future research on delinquency may gain explanatory power by incorporating religious variables in relevant theoretical models.
Time to Recidivism in Probation/Parole Cohorts
Authors: Neithercutt M.G.
Published: March 2007

Establishing how quickly supervisees return to crime is fundamental. Indices that are confounded by system time lags (like time to arrest, charging, filing, conviction or readmission) are misleading. Elapsed time to actual date of first new offending appears the optimal referent.
The Scope of Police Immunity from Civil Suit Under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and Bivens
Authors: Garcia Alfredo
Published: March 2007

This article will review the doctrine of immunity developed by the United States Supreme Court insofar as it affects lawsuits filed against law enforcement officials pursuant to U.S.C. Title 42 Section 1983, that is, a civil rights action filed against state officials, and its federal counterpart, an action filed against federal officials for violation of a citizen's constitutional rights under the authority of Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. In addition, the article will address the extent to which the doctrine of immunity, as set forth by the Court, adequately safeguards the rights of citizens and, at the same time, protects law enforcement authorities from frivolous civil lawsuits that unduly inhibit the performance of their functions.
Stopping Terrorism- The Problems Posed by the Organizational Infrastructure of Terrorist Organizations
Authors: Mullins Wayman C.
Published: March 2007

Law enforcement agencies have had little success in combating terrorism. This paper explores the premise that the reason law enforcement agencies are ineffectual in dealing with terrorists is because of the unique organizational structure of terrorist organizations. Terrorist organizations do not employ a bureaucratic style of organization. Rather they use a circular, or closed, organizational structure which is unfamiliar to law enforcement agencies. Specific aspects of this circular organizational structure which hinder law enforcement efforts are discussed.
Police Professionalism: The Organizational Attribute
Authors: Kuykendall Jack , Roberg Roy R.
Published: March 2007

Historically, municipal police have utilized a professional model as a basis for reform in an attempt to acquire status, econmic benefits and autonomy. The professionalization of an occupation proceeds through several stages, culminating in a status that can be assessed by the degree to which the occupation has realized the attributes of an ideal-type model. One of the most often noted attributes of a profession is the degree to which it is organizedfor the purpose of developing and discussing theoretical concepts and operational methods. An analysis of the membership of the most prominent national police organization —the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)— indicates that the majority of municipal police organizations, and a substantial majority of both officers and managers, are not represented in the IACP. Possible reasons for this lack of representation, and the implications, are discussed.
Preserving Internal Validity in Correctional Evaluation Research: The Biased Assignment Design as an Alternative to Randomized Design
Authors: Minor Kevin I. , Hartmann David J. , Davis Stephen F.
Published: March 2007

Internal validity refers to the confidence with which changes in a dependent variable can be isolated from the effects of extraneous factors and causally attributed to the effects of an independent variable. While a randomized design is commonly recommended as the best way to preserve internal validity, random assignment of subjects to groups is not always feasible in evaluations of correctional programs. This paper argues that the biased assignment design, whereby subjects are assigned to groups according to controlled criteria, is a viable alternative means of preserving internal validity which should be employed more frequently by corrections researchers. The steps for using the biased assignment design are presented, as is a strategy for proper data analysis.
Ethical Issues in Community Policing
Authors: Nelligan Peter J. , Taylor Robert W.
Published: March 2007

Community policing requires fundamental changes to the philosophy and organization of police work. Among these changes will be substantial reduction in the political and social isolation of police departments and police officers as well as the granting of more autonomy and discretion to individual police officers. Just as the traditional, professional model of police work presents ethical challenges to police departments and officers, so will community policing. Reduction of the political and social isolation of the police may increase the risk of corruption and favoritism and greater autonomy and discretion for police officers increases the risk of police officers being beyond the effective control of their departments. By anticipating these unintended consequences of police reform steps may be taken to avoid them.
Policing and Crime in Indian Country: History, Issues, Challenges
Authors: Peak Ken
Published: March 2007

Before one can truly understand the American Indian system of policing, it is necessary to first examine its antecedents within the larger context of federal policy and relevant case law. Thus, we begin with a historical overview of American Indian policing and crime, and then discuss contemporary policing in Indian Country. Included is a review of the complex issue of criminal jurisdiction. Finally, the relationship between Indian and non-Indian criminality is presented, including comparisons of Indian Country Part I offenses and Part II arrests with that of the nation as a whole and other areas of domicile.
A Primer in Prison Research
Authors: Hart Cynthia Baroody
Published: March 2007

Prisons are closed environments that attract much research interest. Individuals from many disciplines are interested in conducting research in prisons. This paper provides basic guidelines for the prison researcher in the form of "helpful hints" to keep in mind while negotiating entry into such an organization and relating with various groups with which one must interact when conducting research in the prison environment. This paper is directed, especially to the novice prison researcher.
Asian Gangs
Authors: KNOX GEORGE W. , McCURRIE THOMAS F.
Published: March 2007

