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Various Contexts (various + context)
Selected AbstractsCryptic Kin Selection: Kin Structure in Vertebrate Populations and Opportunities for Kin-Directed CooperationETHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Ben J. Hatchwell Animal societies of varying complexity have been the favoured testing ground for inclusive fitness theory, and there is now abundant evidence that kin selection has played a critical role in the evolution of cooperative behaviour. One of the key theoretical and empirical findings underlying this conclusion is that cooperative systems have a degree of kin structure, often the product of delayed dispersal, that facilitates interactions with relatives. However, recent population genetic studies have revealed that many non-cooperative animals also have kin-structured populations, providing more cryptic opportunities for kin selection to operate. In this article, I first review the evidence that kin structure is widespread among non-cooperative vertebrates, and then consider the various contexts in which kin selection may occur in such taxa, including: leks, brood parasitism, crèches, breeding associations, territoriality and population dynamics, foraging and predator deterrence. I describe the evidence that kin-selected benefits arise from interacting with kin in each of these contexts, notwithstanding the potential costs of kin competition and inbreeding. I conclude that as the tools required to determine population genetic structure are readily available, measurement of kin structure and the potential for kin selection on a routine basis is likely to reveal that this process has been an important driver of evolutionary adaptation in many non-cooperative as well as cooperative species. [source] How to measure non-consistency of medical practices with available evidence in therapeutics: a methodological frameworkFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Jean-Pierre Boissel Abstract Since the early 1980s many studies showed a gap between available evidence and medical practice. They were designed to assess the real impact of randomized clinical trials on the practice of medicine. Their results substantiated a knowledge translation problem. However, they were qualitative findings, i.e. a gap exists or not, although the problem is quantitative (how large is the gap?) and has several components that should be documented according to the objective of the study. In this article, we explored the components and the various contexts in which the measure of the distance between practice and knowledge is considered. All these features should be taken into account for a more accurate and relevant assessment of the distance. [source] The Contours of Political Transformation and Conservation Areas in Southern AfricaGEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2008Maano Ramutsindela Ecology and other conservation sciences have largely been preoccupied with the establishment, number, size and the functions of nature conservation areas around the globe. Beyond these concerns, nature conservation areas mirror complex interrelationships between society and the environment, and how those relationships are, or should be managed in various contexts. These interrelationships cannot appropriately be understood within the confines of disciplinary boundaries; they require multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives. The aim of this article is to illustrate that various categories of nature conservation areas, including protected areas, embody ideas about nature and how it should be governed in changing socio-economic conditions. The article draws on examples from southern Africa to argue that significant turns in strategies for protecting nature were made during periods of political transformation. It concludes that the gradation of protected areas, as a group of conservation areas, reflects different ways in which human activities are incorporated or marginalised in these areas. These processes are contingent on sociopolitical conditions. [source] Analysis of 3D problems using a new enhanced strain hexahedral elementINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 11 2003P. M. A. Areias Abstract The now classical enhanced strain technique, employed with success for more than 10 years in solid, both 2D and 3D and shell finite elements, is here explored in a versatile 3D low-order element which is identified as HIS. The quest for accurate results in a wide range of problems, from solid analysis including near-incompressibility to the analysis of locking-prone beam and shell bending problems leads to a general 3D element. This element, put here to test in various contexts, is found to be suitable in the analysis of both linear problems and general non-linear problems including finite strain plasticity. The formulation is based on the enrichment of the deformation gradient and approximations to the shape function material derivatives. Both the equilibrium equations and their variation are completely exposed and deduced, from which internal forces and consistent tangent stiffness follow. A stabilizing term is included, in a simple and natural form. Two sets of examples are detailed: the accuracy tests in the linear elastic regime and several finite strain tests. Some examples involve finite strain plasticity. In both sets the element behaves very well, as is illustrated in numerous examples. