bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power of Leadership, Collaboration, and Professional Development
Authors: Williams Paul R. , Tabernik Anna Maria , Krivak Terry
Published: April 2009

Few researchers support the belief that a school superintendent can drive improvements in student achievement. The Science and Mathematics Achievement Required for Tomorrow (SMART) Consortium was formed in northeast Ohio in 1998 with the belief that superintendents can have a measurable effect on student learning. The goal of this collaboration was to promote continuous improvement in mathematics and science achievement. The consortium's urban constituency ranged in size from 4,000 to 76,500. SMART superintendents led and supported the initiatives in which principals and teachers participated. Superintendent commitment and support empowered teachers to risk change and provided them with effective teaching tools and methods.
Social work as a moral and political practice
Authors: Chu William C.K. , Tsui Ming-sum , Yan Miu-chung
Published: April 2009

English

In their efforts to promote the Global Standards for the Education and Training of the Social Work Profession, the authors discovered the withering of the moral and political bases of social work practice in the West. The revitalization of the roots of social work is important to the promotion of social justice.

French

Dans leurs efforts pour promouvoir les Standards Mondiaux pour l’Enseignement et la Formation aux Professions Sociales, les auteurs découvrent le déclin des bases morales et politiques de la pratique du travail social en occident. La revitalisation des racines du travail social est importante pour la promotion de la justice sociale.

Spanish

En su esfuerzo para promover los Estándares Globales para la Educación y el Entrenamiento en la Profesión del Trabajo Social, los autores descubrieron el marchitar de las bases políticas y morales de la práctica del trabajo social en occidente. La revitalización de las raíces del trabajo social es importante para la promoción de la justicia social.
Portraying immigrants to the public: Mexican workers in the USA and African workers in Spain
Authors: Martinez-Brawley Emilia E. , Gualda Estrella
Published: April 2009

English

This study looks into how US and Spanish regional newspapers convey messages about immigrants to the public and whether the messages present immigrants under favorable or unfavorable lights. The study identifies persistent directional biases and a prevalent negative orientation in covering immigrants in the news. The role of social work in facilitating image changes is discussed.

French

Cette étude examine d’une part la façon dont des messages concernant les immigrants sont envoyés au grand public par les journaux régionaux Américains et Espagnols et d’autre part si ces messages présentent les immigrants sous un jour favorable ou défavorable. L’étude identifie des biais directionnels persistants et une orientation négative prévalente dans la façon de couvrir les évènements impliquant des immigrants dans les nouvelles. Le rôle du travail social pour favoriser des changements d’image y est discuté.

Spanish

Esta investigación examina la forma en que periódicos en Estados Unidos y España, presentan a los inmigrantes, evaluando si es de manera favorable o desfavorable. Se identificó un sesgo negativo persistente y una orientación desfavorable. Se discutió el papel del trabajo social en el ámbito de la inmigración.
Northern Peruvian non-governmental organizations
Authors: Claiborne Nancy , Junqing Liu  , Vandenburgh Henry , Hagen Jan , Mera Rodas Armando , Raunelli Sander Juan Manuel , Adanaque Zapata Juan Gabriel , Zurita Paucar Martin Javier
Published: April 2009

English

Interorganizational relationships are important capacity-building mechanisms for non-governmental organizations. Based on case studies of six Peruvian NGOs, this study found that international NGOs play crucial roles in how Peruvian NGOs function. In contrast, collaborative relationships among these Peruvian NGOs and with the government are underdeveloped. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.

French

Les relations inter organisations représentent d’importants mécanismes de construction d’aptitude pour les organisations non gouvernementales. Basée sur les études de cas de six ONGs péruviennes, cette étude démontre que les ONGs internationales jouent un rôle crucial dans le fonctionnement des ONGs péruviennes. Par contraste, les relations de coopération entre ces ONGs péruviennes et avec le gouvernement sont sous- développées. Les raisons possibles de ces résultats sont discutées.

Spanish

Las relaciones inter-organizacionales son importantes mecanismos de construcción para las organizaciones no gubernamentales. Basado en seis ONG peruanas, este estudio determinó que las ONG internacionales juegan un papel fundamental en el funcionamiento de las ONG peruanas. Por el contrario, las relaciones de colaboración entre estas ONG peruanas y el gobierno están subdesarrolladas. Las posibles razones de estos descubrimientos son discutidas.
Social networks among poor women in Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Wassie , Butterfield Alice K.
Published: April 2009

English

Social networks are social capital for poor women living in a slum neighborhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Based on neighborhood, friendship, kinship, gender and ethnic ties, informal networks provide social, emotional and financial support. Social network analysis is a promising method for community development and participatory social work in Africa.