This article presents some recent research findings about Asian gang members. Some of the noteworthy findings are (a) the Asian gang problem is small in comparison with the overall national gang problem; (b) in terms of human developmental or lifespan variables, social variables, and psychological variables, there really is little that can be said to be unique about Asian gang members; (c) in terms of organizational qualities, features, and processes, there is little that is unique to Asian gangs outside of the obvious symbol and language variations; and (d) evidence suggests that a strong integrative influence affects Asian gang members as well; in particular, the finding that when we look at those Asian gang members who come to the attention of the U.S. criminal justice system, most of these Asian gang members do not belong to gangs that are exclusively “Asian.”
Asian Home Invasion Robbery
Authors: DUNLAP RUSSELL W.
Published: March 2007

This article analyzes home invasion robberies committed by Asian suspects on Asian victims. The characteristics of Asian home invasion robbery suspects and their modus operandi are discussed in detail. Investigative techniques are outlined for law enforcement officers, and home invasion robberies are considered from multiple perspectives, including that of the victim. This article is of considerable interest to law enforcement investigators, criminal justice instructors, criminologists, and potential victims in the Asian community.
Social Control and Recidivism in China
Authors: DENG XIAOGANG , ZHANG LENING , CORDILIA ANN
Published: March 2007

It has been observed that China has low recidivism rates compared to the United States. This study examines contributing factors to China's low recidivism rates by discussing unique features of Chinese culture, major principles of offender reform, and informal control mechanisms. Furthermore, the study cites examples of social correlates of recidivism from a nationwide study of recidivism conducted in China. The current study offers a comparative perspective in rehabilitation that may be valuable for criminological research and crime control practice.
Criminal Behavioral Assessment of Arsonists, Pyromaniacs, and Multiple Firesetters
Authors: DAVIS JOSEPH A. , LAUBER KELLI M.
Published: March 2007

Historically, human beings have had a long and intense fascination with fire. Once it was realized that the powers of this phenomenon could be harnessed and manipulated to suit the needs of the individual who wished to control it, a new and deadly category of criminal activity arose, the act of arson. Deliberate firesetting, or incendiarism, is one of the most malevolent and potent forms of maladaptive behavior that is spawned by the criminal mind. It is also one of the least understood and infrequently studied behaviors because of problems such as design complications, biased sampling, unreliable subjects, and reporting errors and inconsistencies. However, data gathered over the previous years have significantly increased our knowledge surrounding various aspects of the arsonist, and yielded several hypotheses that explain why an individual engages in willful firesetting activities. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the literature surrounding arson in an attempt to better understand those whose obsession with fire ceases to be extinguished.
Inverse Dynamics of Adaptive Structures Used as Space Cranes
Authors: Das S.K. , Utku S. , Wada B.K.
Published: March 2007

As a precursor to the real-time control of fast moving adaptive structures used as space cranes, a formulation is given for the flexibility induced motion relative to the nominal motion (i.e., the motion that assumes no flexibility) and for obtaining the open loop time varying driving forces. An algorithm is proposed for the computation of the relative motion and driving forces. The governing equations are given in matrix form with explicit functional dependencies. A simulator is developed to implement the algorithm on a digital computer. In the formulations, the distributed mass of the crane is lumped by two schemes, viz., "trapezoidal" lumping and "Simpson's rule" lumping. The effects of the mass lumping schemes are shown by simulator runs.
Technology Development and Forecast of Dynamical Intelligent Building (D.I.B
Authors: Kobori Takuji
Published: March 2007

The Dynamical Intelligent Building takes a new horizon with derivation from the conventional earthquake resistant building structures. The author has proposed and expanded this new concept and has been promoting its research and development. The ultimate goal aims at the intelligent structure which reacts actively to earthquake taking an initiative with the building itself, in contrast with the passive design philosophy which is to endure the fatal disturbance The author realizes the actual building as a first stage of a Dynamical Intelligent Building with an Active Mass Driver (AMD) system and also has been carrying out the development of an Active Variable Stiffness (AVS) system. It is thought that still more development of this innovative technology has progress steadily and the specific plans for the respective applications will be reviewed extensively hereafter.
Dynamic Strain Sensing of a Composite Lattice with an Integrated Optical Fiber
Authors: Jensen David W. , Pascual Jesus , Cory John M.
Published: March 2007

