Search

The Retirement Research Consortium comprises three multidisciplinary centers that are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration. The centers are located at Boston College, the University of [...]

For more than a year, a study claiming to show that transgenic potatoes may make rats sick was at the center of a furious debate, even though its findings had [...]

In 1998, the Social Security Administration awarded a pair of 5-year grants to fund the Retirement Research Consortium. The Consortium consists of two university research centers, one located at the [...]

RELIGIOUS groups and conservative members of Congress are condemning the American Psychological Association for publishing a paper in which researchers argued that not all instances of sex between adults and [...]

The purpose — The purpose of the paper is to argue that poetry should be integrated in research to a much larger extent than it is today, where poetry (at best) is considered inferior to research. Design/methodology/approach — The arguments are based on qualitative studies of the Danish independent labels. The empirical data are applied both as backbone for and part of the article and its construction. The article argues with the help and illustration of own research and experience that poetry inspires, stimulates and develops the research process. Poetry should be considered as a way of writing alongside other writing styles that researchers apply to make sense of their fieldwork. Findings — The different forms of reporting research can be used to give us different views, in general, and that poetry can be used throughout the research process to improve it, in particular. The paper provides some examples of how it can be done. It is certainly not an exhaustive list but inspirational for researchers to find new poetic ways to improve their research process. Research limitations/implications — The article shows in practice (from own field research), the implications poetry might have on the research process, but it is limited related to all the non-mentioned ways poetry could be helpful in the research process. The limitations are obviously those of the researcher, who has been reporting own experiences and ideas about how poetry improved his own research process. In other words: the limitations are found both in the imagination of the researcher and in the reported research. Originality/value — The study and the reporting of it are original. No other articles have approached the subject in this particular way, making the article unique in form as well as contents. The article shows how poetry (the whole broad range of poetic forms) can contribute to research and the research process. The value of poetry is not limited to the research process it is exemplified by and related to in this article It has value and can be applied far beyond that (e.g. to the practice of manager). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine instructional tools within the Vygotskian Zone of Proximal Development notion of learning. These tools are examined along three perspectives -societal-culture, community of practice, and school-classroom. We recognized that instructional tools and processes have been predominately designed for concept- and skill-oriented learning. These tools correspond to classrooms and communities of practices respectively. However, based on the Vygotskian notion of the 'social formation of mind,' (1) it would seem that such a construct would be largely dependent on the appropriation of cultural-societal knowledge such as beliefs and cultural values. We discuss the kinds of instructional tools and processes for learning within the ZPD relating to the 'communities of practice' and 'classroom perspectives,' and present a case of learning through video-based narratives for the appropriation of cultural knowledge. The use of video-based narratives is described in the context of dialogism and multivoiceness., LEARNING THROUGH VIDEO-BASED NARRATIVES WITHIN THE CULTURAL ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT In this paper, we examine instructional tools along the Vygotskian perspective of Zone of Proximal Development (or ZPD). Basically [...]

This paper tracks the relationship between developments in media conference, changing expectations of education and learner demographics, and the impact of technological chances on the uses of media in education. There is the capacity for networked learning environments to be developed through convergent media, which enable new forms of technology-mediated learning that reach new learning demographics and are learner-centered. With the development of digital television, there are exciting possibilities for broadcast media in responding to the drive for lifelong learning in the knowledge economy. This paper will consider the relative merits of public and commercial broadcasting in meeting the learner needs in this convergent media environment., EDUCATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY It has been widely argued that there has been a transition in recent years in technologically advanced societies towards an information society or a knowledge [...]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which a higher education classroom that used Web-based technology as a supplement to a regularly scheduled classroom-based course, addressed issues of learning and learning-centered education. The findings presented in this paper, although based only on a one-semester class, lend credence to the argument that distance learning cannot be merely delivered to students, and that as educators we must instead focus on how to create learning-centered environments supported by technology, not driven by it. This paper also maintains that the discourse about distance learning projects needs to be reconceptualized as technology-based, learning-centered education, so that we as educators can better focus on the creation of a more learning-centered environment for students and life-long learners., INTRODUCTION The rapid growth of the Internet has undoubtedly contributed to the wealth of literature written on the future of distance learning and distributed learning (1) in higher education (Sherron, [...]

Hyeon-seung Huh (*) The purpose of this paper is to estimate the output cost associated with lowering inflation for Australia. The paper is particularly motivated by a strand of theoretical [...]