French

Les réseaux sociaux représentent un capital social pour les femmes pauvres qui vivent dans les bidonvilles à Addis-Abeba, en Ethiopie. Basés sur des liens de voisinage, d’amitié, de parenté, de genre et de culture, les réseaux informels apportent un soutien social, affectif et financier. L’analyse du réseau social est une méthode prometteuse pour le développement communautaire et le travail social participatif en Afrique.

Spanish

Las redes sociales son de suma importancia para las mujeres pobres que viven en los barrios de pocos recursos de Addis Abeba, Etiopía. Basadas en barrios, amistades, relaciones, géneros y lazos étnicos, las redes informales proveen ayuda social, emocional y financiera. El análisis de las redes sociales es un método promisorio para el desarrollo de las comunidades y el trabajo social participativo en África.
Preparation for social work students to do cross-cultural clinical practice
Authors: Magnus Peter
Published: April 2009

English

Thorough preparations are required to do placements in an unfamiliar culture. Applying the concepts of proficiency and cross-cultural understanding, the article explores the development of a suitable student role, safety measures, the language barrier and how to keep writing and learning in a challenging placement situation.

French

Des préparations minutieuses sont requises pour effectuer un placement en stage dans une culture non familière. Appliquant les concepts de compétence et de compréhension interculturelle, l’article explore le développement d’un rôle d’étudiant approprié, des mesures de sécurité, de la barrière linguistique et la façon de continuer à écrire et apprendre dans une situation de placement stimulante.

Spanish

Es necesario prepararse a fondo para realizar una práctica dentro de una cultura ajena. Aplicando los conceptos de competencia y entendimiento inter cultural, el artículo explora el desarrollo de un rol estudiantil apropiado, medidas de seguridad, la barrera del lenguaje y cómo mantenerse escribiendo y aprendiendo en una práctica desafiante.
The Waging of the 2003 U.S. Led Iraq War: A Catholic Just War Assessment
Authors: Brugger E. Christian
Published: April 2009

This essay is an exercise in moral reasoning applying abstract Catholic just war principles, in particular, the principle of just cause, to the justice of the Iraq War begun in March 2003. It begins by setting forth a contemporary formulation of the principle of just cause. It then provides an original interpretation of the canons by which the principle should be applied in concrete situations. It then applies the interpretation to facts relevant to the decision of the Bush administration to go to war with Iraq. It concludes that, given facts known prior to the March 2003 invasion, the choice to go to war failed to meet normative moral conditions for concluding that a choice to go to war is morally legitimate.
Becoming Christ: The Vocation of Women in Theology and Scripture
Authors: Noonan Sabin Marie
Published: April 2009

This article shows the convergence between John Paul's theology of women as reflections of the divine being and Mark's portrayal of women as reflections of Christ. Part I explores the implications of John Paul's encyclical, Mulieris Dignitatem ; Part II exegetes the role of the women in the Gospel of Mark; and the Conclusion sums up the convergence of the two and the implications for women's vocation in the Church.
Christ's Mediation and the Holy Spirit: The Dynamic of Worship in Luther and Calvin
Authors: Ngien Dennis
Published: April 2009

Not on our own account, but on account of Christ's vicarious response and priesthood, is our worship made efficacious by the Spirit. This article seeks to show that despite the differences in their Eucharistic theologies and usage of the doctrine of the communicatio idiomatum , the mediation of Christ and the pneumatological dynamic of the Spirit foment both Luther's and Calvin's understanding of true worship.
Julien Green's Reading of Saint Paul
Authors: O'Dwyer Michael
Published: April 2009

From an early age, Julien Green was an avid reader of Saint Paul's letters. References to Saint Paul abound in his Journals, in his Autobiography and in his novellas, novels, and plays. A convert to Catholicism, Green endeavoured in his writings to explore various aspects of the conflict between sin and grace both in his own life and in the lives of his fictional characters. In this year dedicated to Saint Paul, it may be of interest to attempt to study his letters in the context of the unfolding of the spiritual drama of a leading twentieth-century writer.
John Henry Newman on the Mystery of the Trinity
Authors: Ekeh Ono
Published: April 2009

John Henry Newman preached frequently on the mystery of the Trinity. A Patristic scholar in his own right, he was well versed in the theological disputes and developments of the Early Church. Out of this Patristic influence, combined with his love of scripture, emerges an interesting contribution to Trinitarian theology. Newman's emphasis on a Personal God diminishes the person/nature distinction in God. For Newman, the Father is God. The divine nature is the person of the Father. The divine commonality with respect to the Son and the Spirit is the person of the Father. In devotional speech, Newman slides seamlessly between the Father and Son, or the Father and Spirit, as the person of the Father who primarily defines `God.'
Effects of Fiber Geometry on Energy Absorption of Arched Composites
Authors: Shakour Elias R. , Ropp Patrick A. , Liu Dahsin
Published: April 2009