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Emotional stability of nurses: impact on patient safetyJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 10 2009Ching-I Teng Abstract Title.,Emotional stability of nurses: impact on patient safety. Aim., This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine the influence of the emotional stability of nurses on patient safety. Background., Individuals with greater emotional stability are less likely to exhibit strong emotional reactions to stressful situations, and tend to be more proactive and successful in problem-solving. Effectively managing patient safety is a priority concern in countries where nurses face high pressure. A heavy work load leads to burnout (a syndrome associated with negative emotions), reduced job satisfaction and increased turnover. While emotional stability influences job performance in various contexts, its influence on patient safety has not been addressed. Method., A cross-sectional design was adopted. The sample comprised 263 nurses working in two Taiwanese medical centres. The data were collected in 2007,2008, with a response rate of 92·6%. All participants were nursing college graduates aged below 50 years. Participants provided information on both their emotional stability and patient safety. Staffing adequacy, hospital, and years of nursing experience served as control variables. Findings., Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that emotional stability predicted patient safety (, = 0·18, P < 0·01). The addition of emotional stability as a predictor of patient safety increased the associated explained variance (,R2 = 0·03, P < 0·01). Conclusion., It is important for to managers create an organisational climate that promotes the emotional stability of nurses. This could help to improve global patient safety by reducing the frequency of adverse events. [source] Let's Dialogue About Penny: Effectiveness of Dialogue Involvement and Legitimizing Paltry Contribution Techniques,JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Dariusz Dolinski Earlier research has shown (Cialdini & Schroeder, 1976) that the statement "Even a penny will help" added to a standard request for charity donation considerably increases the probability of carrying it out. The present study tested the effectiveness of this technique in various contexts in a set of 3 field experiments conducted on the streets of 2 Polish cities. The results proved, first, that success can be strengthened when combined with a dialogue in which a requester is involved prior to being asked for a donation. Second, it was shown that the dialogue itself produced more compliance than did a monologue. Third, it was demonstrated that dialogue related to the content of the requested issue may or may not result in an increase in compliance, presumably depending on the in-group/out-group focus of the dialogue's content. Practical implications for charity donation are offered. [source] Sample Size Determination for Categorical ResponsesJOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 1 2009Dimitris Mavridis Ph.D. Abstract:, Procedures are reviewed and recommendations made for the choice of the size of a sample to estimate the characteristics (sometimes known as parameters) of a population consisting of discrete items which may belong to one and only one of a number of categories with examples drawn from forensic science. Four sampling procedures are described for binary responses, where the number of possible categories is only two, e.g., licit or illicit pills. One is based on priors informed from historical data. The other three are sequential. The first of these is a sequential probability ratio test with a stopping rule derived by controlling the probabilities of type 1 and type 2 errors. The second is a sequential variation of a procedure based on the predictive distribution of the data yet to be inspected and the distribution of the data that have been inspected, with a stopping rule determined by a prespecified threshold on the probability of a wrong decision. The third is a two-sided sequential criterion which stops sampling when one of two competitive hypotheses has a probability of being accepted which is larger than another prespecified threshold. The fifth procedure extends the ideas developed for binary responses to multinomial responses where the number of possible categories (e.g., types of drug or types of glass) may be more than two. The procedure is sequential and recommends stopping when the joint probability interval or ellipsoid for the estimates of the proportions is less than a given threshold in size. For trinomial data this last procedure is illustrated with a ternary diagram with an ellipse formed around the sample proportions. There is a straightforward generalization of this approach to multinomial populations with more than three categories. A conclusion provides recommendations for sampling procedures in various contexts. [source] Longitudinal Dyad Models in Family ResearchJOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, Issue 4 2005Karen S. Lyons Multilevel modeling allows for the simultaneous analysis of data gathered at more than 1 unit of analysis (e.g., children nested in schools). It is often used to examine the effects of various contexts on individual differences in change. This paper promotes the application of multilevel models to longitudinal dyadic data in family research. By focusing on the dyad as context, researchers can examine within-dyad change and begin to understand the interactive processes that constitute the relationship between partners. They can then frame questions about interdyad differences in