Dynamic Interaction (dynamic + interaction)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting


Selected Abstracts


Three-dimensional models of reservoir sediment and effects on the seismic response of arch dams

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 10 2004
O. Maeso
Abstract The important effects of bottom sediments on the seismic response of arch dams are studied in this paper. To do so, a three-dimensional boundary element model is used. It includes the water reservoir as a compressible fluid, the dam and unbounded foundation rock as viscoelastic solids, and the bottom sediment as a two-phase poroelastic domain with dynamic behaviour described by Biot's equations. Dynamic interaction among all those regions, local topography and travelling wave effects are taken into account. The results obtained show the important influence of sediment compressibility and permeability on the seismic response. The former is associated with a general change of the system response whereas the permeability has a significant influence on damping at resonance peaks. The analysis is carried out in the frequency domain considering time harmonic excitation due to P and S plane waves. The time-domain results obtained by using the Fourier transform for a given earthquake accelerogram are also shown. The possibility of using simplified models to represent the bottom sediment effects is discussed in the paper. Two alternative models for porous sediment are tested. Simplified models are shown to be able to reproduce the effects of porous sediments except for very high permeability values. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Dynamic interactions of proteins in complex networks: a more structured view

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 19 2009
Amelie Stein
Virtually every process in a cell is carried out by macromolecular complexes whose actions need to be perfectly orchestrated. The synchronization and regulation of these biological functions is indeed critical and is usually carried out by complex networks of transient protein interactions. Here, we review some of the many strategies that proteins in regulatory networks use to achieve the dynamic plasticity necessary to rapidly respond to diverse cellular needs. More specifically, we present recent work on the molecular bases of transient peptide-mediated interactions and the role that post-translational modifications and disordered regions might play. Finally, in light of some recent findings, we speculate on the possibility of a new regulatory code for intrinsically disordered proteins and the potential biophysical and functional advantages that disorder might provide. [source]


Does CTCF mediate between nuclear organization and gene expression?

BIOESSAYS, Issue 1 2010
Rolf Ohlsson
Abstract The multifunctional zinc-finger protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a very strong candidate for the role of coordinating the expression level of coding sequences with their three-dimensional position in the nucleus, apparently responding to a "code" in the DNA itself. Dynamic interactions between chromatin fibers in the context of nuclear architecture have been implicated in various aspects of genome functions. However, the molecular basis of these interactions still remains elusive and is a subject of intense debate. Here we discuss the nature of CTCF-DNA interactions, the CTCF-binding specificity to its binding sites and the relationship between CTCF and chromatin, and we examine data linking CTCF with gene regulation in the three-dimensional nuclear space. We discuss why these features render CTCF a very strong candidate for the role and propose a unifying model, the "CTCF code," explaining the mechanistic basis of how the information encrypted in DNA may be interpreted by CTCF into diverse nuclear functions. [source]


One-Dimensional Model for Multi-Barge Flotillas Impacting Bridge Piers

COMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2008
Peng Yuan
This article introduces an elastoplastic spring-mass model for the analysis of multi-barge flotillas colliding with bridge piers at zero angle of attack. The model accounts for the essential factors pertaining to barge/flotilla impacts, such as pier geometry and stiffness, and dynamic interaction between barges. A method to identify the elastoplastic behavior of barge crushing is also presented. The proposed method generates impact force time-histories for a multitude of flotilla configurations in a matter of minutes, which is especially valuable in probabilistic analysis requiring many collision simulations. The results from this study are compatible with the respective impact time-histories produced by exhaustive finite element simulations. A bridge pier impacted by a three-barge and a 15-barge flotilla is studied. [source]


Toddlers can adaptively change how they categorize: same objects, same session, two different categorical distinctions

DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009
Jessica S. Horst
Two experiments demonstrate that 14- to 18-month-old toddlers can adaptively change how they categorize a set of objects within a single session, and that this ability is related to vocabulary size. In both experiments, toddlers were presented with a sequential touching task with objects that could be categorized either according to some perceptually salient dimension corresponding to a taxonomic distinction (e.g. animals vs. vehicles) or to some less obvious dimension (e.g. rigid vs. deformable). In each experiment, children with larger productive vocabularies responded to both dimensions, showing evidence of sensitivity to each way of categorizing the items. Children with smaller productive vocabularies attended only to the taxonomically related categorical grouping. These experiments confirm that toddlers can adaptively shift the basis of their categorization and highlight the dynamic interaction between the child and the current task in early categorization. [source]


Experimental study of dynamic damage of an arch dam

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2007
Haibo Wang
Abstract Seismic responses of a 292-m high arch dam were studied by experiment on a shaking table. The model system included the arch dam with contraction joints, a part of a reservoir, and a partial foundation with a topographic feature near the dam. Potential rock wedges on the abutments and the mechanical properties including uplift on the kinematic planes were carefully simulated. A damping boundary consisting of a viscous liquid was introduced to simulate the effect of dynamic energy emission to far field, which made the dynamic interaction between the dam and the foundation be adequately represented in the model test of an arch dam system. Dynamic responses of the arch dam system under a sequence of seismic loadings in increasing strength were examined. Eleven cracks or overstresses on the model dam due to the earthquake excitations were observed, and consequently, its natural frequency dropped by about 14%, but the model dam was stable under the hydrostatic load of the impounded water after the test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Seismic interaction in electrical substation equipment connected by non-linear rigid bus conductors

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 2 2007
Junho Song
Abstract An important element within the power transmission lifeline is the electrical substation that typically consists of a complex set of equipment items interconnected through conductor buses or cables. If the connections are not sufficiently flexible, significant dynamic interaction may occur between the connected equipment items during a seismic event, which may result in damage and loss of the equipment. This paper investigates the interaction effect between electrical substation equipment items connected by non-linear rigid bus conductors. The equipment items are modelled as single-degree-of-freedom oscillators by use of appropriate shape functions. The hysteretic behaviours of rigid bus connectors are described by differential equation models fitted to experimental data. An efficient non-linear random vibration method is used to quantify the seismic interaction effect of the connected equipment items. Based on the developed analytical models and method, the effect of interaction in the connected equipment system is investigated through extensive parametric studies. The results lead to practical charts and guidelines for the seismic design of interconnected electrical substation equipment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Hybrid platform for vibration control of high-tech equipment in buildings subject to ground motion.

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 8 2003
Part 2: analysis
Abstract The experimental results of using a hybrid platform to mitigate vibration of a batch of high-tech equipment installed in a building subject to nearby traffic-induced ground motion have been presented and discussed in the companion paper. Based on the identified dynamic properties of both the building and the platform, this paper first establishes an analytical model for hybrid control of the building-platform system subject to ground motion in terms of the absolute co-ordinate to facilitate the absolute velocity feedback control strategy used in the experiment. The traffic-induced ground motion used in the experiment is then employed as input to the analytical model to compute the dynamic response of the building-platform system. The computed results are compared with the measured results, and the comparison is found to be satisfactory. Based on the verified analytical model, coupling effects between the building and platform are then investigated. A parametric study is finally conducted to further assess the performance of both passive and hybrid platforms at microvibration level. The analytical study shows that the dynamic interaction between the building and platform should be taken into consideration. The hybrid control is effective in reducing both velocity response and drift of the platform/high-tech equipment at microvibration level with reasonable control force. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Seismic interaction in linearly connected electrical substation equipment