This article presents the effects of fiber geometry on the energy absorption capability of arched composites. Composite arches with different fiber constructions, i.e., laminated and woven, and different fiber orientations, i.e., large angle (908) and small angle (158) between adjacent layers (for laminated) and between strands (for woven), were fabricated with a VARTM technique and centrally impacted at low velocities. It was found that both fiber construction and fiber orientation played important roles in the damage process. Composite arches with a large angle between adjacent layers and strands suffered delamination and fiber breakage during the buckling—post-buckling process while composite arches with a small angle between adjacent layers and strands suffered fiber bridging during the progressive damage process. Although the larger-angle composite arches absorbed more energy than the small-angle counterparts, the former experienced catastrophic damage after maximum impact while the latter retained significant integrity.
Contrasts on Fracture Toughness and Flexural Strength of Varying Percentages of SLG-reinforced Phenolic Composites
Authors: Ku H.S. , Fok S.C. , Siores E.
Published: April 2009

Many previous studies had reported the improvement in the mechanical properties of vinyl ester resin reinforced with SLG. Among these material properties, fracture toughness and flexural properties are important material characteristics. This article investigates the relationship between these two sets of material properties in envirospheres (SLG)-reinforced phenolic composites. The material properties of the phenolic resin composites containing different percentage by weight of SLG are experimentally measured using the short bar method and the three-point test. The findings indicated that the PF/E-SPHERES (30%) constitute the best compromise with respect to cost, fracture toughness, and flexural strength. It is hoped that the discussion and results in this work would not only contribute towards the development of SLG-reinforced phenolic composites with better material properties, but also be useful for the investigations of fracture toughness and flexural strength in other composites.
Limiting Mechanisms of Mode I Interlaminar Toughening of Composites Reinforced with Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Blanco Joaquín , García Enrique J. , Guzmán de Villoria Roberto , Wardle Brian L.
Published: April 2009

Analytical models are presented for the Mode I interlaminar fracture of laminated composites reinforced with aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The models are based on the crack-closure technique for fiber bridging, where the aligned CNTs enhance toughness mechanistically through either pullout (frictional sliding) from the matrix or sword-in-sheath sliding. The models are independent of the scale of reinforcement and demonstrate significant enhanced toughening for nanoscale reinforcement (CNTs) as opposed to typical mm-scale reinforcements (stitches and Z-pins). Complete analytical expressions for crack-growth resistance (GR(Δa)) are obtained including normalized closed-form expressions for steady-state toughness for any scale of z-direction fiber reinforcement. The model is verified by comparison to previous experimental results for Z-pins and also aligned CNTs, and is used to define regimes where the competing mechanisms of toughening are operative. CNT strength is a key parameter limiting toughness enhancement in the frictional pullout mechanism.
Asynchronous Event-Driven Particle Algorithms
Authors: Donev Aleksandar
Published: April 2009

We present, in a unifying way, the main components of three asynchronous event-driven algorithms for simulating physical systems of interacting particles. The first example, hard-particle molecular dynamics, is well known. We also present a recently developed diffusion kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm, as well as a novel stochastic molecular-dynamics algorithm that builds on the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo. We explain how to effectively combine asynchronous event-driven with classical time-driven or with synchronous event-driven handling. Finally, we discuss some promises and challenges for event-driven simulation of realistic physical systems.
Parallel Hybrid Network Traffic Models
Authors: Liu Jason , Yue Li
Published: April 2009

Fluid-based network traffic models are attractive due to their execution efficiency. They run much faster than the corresponding discrete-event packet-oriented simulation, especially when we study the aggregate traffic behavior of large-scale network scenarios. The efficiency, however, comes at a cost: fluid modeling does not include packet-level details. The ability to accurately capture the interaction between the packets and the network routers and hosts visited by the packets is essential for real-time network simulations, where the simulator must be able to interact with real applications in real time. In particular, the virtual network must be able to carry real packets subject to proper delays and losses and be able to react to these real packets (such as traceroute). Previously, we presented a hybrid network traffic model that combines a continuous-time fluid model and the discrete-event packet-oriented simulation. In this article, we examine a parallel processing method for simulations of large-scale networks using the hybrid model. Our method benefits from the observation that the time it takes to propagate fluid characteristics along the path taken by the traffic flows has a lower bound equal to the minimum link delay as manifested by the governing ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A better lookahead can thus be used to allow parallel simulation of the hybrid model to run without more synchronization overhead than the corresponding discrete-event packet-oriented model. We derive an analytical model comparing the fluid model and the packet-oriented model both for sequential and parallel simulations. We demonstrate the benefit of the parallel hybrid model through a series of simulation experiments of a large-scale network consisting of over 170 000 hosts and 1.6 million traffic flows on a small parallel cluster.
Ad Hoc Distributed Dynamic Data-Driven Simulations of Surface Transportation Systems
Authors: Hunter Michael , Hoe Kyoung Kim  , Suh Wonho , Fujimoto Richard , Sirichoke Jason , Palekar Mahesh
Published: April 2009