Microcellular semicrystalline polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) show great promise for engineering applications because of their unique properties, particularly at higher densities. Recent studies have shown that some high density microcellular polymers have longer fatigue lives and/or equivalent strengths relative to the neat polymer. Relatively few microcellular processing studies of semicrystalline polymers have been presented. In general, semicrystalline polymers are relatively difficult to microcellular process compared to amorphous polymers. In this paper, the microcellular processing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) in the amorphous and semicrystalline states is studied in order to quantify the processing differences. Particular emphasis is given to the cell growth stage of microcellular processing comparing the processing characteristics of semicrystalline and amorphous PET. Based on the results of this study, a number of critical process parameters are identified. Another goal of this analysis is to derive robust microcellular process design strategies for the amorphous and semicrystalline materials. Process design strategies are given for both semicrystalline and amorphous PET., INTRODUCTION This paper is the second of a two part series presenting a comparison of the microcellular processing of amorphous and semicrystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (1, 2). The goal of [...]

This paper attempts to explore the human factors and systems dynamics of human+machine interaction by reference to the Kegworth aircraft accident. The paper seeks to move beyond the more traditional human factors literature to include research findings from both systems research and crisis management in an attempt to examine the relationships between active and latent failures. The role of human error within complex technical systems is explored and particular emphasis is placed upon the dynamics of latent errors within the management of such systems. The main thesis developed here is that, while there are important cognitive processes at work within accident causation, attention needs to be moved away from the level of the operator to the wider managerial and social frameworks within which individuals work. Copyright [C] 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Keywords Kegworth air crash; organizational resilience; sense making; crisis management, INTRODUCTION The study of human reliability is to a large extent motivated by the need to prevent unwanted consequences from erroneous actions -- in other words to prevent accidents from [...]

In this paper, we describe research to improve Frito-Lay's outbound supply chain activities by simultaneously optimizing its inventory and transportation decisions. Motivated by Frito-Lay's practice, we first develop a mixed-integer [...]

In John B. Calhoun's early crowding experiments, rats were supplied with everything they needed--except space. The result was population boom, followed by such severe psychological disruption that the animals died off to extinction. The take-home message was that crowding resulted in pathological behavior--in rats and by extension in humans. For those pessimistic about Earth's 'carrying capacity,' the macabre spectacle of this 'behavioral sink' was a compelling symbol of the problems awaiting overpopulation. Calhoun's work enjoyed considerable popular success. But cultural influence can run both ways. In this paper, we look at how the cultural impact of Calhoun's experiments resulted in a simplified, popular version of his work coming to overshadow the more nuanced and positive message he wanted to spread, and how his professional reputation was affected by this popular 'success.', Introduction In 1947, John B. Calhoun's neighbor agreed to let him build a rat enclosure on disused woodland behind his house in Towson, Maryland. Calhoun would later reflect that his [...]

Capacity utilization is a closely watched macroeconomic indicator because rising utilization may signal rising inflationary pressures. However, recent technological changes have increased the flexibility of relationships between inputs and outputs, potentially eroding the predictive value of the utilization rate. This paper examines relationships between technology, capital spending, and capacity utilization. After establishing conceptually that the effect of recent technological changes on capacity utilization is ambiguous, we investigate the effect empirically using panel data on 111 manufacturing industries. Our results suggest that, for the average industry, the technological change of the 1974 2000 period lowered capacity utilization by 0.2-2.3 percentage points. (JEL D24, E22, E31), I. INTRODUCTION Capacity utilization is a variable of longstanding macroeconomic interest. Many studies have found it to be a valuable indicator of inflationary pressure. For example, Cecchetti (1995) finds that [...]

ABSTRACT Human Resource Management (HRM) effects on firm performance can be examined at the systems architecture (i.e., guiding principles or philosophy), the policy,, or practices levels. This paper suggests that, [...]

Currently, intense research is underway to develop polymer nanocomposites because of their numerous potential applications. However, the uniform dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites without an additional chemical phase has proved to be a difficult challenge. In this paper, we present our results that ultrasonic cavitation could be an effective tool to disrupt agglomerates, thus forming well-dispersed inorganic phase polymer nanocomposites. This is especially true if polymer degradation could be minimized during ultrasonic processing. Our results suggest that better dispersion of nanoparticles achieved via ultrasonic cavitation not only improved the elastic modulus of the polymer nanocomposites but also enhanced the stress at 5% strain values. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46: 426-430, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers, INTRODUCTION Inorganic--organic composites, e.g., epoxy--inorganic particles, are of considerable interest due to the fact that neat epoxy samples exhibit poor toughness and warping or surface cracking under high pressure. It [...]

This paper considers the decision problem of a firm that is uncertain about the demand, and hence profitability, of a new product. We develop a model of a decision maker [...]