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2001
A. Der Kiureghian
Abstract An electrical substation consists of a complex set of equipment items that are interconnected through conductor buses or cables. If the connections are not sufficiently flexible, significant dynamic interaction may occur between the connected equipment items during a seismic excitation. This interaction is believed to be responsible for some of the observed substation equipment damage in recent earthquakes. This paper investigates the interaction between two equipment items connected by a linear spring-dashpot or spring-dashpot-mass element representing a conductor bus. It is found that the interaction between the two equipment items may significantly amplify the response of the higher-frequency equipment item. The influences of various key parameters on the interaction effect are quantified. Means for reducing the adverse interaction effect are described. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Dissociated theta phase synchronization in amygdalo- hippocampal circuits during various stages of fear memory

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 6 2007
Rajeevan T. Narayanan
Abstract The amygdala and the hippocampus are critically involved in the formation and retention of fear memories. However, their precise contribution to, and their interplay during, fear memory formation are not fully understood. In the present study we investigated network activities in the amygdalo-hippocampal system of freely behaving mice at different stages of fear memory consolidation and retention. Our data show enhanced theta phase synchronization in this pathway during the retrieval of fear memory at long-term (24 h post-training), but not short-term (2 min, 30 min and 2 h post-training) stages, following both contextual and auditory cued conditioning. However, retrieval of remotely conditioned fear (30 days post-training) failed to induce an increase in synchronization despite there still being memory retention. Thus, our data indicate that the amygdalo-hippocampal interaction reflects a dynamic interaction of ensemble activities related to various stages of fear memory consolidation and/or retention, and support the notion that recent and remote memories are organized through different network principles. [source]


Effects of intermediate load on damping of synchronous generator

EUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL POWER, Issue 4 2006
P. Aree
Abstract The transfer-function block-diagram model of a single-machine infinite-bus power system, originally developed by Heffron and Phillips, has been a popular analytical tool amongst power system engineers for explanation and assessment of synchronous generator dynamic behaviors. Since this model simply accounts for the generator field circuit with none of the damper circuits, it may not always give a realistic transient response. Moreover, the model considers only a grid-system load without local and intermediate loads. Hence, effects of these loads together with the damper circuits on electromechanical damping have not yet been completely studied. In this paper, the Heffron-Phillips's model has been advanced to incorporate an intermediate load plus one additional damper circuit in the q -axis. The upgraded model demonstrates a great influence of the intermediate load together with the q -axis damper circuit on the electromechanical damping and the dynamic interaction between the field and damper flux linkages. The study shows the key contributions of load to rise and fall of the damping. It appears that the electromechanical damping can be improved with regard to the unity power-factor load through increasing in the natural damping and decreasing in the automatic voltage regulator (AVR) negative damping torques. Nevertheless, the damping is mostly declined, when the load power factor is poor. Moreover, it is markedly changed in relation to various locations of load. The damping characteristics of synchronous generator are investigated using the eigenvalue and frequency response methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Dynamics of skeletal muscle oxygenation during sequential bouts of moderate exercise

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Leonardo F. Ferreira
In rat muscle, faster dynamics of microvascular PO2 (approximately blood flowto O2 uptakeratio) after prior contractions that did not alter blood [lactate] have been considered to be a consequence of fasterkinetics. However, in humans, prior exercise below the lactate threshold does not affect the pulmonarykinetics. To clarify this apparent discrepancy, we examined the effects of prior moderate exercise on the kinetics of muscle oxygenation (deoxyhaemoglobin, [HHb],) and pulmonaryin humans. Eight subjects performed two bouts (6 min each) of moderate-intensity cycling separated by 6 min of baseline pedalling. Muscle (vastus lateralis) oxygenation was evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy andwas measured breath-by-breath. The time constant (,) of the primary component ofwas not significantly affected by prior exercise (21.5 ± 9.2 versus 25.6 ± 9.7 s; Bout 1 versus 2, P= 0.49). The time delay (TD) of [HHb] decreased (11.6 ± 2.6 versus 7.7 ± 1.5 s; Bout 1 versus 2, P < 0.05) and ,[HHb] increased (7.0 ± 3.5 versus 10.2 ± 4.6 s; Bout 1 versus 2, P < 0.05), while the mean response time (TD +,) did not change (18.6 ± 2.7 versus 17.9 ± 3.9 s) after prior moderate exercise. Thus, prior moderate exercise resulted in shorter onset and slower rate of increase in [HHb] during subsequent exercise. These data suggest that prior exercise altered the dynamic interaction betweenandfollowing the onset of exercise. [source]