A fiber-optic sensor was used to investigate the modal response of a highly-flexible graphite/bismaleimide lattice structure. The natural frequencies and modal amplitudes were determined based on strain readings taken from the structurally- integrated fiber-optic sensor. The advanced composite lattice structure to which the sensor was attached is a half-scale model of the aluminum grid currently being used for active control studies at the Air Force Astronautics Laboratory. The dynamically-scaled compos ite lattice structure, which employs 2.604-cm (1.025-inches) wide strips to form a five-by- five grid, is 76.52-cm (30.125-inches) square overall with a nominal thickness of 0.094 cm (0.037 inches). The longitudinal and transverse members employ the same seven-ply [O3/90] s stacking sequence with reference to their local coordinate system, except at the intersections, where the layers are alternated. The scaled lattice structure was fabricated from G40-600/5245C graphite/bismaleimide prepreg tape. The first seven modes from an ANSYS finite element model based on eight-node quadrilateral shell elements were used to optimize the path of the integral fiber-optic sensor. To form this sensor, an optical fiber was bonded to the surface along an "L"-shaped path and spliced into the sensor arm of a modified Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which provides a voltage proportional to sensor elongation to supply real-time integrated strain data. The structure was cantilevered verti cally from a specially-designed vise, and the natural frequencies and modal amplitudes of the lattice structure were measured using the integral fiber-optic strain sensor. The ex perimental results were confirmed with noncontact proximity sensors. The results demon strate that integral fiber-optic strain sensors can provide reliable indications of the dynamic response of a flexible lattice structure.
Some Aspects of Electrorheology
Authors: Korobko E.V.
Published: March 2007

The present work is an attempt to give an insightful review of the available data on the electrorheological effect (ERE) and its nature under different strain conditions.
Adaptive Design Models Considering Lifespan of Buildings
Authors: Smith H. Allison , Wadia Sara J.
Published: March 2007

A new design procedure is proposed which integrates system identification procedures and fuzzy set mathematics with damage and degradation models to formulate an adaptive design model capable of considering the changes a structure experiences dur ing its lifespan. Using this design model, the original finite element model can adapt to the assumptions inherent in finite element analysis and to the structural degradation that takes place as the system ages.
Finite Element Predictions of Active Buckling Control of Stiffened Panels
Authors: Thompson Danniella Muheim , Griffin O. Hayden
Published: March 2007

Materials systems and structures that can respond "intelligently" to their environment are currently being proposed and investigated. A series of finite element analyses was performed to investigate the potential for active buckling control of two different stiffened panels by embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) rods. Changes in the predicted buckling load increased with the magni tude of the actuation level for a given structural concept. Increasing the number of actuators for a given concept yielded greater predicted increases in buckling load. Considerable control authority was generated with a small number of actuators, with greater authority demonstrated for those struc tural concepts where the activated SMA rods could develop greater forces and moments on the struc ture. Relatively simple and inexpensive analyses were performed with standard finite elements to de termine such information, indicating the viability of these types of models for design purposes.
Properties of Dense PLZT Piezoelectrics
Authors: Neurgaonkar R.R. , Oliver J.R. , Nelson J.G.
Published: March 2007

Perovskite PZT and PLZT ceramics have been hot- forged to densification > 98 % of their theoretical values. The piezoelectric d33 coefficient in the PLZT dense ceramics exceeds 650 pC/N compared to 550 pC/N for conventionally sintered ceramics. In addition, the microstructure in these samples is much improved, and a substantial amount of grain orientation is observed. This combination of properties results in a substantial increase in fatigue life, and we expect the hot-forging technique to extend the fatigue life to over 109 cycles.
Use of Piezoelectric Films in Detecting and Monitoring Damage in Composites
Authors: Galea S.C. , Chiu W.K. , Paul J.J.
Published: March 2007

The increasing emphasis over the past few years on intelligent material systems and structures has resulted in a significant research effort in the areas of embedded and bonded sensors and actuators. Of the many sensing materials available, piezoelectric sensors offer a number of ad vantages. The sensor output, proportional to changes in surface displacement over a large area, can be used to interpret variations in structural and material properties, e.g., the compliance of the material. This type of sensor has also been used as an ultrasonic transducer. It offers the advantage of having a low structural impedance, thus giving an accurate measurement of the change in area, and consequently can only be used as an actuator on flexible structural systems. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the use of piezoelectric film sensors as a structural integrity monitoring device for composite materials. Tests to date have been aimed at detecting and monitoring impact damage in composite materials, as well as detecting damage in composite-to-metal mechanically fastened joints.
Applicability of Simplified Expressions for Design with Electro-Rheological Fluids
Authors: Brooks Douglas
Published: March 2007

There are three key factors that enable electro-rheological (ER) fluids to be related to engineering hardware: off-state, which is characterised by the suspension viscosity; on-state, which is characterised by the excess shear stress; and power requirement, which is characterised by the current density. This article discusses the potential benefits of using ER fluids and outlines some of the basic design problems. Some simplified expressions are derived that permit parametric design of ER fluid-based systems.
Fluid Durability in a High Speed Electro-Rheological Clutch
Authors: Johnson A.R. , Makin J. , Bullough W.A. , Firoozian R. , Hosseini-Sianaki A.
Published: March 2007

The durability of an electro-rheological (ER) fluid was investigated by running a high speed ER clutch under different conditions and periods of operation. The tests involved running the clutch at 3000 rpm for a total period of twelve hours over a five day period. The tests subjected the fluid to a centripetal acceleration of 3000 m/s2, and were conducted with and without an excitation field of 2 kV/mm, and with and without shearing the fluid at shear rates up to 9500 s-1. The condition of the fluid was assessed periodically by measuring the torque response of the clutch to a step ap plication of voltage in respect of both magnitude and speed of response.