This paper examines optimal advertised quality, actual quality, and price for a firm entering a market. It develops a two-period model where advertised quality influences expectations, and hence trial and [...]

This article is an attempt to explain the reasons why autonomy has acquired today such a remarkable position in philosophic and political discourse as well as in political and social practice. As a proponent of the system paradigm, I am far away from an idealistic humanism, which would attribute the range of a social ideal such as autonomy to the human, independent spirit. On the contrary, regarding autonomy as an evaluative criterion for the decisions of many social systems (for example, of politics and economy, but also of education and health), I would argue that it should be examined in the context of the operations of these systems, in case the causes of its power should be clarified. For that reason, I use the analytical tool of functional differentiation/integration of society based mainly on Luhmann's theory about social systems, yet without adopting the Luhmannian model regarding the binary codes of system self-reference. By replacing the mechanism of binary coding of Luhmann with a group of values spread in the social functional systems by the 'orders of discourse' (as Foucault understands them), I would suggest reconsidering the Luhmannian theory of functional differentiation if we want to approach effectively the social phenomena of our era. The view of this paper for autonomy as an intersystem evaluative criterion for the system's choices could be corroborated by applying the revised model. Keywords social system; differentiation; integration; orders of discourse; autonomy; authenticity, INTRODUCTION Without doubt the notion of autonomy has a powerful effect on Western thought because it summarizes the description of the valued orientations of the Western individual. Besides, it is [...]

This paper examines the inventories of publicly traded American manufacturing companies between 1981 and 2000. The median of inventory holding periods were reduced from 96 days to 81 days. The average rate of inventory reduction is about 2% per year. The greatest reduction was found for work-in-process inventory, which declined by about 6% per year. Finished-goods inventories did not decline. Firms with abnormally high inventories have abnormally poor long-term stock returns. Firms with slightly lower than average inventories have good stock returns, but firms with the lowest inventories have only ordinary returns. Key words: inventory; just in time; supply chain; manufacturing, 1. Introduction In the 1970s and 1980s Japanese manufacturing companies made substantial market share gains in the U.S. markets in a range of industries, including most notably the car industry. [...]

Abstract. Several previous works show that, in general, financial time series are characterized by periods of large volatility followed by periods of relative quitness. In this paper we consider the [...]

In this paper, Douglas MacInnes examines the validity of a measure of irrational beliefs, the Shortened General Attitude and Belief Scale (SGABS). He examines the overall correlation between the various [...]

The causal effect of class size on student performance is investigated using a maximum class size rule of 30 students to generate an instrument for actual class size. The data come from lower secondary schools in Norway, and the initial analysis reveals a small negative class size effect. Further investigations show that the effect varies among student subgroups and that the benefits of smaller classes are larger in schools with a high proportion of students who come from intact families. The second section of the paper uses information about the teachers' grading practices and the students' efforts in class to shed additional light on the revealed patterns of class size effects. Class size effects seem to be conditional on student effort., 1. Introduction Most recent studies of class size effects are occupied with the problem of simultaneity. Parents who care about the education of their children may seek schools with small [...]

Reflectance spectrometry is an emerging and non-destructive detection technique bearing fast, cheap, and accurate results compared with conventional assessments. Most field and laboratory-based spectrometers are restricted to VNIR (visible-near-infrared). However, soils fail to show well-defined narrow absorption bands in this region. This obstructs the use of curve feature as a diagnostic criterion for soil nutrient predictions. In this paper artificial neural network (ANN) is implemented to estimate soil organic matter, phosphorous, and potassium from the VNIR spectrum (400-1100 nm). Macronutrients were modelled from 41 bare soil reflectances of Lop Buri province, Thailand. Neurons were trained from 7 bandwidth categories derived from laboratory-based StellarNet spectroradiometer and in situ photometer. Satisfactory results were attained and compared across different synthesised bandwidths. Models exhibited slightly better estimates from the laboratory than in situ spectra, and from narrower than broader bandwidths. Widening bandwidth corresponds with attenuated predictive powers, coupled with rising errors. Cross validation of models yielded acceptable correlations. The strength of models confirmed the capability of ANN to estimate macronutrients by solving difficulties incurred from high cross-channel correlations prevailing in conventional statistical techniques. Additional keywords: reflectance spectrometry, VNIR, synthesised bandwidths, band consumption., Introduction Soil has both dynamic and relatively static properties varying spatially (Bouma 1997). In particular, the topmost layers of agricultural soils are very delicate and dynamic in their behavior. Soil [...]