Fuel Cell Vehicle Simulation , Part 1: Benchmarking Available Fuel Cell Vehicle Simulation Tools

FUEL CELLS, Issue 3 2003
K.H. Hauer
Abstract Fuel cell vehicle simulation is one method for systematic and fast investigation of the different vehicle options (fuel choice, hybridization, reformer technologies). However, a sufficient modeling program, capable of modeling the different design options, is not available today. Modern simulation programs should be capable of serving as tools for analysis as well as development. Shortfalls of the existing programs, initially developed for internal combustion engine hybrid vehicles, are: (i)Insufficient modeling of transient characteristics; (ii) Insufficient modeling of the fuel cells system; (iii) Insufficient modeling of advanced hybrid systems; (iv) Employment of a non-causal (backwards looking) structure; (v) Significant shortcomings in the area of controls. In the area of analysis, a modeling tool for fuel cell vehicles needs to address the transient dynamic interaction between the electric drive train and the fuel cell system. Especially for vehicles with slow responding on-board fuel processor, this interaction is very different from the interaction between a battery (as power source) and an electric drive train in an electric vehicle design. Non-transient modeling leads to inaccurate predictions of vehicle performance and fuel consumption. When applied in the area of development, the existing programs do not support the employment of newer techniques, such as rapid prototyping. This is because the program structure merges control algorithms and component models, or different control algorithms (from different components) are lumped together in one single control block and not assigned to individual components as they are in real vehicles. In both cases, the transfer of control algorithms from the model into existing hardware is not possible. This paper is the first part of a three part series and benchmarks the "state of the art" of existing programs. The second paper introduces a new simulation program, which tries to overcome existing barriers. Specifically it explicitly recognizes the dynamic interaction between fuel cell system, drive train and optional additional energy storage. [source]


A coupled simulation of an explosion inside a lined cavity surrounded by a plastic compressible medium

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 10 2007
V. R. Feldgun
Abstract The paper develops a coupled approach to simulate an axisymmetric explosion inside a buried lined cavity. The approach allows accounting for all the stages of the process: detonation of the internal charge; the shock wave propagation in the internal gas with further interaction with the lining, including multiple reflections; soil,structure dynamic interaction, including multiple gap openings and closures and wave propagation in the surrounding compressible plastic medium. The interaction problem is solved by a combination of the variational difference method and of the modified Godunov's method based on the fixed Eulerian mesh with the so-called mixed cell. The contact pressures acting on the lining due to both detonation products and soil,lining interaction are computed through the solution of the joint system of finite difference equations of gas, shell and soil dynamics using a simple iteration method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The evaluation of small cogeneration for residential heating

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 13 2002
Kris R. Voorspools
Abstract The decision whether or not to install small cogeneration for residential purposes mainly depends on individual economic considerations, combined with ecological awareness. Since in most cases, the economic balance is still unfavourable, government grants are considered in order to bridge this economic barrier. It is however still unclear how these grants are best spent to obtain an optimal environmental benefit. In the case of cogeneration, mainly static and simplified methods are used, completely neglecting the dynamic interaction between the cogeneration systems and the central power system and the dynamic response of the cogeneration units themselves. In this paper, these issues are discussed in two parts. The first part clarifies how an actual cogeneration unit, if necessary in combination with a back-up boiler and heat storage, will respond to a certain demand. For this purpose, experiments were performed to establish the transient and stationary behaviour of the system. It is shown that the transient heating of the cogeneration engine is rather slow (e.g. half an hour after cold start, the engine only produced 65% of the heat it would have in stationary regime) where the electric transient behaviour is negligible. In the second part of the paper, dynamic simulations are performed to quantify the impact (primary energy saving and reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions) of the massive installation of cogeneration for residential heating. Two important parameters are isolated. First, the interaction with the expansion of the central power system is very important. If the installation of cogeneration prevents the commissioning of new power plants, the potential energy saving and (especially) emission reduction are reduced. The second parameter is the annual use of the cogeneration units. Here, the potential energy saving and emission reduction increase with increasing annual use. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Dynamic decision problem structuring

