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It is a classic aim of quantitative and evolutionary biology to infer genetic architecture and potential evolutionary responses to selection from the variance–covariance structure of measured traits. But a meaningful genetic or developmental interpretation of raw covariances is difficult, and classic concepts of morphological integration do not directly apply to modern morphometric data. Here, we present a new morphometric strategy based on the comparison of morphological variation across different spatial scales. If anatomical elements vary completely independently, then their variance accumulates at larger scales or for structures composed of multiple elements: morphological variance would be a power function of spatial scale. Deviations from this pattern of “variational self-similarity” (serving as a null model of completely uncoordinated growth) indicate genetic or developmental coregulation of anatomical components. We present biometric strategies and R scripts for identifying patterns of coordination and compensation in the size and shape of composite anatomical structures. In an application to human cranial variation, we found that coordinated variation and positive correlations are prevalent for the size of cranial components, whereas their shape was dominated by compensatory variation, leading to strong canalization of cranial shape at larger scales. We propose that mechanically induced bone formation and remodeling are key mechanisms underlying compensatory variation in cranial shape. Such epigenetic coordination and compensation of growth are indispensable for stable, canalized development and may also foster the evolvability of complex anatomical structures by preserving spatial and functional integrity during genetic responses to selection.[Cranial shape; developmental canalization; evolvability; morphological integration; morphometrics; phenotypic variation; self-similarity.]

The current study examines the extent to which religiosity account for ideological orientations in 16 countries from five continents (Australia, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Greece, Finland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Results showed that religiosity was consistently related to right and conservative ideologies in all countries, except Australia. This relation held across different religions, and did not vary across participant’s demographic conditions (i.e., gender, age, income, and education). After controlling for basic personal values, the contribution of religiosity on ideology was still significant. However, the effect was substantial only in countries where religion has played a prominent role in the public sphere, such as Spain, Poland, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Turkey. In the other countries, the unique contribution of religiosity was marginal or small. © 2018 SAGE Publications.

The current study examines the contribution of left–right (or liberal–conservative) ideology to voting, as well as the extent to which basic values account for ideological orientation. Analyses were conducted in 16 countries from five continents (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania), most of which have been neglected by previous studies. Results showed that left–right (or liberal–conservative) ideology predicted voting in all countries except Ukraine. Basic values exerted a considerable effect in predicting ideology in most countries, especially in established democracies such as Australia, Finland, Italy, United Kingdom, and Germany. Pattern of relations with the whole set of 10 values revealed that the critical trade-off underlying ideology is between values concerned with tolerance and protection for the welfare of all people (universalism) versus values concerned with preserving the social order and status quo (security). A noteworthy exception was found in European postcommunist countries, where relations of values with ideology were small (Poland) or near to zero (Ukraine, Slovakia). © 2017, © 2017 SAGE Publications.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune condition defined by intestinal inflammation in response to gluten. Manifestations of CD are variable and diagnostic delays are common. With growing public awareness of CD, many individuals are turning to resources such as the Internet, family and friends for health information. AIMS: In a population of newly diagnosed CD subjects, identify: 1. Alternate diagnoses prior to CD diagnosis 2. Resources used to self-diagnose CD 3. The role of the Internet in directing the diagnosis of CD METHODS: Between July 2014 and February 2017, adults with positive TTG and/or EMA antibodies and Marsh III histology were prospectively enrolled in the Manitoba CD Cohort. The initial study visit (within 6 weeks of initiating a gluten-free diet) included an optional online survey with items related to symptoms, use of health information sources and diagnoses given prior to CD. RESULTS: Among 99 subjects who completed the survey, median symptom duration was 3 years (IQR 1–10) prediagnosis and 1 year (IQR 0.25–3) prior to seeking health care evaluation. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were gas (58%), urgency (45%) and difficulty concentrating (35%). Many subjects (35%) were given a diagnosis other than CD for their symptoms, most commonly IBS or a psychological diagnosis (Table 1). The Internet and family doctor were considered the most important sources used to identify a diagnosis. About 80% of subjects who were Internet users (n=93) used the Internet to research their symptoms. The most accessed Internet sites were the Canadian Celiac Association (n=55), Mayo clinic (n=52) and WebMD (n=39). One quarter (n=18) made a self-diagnosis based on their search, with 7 concluding that CD was the most likely diagnosis. As a result of their Internet search, 66% talked to a friend, 54% saw their family doctor, and 43% changed their diet. Doctors visits were used to ask for a TTG (31%), discuss what was found on the Internet (27%) and/or ask for a gastroenterology referral (24%). CONCLUSIONS: Many doctors and patients attribute symptoms of CD to alternate conditions, which may contribute to diagnostic delays. Many individuals diagnosed with CD used the Internet to research their symptoms thereby initiating the CD evaluation. More work is needed to raise awareness about CD screening. FUNDING AGENCIES: None