An ad hoc distributed dynamic data-driven simulation is a collection of autonomous online simulations brought together to model an operational system. They offer the potential of increased accuracy, responsiveness, and robustness compared to centralized approaches. They differ from conventional distributed simulations in that they are created bottom-up rather than top-down. They combine concepts from conventional distributed simulations and replicated trials, raising new issues in data management and synchronization. In this article, the ad hoc simulation approach and an optimistic synchronization algorithm are proposed. A prototype coupling in-vehicle transportation simulation is evaluated and shown to yield results comparable to a traditional replicated experiment for the tested scenarios. Experiences applying this concept to a commercial transportation simulator in an emergency scenario are described.
Living without Freedom
Authors: Bohman James
Published: April 2009

For Kant and many modern cosmopolitans, establishing the rule of law provides the chief mechanism for achieving a just global order. Yet, as Hart and Rawls have argued, the rule of law, as it is commonly understood, is quite consistent with “great iniquities.” This criticism does not apply to a sufficiently robust, republican conception of the rule of law, which attributes a basic legal status to all persons. Accordingly, the pervasiveness of dominated persons without legal status is a a fundamental violation of the rule of law. This legal status can be understood in Kant's sense as an original “right to freedom,” one that is not derived from or acquired by membership in a community or from citizenship. The realization of this kind of legal status can already be found in the “cosmopolitan constitutions” of many democracies, which include rights of persons (and not just citizens) to habeas corpus and other statuses that protect those vulnerable to domination. In order that all persons have the appropriate institutional space within which to exercise the powers of persons to address and make claims, institutions such as human rights courts to which those who lack legal status can appeal and be recognized are necessary for a form of the rule of law that is adequate to current circumstances.
Elicited production of case-marking in Russian and Serbian children: Are diminutive nouns easier to inflect?
Authors: Kempe Vera , Ševa Nada , Brooks Patricia J. , Mironova Natalija , Pershukova Angelina , Fedorova Olga
Published: April 2009

Two experiments used an elicited speech-production paradigm to explore children's acquisition of noun case-marking inflections. Russian ( N = 24, 2;10— 4;6 years) and Serbian children ( N = 24, 2;10—4;11) were asked to produce prepositional phrases requiring genitive or dative inflections of masculine and feminine, familiar and novel, simplex ( vaza [Ru/Se: vase]) and diminutive (Ru: vazochka, Se: vazica) nouns. Across languages, children produced fewer case-marking errors with familiar compared to novel nouns, and diminutive compared to simplex nouns. The diminutive advantage occurred despite a markedly lower frequency of diminutive usage in Serbian than Russian child-directed speech. This suggests that in acquiring richly inflected languages, children most readily construct low-level generalizations of inflectional changes applying to morpho-phonologically homogeneous clusters of words like diminutives.
The development of other-related conversational skills: A case study of conversational repair during the early years
Authors: Forrester Michael A. , Cherington Sarah M.
Published: April 2009

The analysis of conversational repair provides one route into understanding how young children learn the skills required for participating in talk. One key aspect of repair is the ability to respond appropriately to other participants. Employing a longitudinal case study approach, this article examines in detail the conversational repair skills of one child during the period where she is acquiring core conversational abilities and competencies (from 1;0 to 3;10). Focusing on the development of other-related conversational repair skills, 163 instances of other-related repair were examined and analysed. Extracts highlight the skills the child employed in self-repairs in response to others, as well as when repairing or correcting other people's conversation. The findings indicate that during the early years other-initiated self-repair is a more common occurrence than repairing others' talk. The findings provide insights into the significance of conversational repair for language development during the preschool years.
Some cues are stronger than others: The (non)interpretation of 3rd person present —s as a tense marker by 6- and 7-year-olds
Authors: Beyer Tim , Hudson Kam Carla L.
Published: April 2009

This article describes two experiments examining how 6- and 7-year-old Standard American English-speaking children interpret 3rd person present —s as a tense marker, as compared to lexical items and past tense —ed. Because —s corresponds to multiple meanings, unlike —ed, it may result in later acquisition. Using an offline picture-choice task (Experiment 1), the study found that while all children successfully comprehended —ed, only the 7-year-olds successfully comprehended —s. Eye-tracking measures (Experiment 2) revealed that the 6-year-olds are actually sensitive to —s, but that it is not yet a particularly strong cue for them. The article argues that offline tasks may underestimate children's developing knowledge.
Do 2-year-olds disambiguate and extend words learned from video?
Authors: Scofield Jason , Williams Amie
Published: April 2009