Results at the two pole 50 Hz synchronous speed of 3000 rpm indicated that the particles in the fluid were centrifuged over the prolonged test periods. The application of a voltage across the fluid had a negligible effect on this particle migration. The effect of particle migration due to centrifugal and electro-static effects indicate future development requirements for these smart materials.
An Intelligent Degradable Polymer Composite Which Closely Matches Bone
Authors: Knowles Jonathan C. , Hastings Garth W.
Published: March 2007

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and its copolymers with polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) are a range of slowly degrading polyesters with potential for use in orthopaedic surgery. The polymer degradation profile is unpredictable and thus a composite of PHB/7 % PHV and a completely soluble phosphate based glass reinforcement was compounded. This glass may be produced with a defined solubility rate and this was shown to control the overall degradation of the PHB/glass composite, in terms of both mass loss and change in mechanical properties. The piezoelectric properties of the composite were examined and the strain generated potentials were seen to be of a similar order of magnitude to that of bone. In vivo studies were carried out and as with the in vitro work, the reaction could be closely correlated with the composite solubility. Furthermore, tissue reaction at various stages could be closely linked to the composite solubility.
Learning versus Performance in Short-Term Project Teams
Authors: Druskat Vanessa Urch , Kayes D. Christopher
Published: March 2007

In this article, the authors propose and test hypotheses about the relationship between learning and performance and the team processes that are most predictive of learning and performance in short-term project teams. Results show a moderate but nonsignificant relationship between learning and performance. Results also reveal that team processes most predictive of team learning include interpersonal understanding, proactivity in problem solving, and creating clear work procedures (a negative predictor). Team processes most predictive of team performance include interpersonal understanding, proactivity in problem-solving, and confronting members who break norms (a negative predictor). Results suggest that the needs of short-term project teams differ from those of longer-term teams. They also suggest the potential for tension between learning and performance in short-term project teams. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Small Group Brainstorming and Idea Quality
Authors: Barki Henri , Pinsonneault Alain
Published: March 2007

Idea quality is the most important indicator of group brainstorming performance. Yet, little electronic brainstorming (EBS) research has assessed idea quality directly. This article provides a closer look at EBS and nominal brainstorming groups in terms of idea quality. This study employed an unbalanced repeated measures experimental design to compare the quality of ideas generated by small groups using four brainstorming technologies (nominal, verbal, EBS-anonymous, and EBS-non-anonymous). In the experiment, three conditions thought to improve the effectiveness of EBS groups were also manipulated. The results indicated that overall, nominal brainstorming groups generated ideas at least as good, if not better, than EBS groups. Furthermore, the three conditions manipulated did not improve the quality of the ideas generated by EBS groups.
The Expression of Conflict in Computer-Mediated and Face-To-Face Groups
Authors: Hobman Elizabeth V. , Bordia Prashant , Irmer Bernd , Chang Artemis
Published: March 2007

This study integrated the research streams of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and group conflict by comparing the expression of different types of conflict in CMC groups and face-to-face (FTF) groups over time. The main aim of the study was to compare the cues-filtered-out approach against the social information processing theory. A laboratory study was conducted with 39 groups (19 CMC and 20 FTF) in which members were required to work together over three sessions. The frequencies of task, process, and relationship conflict were analyzed. Findings supported the social information processing theory. There was more process and relationship conflict in CMC groups compared to FTF groups on Day 1. However, this difference disappeared on Days 2 and 3. There was no difference between CMC and FTF groups in the amount of task conflict expressed on any day.
Conflict Avoidance in Consensual Decision Processes
Authors: Gero Anne
Published: March 2007

This study explores group participants' bias toward reducing conflict in consensus ver sus majority decision styles. Recent research suggests that diminished disagreement seriously jeopardizes the quality of groups' final decisions. This study tests for conflict expectation differences between consensus and majority processes. A semantic differ ential questionnaire examines expectation ratings for consensus versus majority pro cesses. Results suggest that the participants expect climate in consensus process to be more agreeable and friendly than in majority process. Among subjects, MSWs showed greater confidence in consensus than in majority, but MBAs did not. In practice, both professions frequently engage in consensus group decision making. Implications of the findings suggest that consensus process might be governed by an "agreement norm" that has the potential to restrict disagreements needed to reach sound decisions.