Using data from 28 countries in four continents, the present research addresses the question of how basic values may account for political activism. Study 1 (N = 35,116) analyses data from representative samples in 20 countries that responded to the 21-item version of the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-21) in the European Social Survey. Study 2 (N = 7,773) analyses data from adult samples in six of the same countries (Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Poland, and United Kingdom) and eight other countries (Australia, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United States) that completed the full 40-item PVQ. Across both studies, political activism relates positively to self-transcendence and openness to change values, especially to universalism and autonomy of thought, a subtype of self-direction. Political activism relates negatively to conservation values, especially to conformity and personal security. National differences in the strength of the associations between individual values and political activism are linked to level of democratization. © 2014 The British Psychological Society.

In the Southern Ocean, small-scale turbulence causes diapycnal mixing which influences important water mass transformations, in turn impacting large-scale ocean transports such as the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC), a key controller of Earth'sclimate. We present direct observations of mixing over the Antarctic continental slope between water masses that are part of the Southern Ocean MOC. A 12-hour time-series of microstructure turbulence measurements, hydrography and velocity observations off Elephant Island, north of the Antarctic Peninsula, reveals two concurrent bursts of elevated dissipation of O(10–6Wkg–1, resulting in heat fluxes ~10 times higher than basin-integrated Drake Passage estimates. This occurs across the boundary between adjacent adiabatic upwelling and downwelling overturning cells. Ray tracing and topography show mixing between 300-400 m consistent with the breaking of locally-generated internal tidal waves. Since similar conditions extend to much of the Antarctic continental slope where these water masses outcrop, their transformation may contribute significantly to upwelling.

Do the political values of the general public form a coherent system? What might be the source of coherence? We view political values as expressions, in the political domain, of more basic personal values. Basic personal values (e.g., security, achievement, benevolence, hedonism) are organized on a circular continuum that reflects their conflicting and compatible motivations. We theorize that this circular motivational structure also gives coherence to political values. We assess this theorizing with data from 15 countries, using eight core political values (e.g., free enterprise, law and order) and ten basic personal values. We specify the underlying basic values expected to promote or oppose each political value. We offer different hypotheses for the 12 non-communist and three post-communist countries studied, where the political context suggests different meanings of a basic or political value. Correlation and regression analyses support almost all hypotheses. Moreover, basic values account for substantially more variance in political values than age, gender, education, and income. Multidimensional scaling analyses demonstrate graphically how the circular motivational continuum of basic personal values structures relations among core political values. This study strengthens the assumption that individual differences in basic personal values play a critical role in political thought. © 2013, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Since 2001 Professor Jo Silvester of City University London and academic colleagues have pursued a programme of applied occupational psychology research designed to improve the selection, development and performance of UK politicians. Original research with the Conservative Party (2001 to 2003) aimed to improve the quality and diversity of prospective parliamentary candidates by analysing the competencies required by MPs and designing the first evidence-based selection process for political candidates. The research triggered wide media interest and led to further projects creating and implementing evidence-based development practices for elected members in local government. In 2008 Silvester redesigned candidate selection procedures for the Liberal Democrat Party and today approximately 60% of UK parliamentary candidates are assessed using procedures developed by Silvester based on best practice in occupational psychology.

The Political Skills toolkit (PSF) is designed to support local councillors and those working with them in their efforts to review and support individual development needs. The tool-kit contains: 1. A revised easy-to-access political skills framework that takes account of changes in councillors’ roles prompted by recent developments in local government and the wider social context. 2.Self-reflective learning reviews based on each of the PSF skill sets that can be used by councillors to identify their own areas of strength and areas for development.

Commissioned White Paper Report for Philips International.

The fifth edition of this market-leading textbook retains its popular blend of theory, research and examples. Substantially revised and updated with extensive new material that reflects contemporary research and debate, the book offers an accessible and fascinating examination of human behaviour in today’s workplace. Covering a broad range of core topics, the book is suitable for undergraduate students in business, management, and psychology as well as those studying for professional qualifications.