This study investigated whether children learned, disambiguated, and extended words presented via video. Eighteen 2-year-olds saw a series of short videos. Each video depicted a novel target object that was labeled with a novel word. Then the target object was replaced on screen with a pair of objects (which varied by condition) and children were asked to select the object that best matched a novel word. In the baseline and disambiguation conditions, children saw the target and a novel distracter. In the extension condition, children saw an exemplar of the target and a novel distracter. Results showed that children selected the target at above chance levels in the baseline condition and the exemplar at above chance levels in the extension condition. Results also showed that children's selection in the disambiguation condition did not differ from chance. Possible reasons for children's inability to disambiguate are discussed.
Balancing the Democracy Dilemmas: Experiences of Three Women Workers' Cooperatives in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Catherine W. , Ng Evelyn
Published: April 2009

Workplace democracy is `an evolving reality' reflected in an organization's daily practices to deal with dilemmas. This article examines the inherent tensions and conflicts of practising workplace democracy in three women workers' cooperatives in Hong Kong. The co-ops were young and supported by non-governmental organizations. Based on interviews and participant observation, it was found that on balance, these co-ops were tilted towards democracy at the expense of efficiency. The analyses suggest that as these co-ops grow and develop, to sustain democracy in the long term, they may need to pay more attention to efficiency issues. Although the pull towards efficiency can lead to the emergence of a managerial elite group, thus contributing to a degeneration of democracy, paradoxically, to revive democracy, some form and function of leadership and management, collectively agreed, need to be established.
Trust, Employer Exposure and the Employment Relation
Authors: Nichols Theo , Danford Andy , Tasiran Ali C.
Published: April 2009

Managers often believe that the better employees know them, the more they will trust them. Yet although specialist literatures exist on labour turnover and tenure (whether job tenure has declined for example) there is no sustained investigation into the wider sociological question: what is the relation between length of service and employee trust? This article seeks to provide the first such examination of this, utilizing the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey, a unique British dataset that permits controls to be made for a considerable number of industry, workplace and individual characteristics. The results do not fit the conventional wisdom.
Demand, Control and its Relationship with Job Mobility among Young Workers
Authors: Verhofstadt Elsy , De Witte Hans , Omey Eddy
Published: April 2009

Karasek defined a stressful job as a job with an imbalance between the demands of the job and the control one can exercise in that job (a `high strain job'). Previous research showed that starters in a high strain job are indeed less satisfied. They are also not compensated for the high workload they face. This article raises the question whether this strain (`high strain job') is only temporary. The results of the duration analysis show that those starting in a high strain job leave their job significantly sooner than those in an `active' job. For many young workers, having a high strain job as the first job seems to be temporary. However, for a substantial segment of the young workforce, there is a considerable probability of remaining in high strain jobs. This finding determines the policy implication: the discussion on work stress should focus on those trapped in high strain jobs.
The Growth of the Internet and Knowledge Networks, and their Impact in the Developing World
Authors: Parent Ingrid , Cruickshank Neil
Published: April 2009

This paper traces the growth of the Internet and knowledge networks in the world, with an explanation of the implications of the Internet for the developing world. Starting with a brief history of the development of the Internet, the paper describes the phenomenal growth of Internet networks and how the uses made of the Internet have evolved tremendously in the last fifteen years. The potential of the Internet has not been fully realized in many developing countries due to a variety of factors. Therefore there is a unique opportunity for libraries and librarians to lead the movement to increase access to information for citizens of developing countries, through using the powers of the Internet adapted to the conditions in each country.
The Community Development Library in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Shariful
Published: April 2009

Community Development Library (CDL), a development information and communication network in Bangladesh, has been serving the community with up-to-date information with the help of its Rural Information Resource Centres (RIRCs). CDL has opened up a new horizon in expanding education, poverty alleviation, gender, environment, health awareness for the country people. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Community Development Library as a source of development information in Bangladesh and explores its impacts on the people of Bangladesh.
Managing Public Sector Records in Namibia: a proposed model
Authors: Nengomasha Cathrine T.
Published: April 2009

This paper presents an integrated (integrating paper and electronic records) records management programme as a model for managing public service records to support accountability, transparency and good governance in Namibia. Describes the existing records management policies, systems and procedures in the public sector in Namibia and the problems encountered. These problems have been compounded by the increasing reliance on electronic records due to the adoption of the principles and practices of e-government.
The Public Library as the Local Gateway to Knowledge: Shanghai Library's information service for the 2010 World Expo
Authors: Yuhong Zhou
Published: April 2009

Describes the information services provided by Shanghai Library for the 2010 World Expo, to be held in Shanghai. The Library has established both a physical and a virtual Shanghai Exposition Information Center (http://www.worldexpoinfo. cn/). The collection of documents on World Expos has become one of the richest collections in the world on this topic. Value-added information services based on the collection include information services for local enterprises and local government in the form of monthly briefings. Shanghai Library staff have also been involved in editing, translating and writing six titles in the World Expo Book Series. These activities reflect the important role of public libraries in providing information services.
Simple and Efficient Algorithms for Computing Smooth, Collision-free Feedback Laws Over Given Cell Decompositions
Authors: Lindemann Stephen R. , LaValle Steven M.
Published: April 2009