This paper will present a systematic approach for designing hypermedia environments for online learning. First, I will discuss distance education, online courses, and general considerations for designing online learning environments. Second, I will present a brief history and definition of hypermedia, its attributes, and theoretical background. Third, I will present and discuss a systems approach to developing hypermedia to be used as part of courses and learning environments delivered on the Internet. Issues relating to structuring of the information, branching and interactivity, user interface, and navigation will be discussed in detail., TECHNOLOGY AND DISTANCE EDUCATION Recent advances in telecommunications and microcomputers are changing the way we interact with each other, communicate, and access information. The world is becoming a global network [...]

Following his collecting trips to New Caledonia in 1979 and 1981, William C. Dickison published a series of papers focused on the anatomy, morphology, and systematic relationships of the monogeneric, endemic families Strasburgeriaceae, Oncothecaceae, and Paracryphiaceae. He and his collaborators concluded that Paracryphia, Oncotheca, and Strasburgeria should each be treated as distinct families positioned near Sphenostemonaceae, Theaceae, and Ochnaceae, respectively. These anatomical data proved to be a valuable source of systematic characters, but the precise phylogenetic positions of these enigmatic families continue to be in doubt. In fact, even the ordinal classification of flowering plants published by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG, 1998) left uncertain the position of two of these three families. More recently, however, phylogenies for eudicots based on multiple-gene data sets firmly place Oncothecaceae within Garryales, a position that has never been suggested previously. In the case of Paracryph iaceae, molecular data support the most often cited, historical placement of the family within Dipsacales. New molecular data presented here support the position of Strasburgeriaceae as sister to Ixerbaceae within Crossosomatales. This is one of several historical placements suggested for the family, but a placement that has not been cited in recent years. A comparison of anatomy/morphology between Strasburgeria and Ixerba is presented in the context of this molecular phylogenetic hypothesis. A la suite de ses voyages de collecte en Nouvelle Caledonie en 1979 et 1981, William C. Dickison publia une serie d'articles axes sur l'anatomie, la morphologie et la systematique des families endemiques et monogeneriques Strasburgeriaceae, Oncothecaceae et Paracryphiaceae. Ses collaborateurs et lui-meme conclurent que Paracryphia, Oncotheca, et Strasburgeria devraient etre traitees comme des families distinctes, respectivement proches des Sphenostemonaceae, Theaceae et Ochnaceae. Ces donnees anatomiques se sont averees etre une precieuse source de characteres systematiques mais la position phylogenetique precise de ces familles enigmatiques est cependant restee douteuse. En effet, la classification par ordre des plantes a fleurs publiee par le 'Angiosperm Phylogeny Group' (APG, 1998) laisse elle-meme dans l'incertitude la position de deux de ces trois familles. Plus recemment cependant, la phylogenie des eudicots, basee sur des donnees de genes multiples place de facon ferme les Oncothecaceae au sein des Gar ryales, position qui n'avait jamais ete suggeree auparavant. Dans le cas des Paracryphiaceac, les donnees moleculaires appuient la position, historiquement la plus souvent citee, de la famille au sein des Dipsacales. Les nouvelles donnees mokculaires presentees ici appuient la position des Strasburgeriaceae comme soeur des Ixerbaceae pres des Crossosomatales. Ceci est donc l'une des nombreuses positions suggerees pour la famille, celle ci n'ayant jamais ete citee dans les donnees recentes. Une comparaison anatomique et morphologique de Strasburgeria et Ixerba est presentee dans le contexte de cette hypothesis phylogenique., II. Introduction New Caledonia is one of Earth's great biodiversity hotspots (sensu Myers et al., 2000), primarily because of its high level of botanical endemism and its reputation as a [...]

This paper reports responses from 412 children of owner-managers (61% sons and 39% daughters) with regard to their attitudes to family and business issues. The assumption in the study was [...]

Olan T. Henry (*) Nilss Olekalns (+) This paper investigates the relationship between output volatility and growth using postwar real GDP data for the United States. We expand on recent [...]

Kevin M. Simmons (*) Jamie Brown Kruse (+) Douglas A. Smith (++) This paper explores valuation of two measures of windstorm mitigation in a Gulf Coast city. Since the home [...]

Seungmook Choi (*) Don Hardigree (*) Paul D. Thistle (+) The objective of this paper is to compare alternative models of insurance pricing as theories of the property-liability underwriting cycle. [...]

Richard T. Baillie (*) Young Wook Han (+) Tae-Go Kwon (++) Several previous studies have found fractionally integrated, or long memory behavior, in the conditional mean of inflation. This paper [...]