JOURNAL OF MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2001
James Corner
Abstract This paper develops a conceptualization of decision problem structuring which synthesizes a number of models and approaches cited in the decision-making literature in general and the multi-criteria literature in particular. The approach advocates a dynamic interaction between criteria and alternatives as a decision-maker understands his preferences and expands the set of alternatives. This approach endeavours to bridge the gap between prescriptive and descriptive decision problem structuring. It is prescriptive in its orientation, recommending an approach based on earlier prescriptive work. However, the approach is also validated empirically, based on the descriptive decision-making literature and reported case studies of actual decision-making. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Paths to deutero-learning through successive process simulations: a case study

KNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT: THE JOURNAL OF CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION, Issue 4 2004
Päivi Haho
This paper discusses the dynamic interaction between organizational learning processes and their outcomes in the context of innovative business process development and change projects in a pharmaceutical company. Through the answers to the research questions, I wish to demonstrate the paths to deutero-learning, which seldom can be empirically identified in an organization. The paper uses notions of strategic, operational and cultural outcomes,including their intangible and tangible manifestations,to explain different results in organizational learning processes. From 1998 to 1999, the pharmaceutical case company applied an evolutionary, process simulation-based business process development method. This method was used to invent and implement business process innovations in the New Product Development process, to shorten the time-to-market of its new medical entities. Successive process simulations guided and focused the business process development and actions on the strategically most valuable areas. The process simulations prepared the organization for the change, and promoted the implementation of the process outcomes. The successive simulations have triggered and thereafter sustained individual and organizational learning. Thus, they have accelerated organizational learning processes and the development of knowledge and innovations. The case demonstrates efficient deutero-learning, enabled through empowered successive process simulations. The results indicate that development projects are more successful, if there are intangible learning outcomes and systemic process learning at the early stages of the project. This also supports double-loop learning in the business process development project and assists changes in norms to occur. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Population, Unemployment and Economic Growth Cycles: A Further Explanatory Perspective

METROECONOMICA, Issue 2-3 2003
Luciano Fanati
In this paper we investigate the dynamic interaction between economic growth, unemployment, income distribution and population growth. The reference framework combines rational behaviour of agents with endogenous fertility and unemployment, while profits are the determinant of the accumulation of firms. In particular the supply of labour is determined by the micro-founded fertility choices of individuals. We first demonstrate, consistently with the empirical evidence, the existence of a positive income growth trend with sustained oscillations, therefore providing an alternative explanation of the relation between growth and cycle. Moreover interesting results are given on the relation between unemployment and growth. So far the literature has traditionally shown a negative relation between unemployment and growth (with the exception of the positive relation arising in a Schumpeter ,creative' disruption context). In contrast, we find a twofold effect of unemployment (via its effects on population) on economic growth: this can be both positive or negative depending on the relative level of the cost of childrearing of employed and unemployed persons, and on the level of unemployment benefits. This allows us to argue that an increase in unemployment benefit,as has occurred in recent years in many countries such as France and Spain,could lead to wide demo-economic fluctuations and to a positive effect of unemployment on economic growth. [source]


New Expression Profiles of Voltage-gated Ion Channels in Arteries Exposed to High Blood Pressure