This paper presents a novel approach to computing feedback laws in the presence of obstacles. Instead of computing a trajectory between a pair of initial and goal states, our algorithms compute a vector field over the entire state space; all trajectories obtained from following this vector field are guaranteed to asymptotically reach the goal state. As a result, the vector field globally solves the navigation problem and provides robustness to disturbances in sensing and control. The vector field's integral curves (system trajectories) are guaranteed to avoid obstacles and are C∞ smooth. We construct a vector field with these properties by partitioning the space into simple cells, defining local vector fields for each cell, and smoothly interpolating between them to obtain a global vector field. We present an algorithm that computes these feedback controls for a kinematic point robot in an arbitrary dimensional space with piecewise linear boundary; the algorithm requires minimal preprocessing of the environment and is extremely fast during execution. For many practical applications in two-dimensional environments, full computation can be done in milliseconds. We also present an algorithm for computing feedback laws over cylindrical algebraic decompositions, thereby solving a smooth feedback version of the generalized piano movers' problem.
Sensing, Acquisition, and Interactive Playback of Data-based Models for Elastic Deformable Objects
Authors: Fong Philip
Published: April 2009

In this paper we describe the design and implementation of an automated system to build models of elastic deformable objects and to render these models in an interactive virtual environment. By automating model creation, a greater number of models and models that are more realistic can be included in these interactive simulations. Model geometry is acquired by a novel range sensor. Techniques for contact detection, slip detection on deformable surfaces, and enhanced open-loop force control enable haptic model acquisition through active probing with a haptic device. For model rendering, the force field is approximated from these measured samples.
Comparative Study on Serial and Parallel Forward Dynamics Algorithms for Kinematic Chains*
Authors: Yamane Katsu , Nakamura Yoshihiko
Published: April 2009

The main focus of this paper is to investigate the essential differences among four forward dynamics algorithms: the Articulated-Body Algorithm (ABA) and Divide-and-Conquer Algorithm (DCA) by Featherstone; the Constraint Force Algorithm (CFA) by Fijany et al.; and the Assembly—Disassembly Algorithm (ADA) by the present authors. All of the algorithms have O(N) asymptotic complexity for serial computation where N is the number of rigid bodies, and three of them can also be processed in parallel which results in O (log N ) complexity on O (N) processors. We start by summarizing two essential backgrounds of the forward dynamics algorithms, i.e. articulated-body inertias and joint constraint representation. We then present a new formulation of ADA as well as the outlines of the other three algorithms using the same notation. Finally, we perform qualitative as well as quantitative comparisons of the algorithms using our implementations of ABA, CFA, and ADA.
An Embodied Cognition Approach to Mindreading Skills for Socially Intelligent Robots
Authors: Breazeal Cynthia , Gray Jesse , Berlin Matt
Published: April 2009

Future applications for personal robots motivate research into developing robots that are intelligent in their interactions with people. Toward this goal, in this paper we present an integrated socio-cognitive architecture to endow an anthropomorphic robot with the ability to infer mental states such as beliefs, intents, and desires from the observable behavior of its human partner. The design of our architecture is informed by recent findings from neuroscience and embodies cognition that reveals how living systems leverage their physical and cognitive embodiment through simulation-theoretic mechanisms to infer the mental states of others. We assess the robot's mindreading skills on a suite of benchmark tasks where the robot interacts with a human partner in a cooperative scenario and a learning scenario. In addition, we have conducted human subjects experiments using the same task scenarios to assess human performance on these tasks and to compare the robot's performance with that of people. In the process, our human subject studies also reveal some interesting insights into human behavior.
The New College Vision and Laser Data Set
Authors: Smith Mike , Baldwin Ian , Churchill Winston , Paul Rohan , Newman Paul
Published: April 2009

In this paper we present a large dataset intended for use in mobile robotics research. Gathered from a robot driving several kilometers through a park and campus, it contains a five-degree-of-freedom dead-reckoned trajectory, laser range/reflectance data and 20 Hz stereoscopic and omnidirectional imagery. All data is carefully timestamped and all data logs are in human readable form with the images in standard formats. We provide a set of tools to access the data and detailed tagging and segmentations to facilitate its use.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Concomitant Superior Labral Anterior Posterior (SLAP) Lesions and Rotator Cuff Tears in Patients over the Age of 45 Years
Authors: Abbot Amy E. , Li Xinning , Busconi Brian D.
Published: April 2009

Background

Rotator cuff tears commonly occur in combination with other shoulder injuries such as superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions. The incidence of these associated lesions increases with age; however, the management of concomitant SLAP and rotator cuff tears has yet to be convincingly addressed in the literature.