within-dyad change. We present several longitudinal models that researchers can use to examine the pattern of change within dyads, assess heterogeneity in change across dyads, and investigate cross-partner effects on change. We comment on the implications of these models for family research. [source] CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR VISUALLY PRESENTED MEALSJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 2 2009HANS HENRIK REISFELT ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to investigate consumers' preferences for variations of a visually presented meal. The study was conducted in three middle-sized Danish towns, including 768 respondents who were presented with a computerized questionnaire that initially displayed four consecutive series of photos. The series each consisted of eight unique photos of randomized food dishes arranged around the center square in a 3 × 3 array. Five meal components, each with two levels, were investigated. One level of each component was used for each photo, in total 25 = 32 combinations. The respondents were asked to select the meal they preferred the most, the second most and the least, respectively. Significant interactions were found between meal components and background variables such as, gender, age, geographic variables, purchase store and level of education. The current procedure can be applied to help solve a number of problems involving consumer choices. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This study outlines an approach to use visual images for investigations of food. Our results suggest that rather complex food stimuli of great similarity can be used to subdivide consumers based on sociodemographic background variables. We present an efficient and cheap quick method that provides and captures more information than an ordinary survey that focuses merely on the most preferred option. As a prerequisite for success, stimuli should be well known and appropriately selected. Hence, the present quick method can easily be applied for several practical purposes, such as pretesting, labeling, product flop prevention, and for specific optimization and selection tasks, e.g., convenience meals and institutional meal services in various contexts. The conjoint layout used allows for late-based segmentation. It further allows for estimation on aggregate as well as individual level. The current approach is useful for database and/or online implementation. [source] Information behavior in developing countries: Research, issues, and emerging trendsPROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007Dania Bilal Moderator The field of library and information science (LIS) has historically been a leading discipline in studying human information behavior (Spink & Cole, 2006). Information seeking in industrialized nations is grounded in theories and moving towards new directions and evolutionary approaches that often challenge the established paradigms of information behavior studies (see Case, 2007; Spink & Cole, 2006; Fisher, Erdelez, & Mckechnie, 2005; Chelton & Cool, 2004. Information behavior has been conceptualized in a holistic context that draws upon theories from various disciplines such as cognitive science, communication, psychology, and computer science (Nahl & Bilal, 2007; Spink & Cole, 2006). Compared to industrialized nations, most developing countries relegate towards the bottom heap of research on information behavior (Coleman, 2005; Britz, 2005). A panel of researchers, educators, and consultants will address research in information behavior in various contexts in developing countries, particularly in India, South Africa, and the Arab world. Based on their research findings and experiences, the speakers will trace themes, map the intellectual terrain, identify emerging trends and approaches, and frame issues related to information behavior research in these countries. Moreover, they will identify significant knowledge domains, concepts, and topics of application in information behavior research where there can be mutual exchange between developing countries and the industrialized nations (including the United States) to nurture and further growth in this area of study. [source] Codification, patents and the geography of knowledge transfer in the electronic musical instrument industryTHE CANADIAN GEOGRAPHER/LE GEOGRAPHE CANADIEN, Issue 3 2006TIM REIFFENSTEIN Recent research in economic geography has emphasized tacit knowledge as the basis of industrial learning. In contrast, codification and the practices of industrial writing have received little attention for the roles they play in mobilizing knowledge across space. This paper offers insight into the geographies of codification through an examination of technology transfer in the electronic musical instrument industry between 1965 and 1995. The research draws on a variety of primary and secondary data that include interviews with inventors, biographical accounts and patent analysis. These sources offer perspective on the career trajectories of three U.S. inventors who transferred knowledge from various contexts in California's high-tech industry to the Japanese firm, Yamaha. Conceptually, the paper draws on the actor,network theory and Latour's idea of translation to highlight the detours inventors must take to register novelty. The analysis reveals the problematic nature of codified knowledge and its transfer; in this case codified knowledge was mobile internationally but not locally, at least until it reached Japan. The paper argues for the need to understand