MICROCIRCULATION, Issue 4 2002
Robert H. Cox
The diameters of small arteries and arterioles are tightly regulated by the dynamic interaction between Ca2+ and K+ channels in the vascular smooth muscle cells. Calcium influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels induces vasoconstriction, whereas the opening of K+ channels mediates hyperpolarization, inactivation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and vasodilation. Three types of voltage-sensitive ion channels have been highly implicated in the regulation of resting vascular tone. These include the L-type Ca2+ (CaL) channels, voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels, and high-conductance voltage- and Ca2+ -sensitive K+ (BKCa) channels. Recently, abnormal expression profiles of these ion channels have been identified as part of the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension and other vasospastic diseases. An increasing number of studies suggest that high blood pressure may trigger cellular signaling cascades that dynamically alter the expression profile of arterial ion channels to further modify vascular tone. This article will briefly review the properties of CaL, KV, and BKCa channels, present evidence that their expression profile is altered during systemic hypertension, and suggest potential mechanisms by which the signal of elevated blood pressure may result in altered ion channel expression. A final section will discuss emerging concepts and opportunities for the development of new vasoactive drugs, which may rely on targeting disease-specific changes in ion channel expression as a mechanism to lower vascular tone during hypertensive diseases. [source]


Novel archaeal plasmid pAH1 and its interactions with the lipothrixvirus AFV1

MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Tamara Basta
Summary At present very little is known about interactions between extrachromosomal genetic elements in Archaea. Here we describe an Acidianus strain which carries naturally a novel 28 kb conjugative plasmid-like element, pAH1, and also serves as a laboratory host for lipothrixvirus AFV1. In an attempt to establish a system for studying plasmid,virus interactions we characterized the genome of pAH1 which closely resembles those of the Sulfolobus conjugative plasmids pARN3 and pARN4. pAH1 integrates site specifically into, and excises from, the host chromosome indicating a dynamic interaction with the latter. Although nucleotide sequence comparisons revealed extensive intergenomic exchange during the evolution of archaeal conjugative plasmids, pAH1 was shown to be stably maintained suggesting that the host system is suitable for studying plasmid,virus interactions. AFV1 infection and propagation leads to a loss of the circular form of pAH1 and this effect correlates positively with the increase in the intracellular quantity of AFV1 DNA. We infer that the virus inhibits plasmid replication since no pAH1 degradation was observed. This mechanism of archaeal viral inhibition of plasmid propagation is not observed in bacteria where relevant bacteriophages either are dependent on a conjugative plasmid for successful infection or are excluded by a resident plasmid. [source]


Nationalism, international factors and the ,Irish question' in the era of the First World War

NATIONS AND NATIONALISM, Issue 1 2005
Karen Stanbridge
The ,Irish question' encompassed negotiations leading to the partition of Ireland in 1921. The paper considers factors that contributed to the growing tendency for the major players involved in the struggle , Irish nationalists, unionists and British officials , to adopt postures that were mutually irreconcilable. Conceptualising the problem in terms of Rogers Brubaker's ,triadic nexus' model of nationalisms reveals that the rigidity was encouraged by the dynamic interaction of nationalist representations employed by the three parties in response to the postures adopted by their rivals. Further, international factors , specifically, the prevailing international definition of nation and the position taken by the authority in place to adjudicate claims of nationhood , combined with regional pressures to consolidate Irish, Ulster and British nationalisms in such forms that militated against a compromise solution. By amending Brubaker's model to include international as well as regional forces, the analysis shows how understanding of the Irish contest can be enhanced if conceived as issuing from the continuous and reflexive interaction of three distinct nationalisms with and within an international context that itself was structured with respect to questions of nation. [source]