Hypothesis

Patients over the age of 45 years who have concomitant arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and debridement of their type II SLAP lesions will have improved patient satisfaction and functional outcome compared with those who undergo simultaneous rotator cuff and type II SLAP repair.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

We recruited 48 patients (mean age, 51.9 years; range, 45-60 years) who had concomitant rotator cuff and type II SLAP tears. All underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with subacromial decompression. Patients were randomized intraoperatively into 2 groups: repair versus debridement of their type II SLAP lesions. Ten patients were lost at final follow-up (4 in debridement and 6 in repair group). The outcome was assessed by the Tegner score and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score and clinically to evaluate range of motion (forward elevation/internal rotation/external rotation).

Results

At 2 years postoperatively, both the debridement and repair groups showed significant improvement in Tegner score, UCLA score, and range of motion. Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair in combination with debridement of their SLAP tears had significantly better overall UCLA scores (34 vs 31; P < .001) and improved function (5.5 vs 3.8; P < .005) and pain relief (9.6 vs 7.7; P < .001) compared with those who underwent simultaneous rotator cuff and SLAP repair. Range of motion in both internal and external rotation was also significantly better in those patients who had SLAP debridement as compared to SLAP repair.

Conclusion

In patients over the age of 45 years with a minimally retracted rotator cuff tear and associated SLAP lesion, arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff with combined debridement of the type II SLAP lesion may provide greater patient satisfaction and functional outcome in terms of pain relief and motion.
Factorial Structure of the Anxiety Control Questionnaire in Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Wang Shujuan  , Qian Meihua  , Zhang Jianxin
Published: April 2009

This article examines the psychometric structure of the Anxiety Control Questionnaire (ACQ) in Chinese adolescents. With the data collected from 212 senior high school students (94 females, 110 males, 8 unknown), seven models are tested using confirmatory factor analyses in the framework of the multitrait—multimethod strategy. Results indicate that the structure of the ACQ based on Chinese adolescents data is different from the one proposed by R. M. Rapee, M. G. Craske, T. A. Brown, and D. H. Barlow (1996). Method effects are found and the ACQ is organized according to three factors, one substantive factor and two method factors associated with the positive- and negative-worded items, respectively. The implication of the method effect is discussed.
Math Disabilities and Reading Disabilities
Authors: Swanson H. Lee , Jerman Olga , Xinhua Zheng
Published: April 2009

This article synthesizes some of the published literature that selectively compares the cognitive functioning of children with math disabilities (MDs) with average-achieving children and poor readers (children with reading disabilities [RDs] or comorbid disabilities [RDs + MDs]). All studies in the synthesis report reading, IQ, and math scores for children with MDs and poor readers. A random coefficients model of effect sizes (ESs) show that (a) ESs between MD and normal achievers were moderated by variations in working memory and literacy, (b) ESs between MD- and RD-only children were moderated by working memory and problem solving, and (c) ESs between MD and MD + RD children were moderated by long-term memory and IQ scores. No support was found for the notion that the differentiation between MD children and poor readers (RD and MD + RD) was related to variations in reading across the reviewed studies.
Self-Perceptions, Discrepancies Between Self- and Other-Perceptions, and Children’s Self-Reported Emotions
Authors: Nuijens Karen L. , Teglasi Hedwig , Hancock Gregory R.
Published: April 2009

Self and others’ perceptions of victimization, bullying, and academic competence were examined in relation to self-reported anxiety, depression, anger, and global self-worth in a non-clinical sample of second- and third-grade children. Previous studies document links between negative emotions and self-perceptions that are less favorable than others’ perceptions. However, the current study suggests that the impact of discrepant self—other-perceptions (in bullying, victimization, and academic competence) on emotions is complex, sometimes involving interactions between perceptions of self and other informants.
Identifying Students With Learning Disabilities: Composite Profile Analysis Using the Cognitive Assessment System
Authors: Huang Leesa V. , Bardos Achilles N. , D'Amato Rik Carl
Published: April 2009

The detection of cognitive patterns in children with learning disabilities (LD) has been a priority in the identification process. Subtest profile analysis from traditional cognitive assessment has drawn sharp criticism for inaccurate identification and weak connections to educational planning. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to use a new generation of cognitive tests with megacluster analysis to augment diagnosis and the instructional process.The Cognitive Assessment System uses a contemporary theoretical model in which composite scores, instead of subtest scores, are used for profile analysis. Ten core profiles from a regular education sample ( N = 1,692) and 12 profiles from a sample of students with LD ( N = 367) were found. The majority of the LD profiles were unique compared with profiles obtained from the general education sample. The implications of this study substantiate the usefulness of profile analysis on composite scores as a critical element in LD determination.
JESP Symposium: The European Union's global social role
Authors: Orbie Jan , Tortell Lisa , Kissack Robert , Gstöhl Sieglinde , Wouters Jan , Hachez Nicolas
Published: April 2009