how texts such as patents are produced,the context of their authorship, the geographies of their circulation and their efficacy for shaping further innovative practice. Les recherches actuelles en géographie mettent l'accent sur les connaissances tacites comme fondement de l'apprentissage industriel. Cependant, la codification et les pratiques relatives à la composition industrielle ont été peu étudiées du point de vue de leurs rôles dans la mobilisation des connaissances dans l'espace. Cet article donne un aperçu des géographies de la codification suite à une analyse du transfert technologique dans l'industrie des instruments de musique électronique entre 1965 et 1995. Fondée sur un ensemble de données primaires et secondaires, cette étude présente une série d'entrevues réalisées auprès d'inventeurs, des comptes-rendus biographiques et des analyses de brevets. Ces données permettent de considérer avec recul le cheminement professionnel de trois inventeurs américains responsables du transfert des connaissances depuis différents secteurs de l'industrie de haute technologie californienne vers la société japonaise Yamaha. Sur un plan conceptuel, l'article reprend la théorie acteur-réseau et aborde la notion de traduction développée par Latour afin de mettre en relief les principaux détours qu'empruntent les inventeurs pour obtenir un brevet d'innovation. L'analyse fait ressortir le caractère problématique des connaissances codifiées et de leur transfert; dans ce cas, les connaissances codifiées étaient mobiles à l'échelle internationale et non à l'échelle locale avant qu'elles n'arrivent au Japon. Cet article plaide en faveur de la nécessité de comprendre comment les textes tels que les brevets sont élaborés: le contexte entourant la rédaction du document, les géographies de leur diffusion et les répercutions sur les pratiques novatrices. [source] Economics of Social Capital,THE ECONOMIC RECORD, Issue 2005PARTHA DASGUPTA The literature on the idea of ,social capital' is now enormous. Offering an alternative to impersonal markets and coercive states, the communitarian institutions built around social capital have looked attractive to scholars in the humanities and social sciences. The literature in consequence has a warm glow to it. In this article, I first study the various contexts in which the promises people make to one another are credible and then suggest that the accumulation of social capital is a possible route to creating such a context. I offer a tight definition of social capital , namely, interpersonal networks , so as not to prejudge its ability to enhance human well-being. The links between the microfoundations of social capital and the macroeconomic performance of economies are then studied. I also show that economic theory not only identifies circumstances in which communitarian institutions can function well, but that it also uncovers a dark side, namely, their capicity to permit one group to exploit another within long-term relationships. [source] Architectural decorations from the private buildings in the Market Square at TamnARABIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND EPIGRAPHY, Issue 1 2008Romolo Loreto The architectural decorations in pre-Islamic Yemen feature a wide and heterogeneous range of materials. Their many functions cover different fields: domestic, religious, funeral architecture, grave goods (particularly censers and furnishings) and, last but not least, epigraphs. Thus the study of this class of materials requires a two-fold approach: on the one hand to identify and understand the various ornamental motifs in themselves; on the other to study which types of decorative motifs were applied in various circumstances, and hence what it is that links them to each other and to the structure they adorn. This work aims to provide a foundation for a thorough study of the decorative motifs on stonework in various contexts. We begin by defining the use of architectural decorations in the domestic sphere. The archaeological context of the Market Square at Tamna, is particularly suitable, in view of the number of houses brought to light, the amount of related materials found and, above all, because it represents a coherent urban context over a specific period of time. [source] Extended phenotypes as signalsBIOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 2 2009Franziska C. Schaedelin ABSTRACT Animal signals may result from construction behaviour and can provide receivers with essential information in various contexts. Here we explore the potential benefits of extended phenotypes with a signalling function as compared to bodily ornaments and behavioural displays. Their independence of the body, their physical persistence and the morphological and cognitive conditions required for their construction allow unique communication possibilities. We classify various levels of information transfer by extended phenotype signals and explore the differences between secreted signals and signals resulting from collection and construction, which usually involve higher behavioural complexity. We examine evolutionary pathways of extended phenotypes with a signalling function with help of a comparative evaluation and conclude that often constructions first provide a direct fitness benefit, with a signalling function becoming more and more prominent during evolutionary progression. The abundance and variability of extended phenotypes as signals is impressive and provides unique possibilities for animal communication research. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||