DISPOSITIONAL INFLUENCES ON TRANSFER OF LEARNING IN MULTISTAGE TRAINING PROGRAMS

PERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
DAVID M. HEROLD
The training effectiveness literature has paid little attention to the potentially dynamic interaction of individual differences with various phases of training in determining ultimate training success. This study investigates the role of individual differences in explaining the transfer of learning from 1 phase of training to another among pilot trainees in a multistage, aviation training program. Using 3 of the Big Five factors (Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Openness to Experience), the results showed these measures to contribute to the prediction of the number of hours it took for trainees to attain their private pilot's license. Significant interactions between some of these measures and success on an earlier, simulator phase of the training program were also found. The results are discussed in terms of both the role of individual differences in training research as well as the broader issue of transfer of learning between phases of training. [source]


Externalised Justice and Democratisation: Lessons from the Pinochet Case

POLITICAL STUDIES, Issue 2 2006
Madeleine Davis
The attempt to try Pinochet in Spain exemplified and publicised a trend to use ,externalised justice' to tackle impunity for human rights crimes. It also demonstrated the possibilities and limitations of externalised justice initiatives, in terms of securing democracy at the national level, and of advancing accountability for serious crimes under international law. In Chile, Argentina and Spain the Pinochet affair served to restart stalled impulses towards accountability, accelerate democratic reform and challenge the legitimacy of compromises conceded during earlier democratic transitions. With regard to the wider role of international law in limiting impunity, expectations for rapid or consistent replication of ,the Pinochet precedent' have not been met. Despite some notable achievements, the exercise of universal jurisdiction by national courts remains inconsistent and controversial. The International Criminal Court (ICC) provides a new mechanism for external justice. An aggressive US campaign to undermine it, and to reverse progress in international law, is a serious obstacle to fulfilment of the ICC's enforcement role. However, at the domestic level the ICC may have similar indirect effects to the Pinochet litigation, boosting domestic enforcement prospects and strengthening democratic commitment. In both cases the key role for externalised justice is as stimulus or back-up. This suggests that progress in tackling impunity depends on incremental and dynamic interaction between domestic and international law, and between national and transnational actors. [source]


Strategic management of intangible assets and value drivers in R&D organizations

R & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2005
Stephen Pike
This paper takes a resource-based view of the R&D process. Based on the literature, we forward a theory that allows us to predict the dynamic interaction and transformation of five key resources, namely human, relational, organizational, monetary, and physical. Utilizing visualization tools allows us to test this theory on various levels in order to draw insights from the data. The output of the analysis improves the strategic understanding of an organization. In particular, it improves the understanding of how intangible resources drive the value creation in an R&D organization. Further analysis of the data allows us to identify resources that are either under utilized or over utilized, which might indicate inefficiencies in the organizational performance. [source]


On holding and containing, being and dreaming

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOANALYSIS, Issue 6 2004
THOMAS H. OGDEN
Winnicott's concept of holding and Bion's idea of the container-contained are for each of these analysts among his most important contributions to psychoanalytic thought. In this light, it is ironic that the two sets of ideas are so frequently misunderstood and confused with one another. In this paper, the author delineates what he believes to be the critical aspects of each of these concepts and illustrates the way in which he uses these ideas in his clinical work. Winnicott's holding is seen as an ontological concept that is primarily concerned with being and its relationship to time. Initially the mother safeguards the infant's continuity of being, in part by insulating him from the ,not-me' aspect of time. Maturation entails the infant's gradually internalizing the mother's holding of the continuity of his being over time and emotional fl ux. By contrast, Bion's container-contained is centrally concerned with the processing (dreaming) of thoughts derived from lived emotional experience. The idea of the container-contained addresses the dynamic interaction of predominantly unconscious thoughts (the contained) and the capacity for dreaming and thinking those thoughts (the container). [source]


Wealth Dynamics and the Endogenous Design of Firm Organization

THE JAPANESE ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 3 2003
Hiroshi Osano
The purpose of this paper is to explore a dynamic interaction between wealth distribution and firm organization design using a model of growth in altruism in which a consideration of moral hazard on the part of agents with risk-averse preferences prevents complete insurance and generates inequality. I show (i) that there exists an ergodic invariant distribution of wealth to which the stochastic process of lineage wealth converges globally, and (ii) that the firm form with direct evaluation of the agent's effort is more likely to be chosen as wealth is distributed more equally. [source]