This symposium considers Europe's global social policy through an exchange of ideas between scholars with different areas of expertise. The lead article provides an overview of the EU's objectives and instruments in promoting the social dimension of globalization, illustrating its focus on international labour standards and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the shift from trade measures to a broader spectrum of soft external policy instruments. More specifically, we analyse the horizontal and vertical coherence of the EU's international social policies. The three other contributions to this symposium elaborate on this distinction by examining the social dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the `uploading' of the EU social model in the ILO, and the EU's promotion of corporate social responsibility in the world. These accounts suggest that market-enhancing goals often take priority over social objectives, and that the EU can at best be seen as a regional social power. In addition, the contributions point to the limitations of an ambitious EU role in this area.
Adapting labour law and social security to the needs of the 'new self-employed' — comparing the UK, Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Buschoff Karin Schulze , Schmidt Claudia
Published: April 2009

The emergence of the category of 'new self-employment' presents a challenge for political actors in European countries. The new self-employed are exposed to the same social risks as dependent employees, but they generally enjoy fewer social and labour rights. How are social policymakers reacting to this situation? Our response to this question is structured as follows. First, comparing the situation in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, we briefly describe the factors which have contributed to the increase in self-employment and the structure of `new self-employment' . Second, we outline the initiatives to adjust legislation in these countries so as to accommodate new self-employment and those types of work that are found on the borderline between dependent employment and self-employment. We then describe the ways in which these types of work are considered under national labour legislation and the extent to which they are taken into account by the respective statutory social security systems. The main finding that emerges is that despite the similar challenges faced by the three countries, path-dependency has led national legislators to adopt very different strategies to adjust social security and labour law regulations.
A share of new growth for children? Policies for the very young in non-EU Europe and the CIS
Authors: Stewart Kitty , Huerta Maria Carmen
Published: April 2009

Economic collapse in the former communist bloc saw the erosion of financial support and services for young children. Since 1998 even the poorer countries of the bloc have seen a return to economic growth. But have the benefits been felt by children? Drawing on administrative and household survey data, this article examines three aspects of government support for young children — maternity benefit, child allowances and preschool provision — in four countries in different parts of the region: Bulgaria, Albania, Moldova and Tajikistan. The article concludes that these services remain vastly inadequate. In some countries child allowances are well targeted towards poorer households, but are too small in size to have an impact. Preschool overwhelmingly benefits urban families and the better-off, while paid maternity leave is increasingly rare. Given what is known about the long-term impact of both early education and early childhood poverty, the findings are of considerable concern.
Power, Trust, and Institutional Constraints
Authors: Oskarsson Sven , Svensson Torsten , Öberg PerOla
Published: April 2009

This article focuses on how institutions matter in generating relationships of trust in an environment of unequal power. Trust is seen as the truster's expectation that the trustee will act trustworthily out of moral commitment and/or interest in continuing the relationship. Using cross-sectional data from a survey conducted in 2006 on Swedish employment relations the authors show that perceived power asymmetries between an employee and his or her superior have a negative impact on trust. However, perceptions about the enforcement and fairness of institutional constraints — rules for dismissal, conflict resolution, wage setting, and promotion — have conditioning effects. When the respondents perceive the rules as fair, trust is less influenced by increasing power asymmetries between an employee and his or her superior. The results have important implications. By designing institutions that are considered fair, distrust may be mitigated even in situations characterized by extensive power asymmetries.
Organic Farming as a Rational Choice
Authors: Best Henning
Published: April 2009

Based on a postal survey of farmers conducted in 2004 in Western Germany (n = 657), a rational choice model of the adoption of organic farming is tested. Using methods of direct utility measurement, rational choice (RC) theory is applied directly in the empirical study. By that, questionable assumptions on the variability of preferences and the type of preferences to use in RC explanations can be avoided. The results indicate that the subjectively expected utility model is well suited to explain the adoption of organic farming. Expectations on the development of operational characteristics of the farm and farmers' daily work are at the core of the decision. Farmers especially consider aspects like pest and weed control, the development of yields or the use of chemical substances. While solely economic factors like prices and marketing are also important, these are subordinate to operational aspects. In addition, a moderate impact of environmental concern regarding the adoption of organic farming is observed.
The Role of Personal Involvement and Responsibility in Unfair Outcomes
Authors: Brañas-Garza Pablo , Durán Miguel A. , Paz Espinosa Maria
Published: April 2009

This paper explores new motivations behind giving. Specifically, it focuses on personal involvement and responsibility to explain why decision makers give positive amounts in dictatorial decisions. The experiment is designed to uncover these motivations. Subjects face the problem of a dictator's allocation of an indivisible amount to one of two players; indivisibility creates an extremely unequal outcome and the dictator is given a chance to correct this outcome at a cost. The willingness to pay to correct the outcome is examined under different scenarios so that we learn about several features concerning preferences.