Thinking about learning: Implications for principle-based professional education

THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 2 2002
Dr. Karen V. Mann PhD
Abstract The understanding of teaching and learning in medical education has increased to improve medical education at all levels. Selected approaches to understanding learning provide a basis for eliciting principles that may inform and guide educational practice. In this article, these approaches are discussed from two perspectives: the cognitive and the environmental. The cognitive perspective includes activation of prior knowledge, elaboration of new learning, learning in context, transfer of learning, and organization of knowledge. The environmental perspective includes the dynamic interaction of learners with their environment, observational learning, incentives and rewards in the environment, goal setting and self-monitoring, self-efficacy, and situated learning. Implications are presented for facilitation of effective learning and support of the learning environment throughout the continuum of medical education. [source]


Cash Flow, Consumption Risk, and the Cross-section of Stock Returns

THE JOURNAL OF FINANCE, Issue 2 2009
ZHI DA
ABSTRACT I link an asset's risk premium to two characteristics of its underlying cash flow: covariance and duration. Using empirically novel estimates of both cash flow characteristics based exclusively on accounting earnings and aggregate consumption data, I examine their dynamic interaction in a two-factor cash flow model and find that they are able to explain up to 82% of the cross-sectional variation in the average returns on size, book-to-market, and long-term reversal-sorted portfolios for the period 1964 to 2002. This finding highlights the importance of fundamental cash flow characteristics in determining the risk exposure of an asset. [source]


A model of price discovery and market design: Theory and empirical evidence

THE JOURNAL OF FUTURES MARKETS, Issue 12 2004
Michael T. ChngArticle first published online: 11 OCT 200
Price discovery is an essential function performed by derivative markets. For a derivative exchange, its markets' ability to incorporate information into prices to "derive" the underlying asset's value is a key objective of market design. The J. Hasbrouck (1991a) model is applied to examine the design and price discovery of a futures market. First, the model is extended to consider a comprehensive dynamic interaction between the price-size coordinates of orders and trades. Second, floor and screen tick data from LIFFE's FTSE 100 index futures market is used to estimate the two models. The significance of order size variables in the extended model suggests that order flow transparency, which is supported by an electronic trading platform, improves price discovery. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 24:1107,1146, 2004 [source]


Phase-dependent and task-dependent modulation of stretch reflexes during rhythmical hand tasks in humans

THE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Ruiping Xia
Phase-dependent and task-dependent modulation of reflexes has been extensively demonstrated in leg muscles during locomotory activity. In contrast, the modulation of reflex responses of hand muscles during rhythmic movement is poorly documented. The objective of this study was to determine whether comparable reflex modulation occurs in muscles controlling finger motions during rhythmic, fine-motor tasks akin to handwriting. Twelve healthy subjects performed two rhythmic tasks while reflexes were evoked by mechanical perturbations applied at various phases of each task. Electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from four hand muscles, and reflexes were averaged during each task relative to the movement phase. Stretch reflexes in all four muscles were found to be modulated in amplitude with respect to the phase of the rhythmic tasks, and also to vary distinctly with the tasks being conducted. The extent and pattern of reflex modulation differed between muscles in the same task, and between tasks for the same muscle. Muscles with a primary role in each task showed a higher correlation between reflex response and background EMG than other muscles. The results suggest that the modulation patterns observed may reflect optimal strategies of central,peripheral interactions in controlling the performance of fine-motor tasks. As with comparable studies on locomotion, the phase-dependency of the stretch reflexes implies a dynamically fluctuating role of proprioceptive feedback in the control of the hand muscles. The clear task-dependency is also consistent with a dynamic interaction of sensory feedback and central programming, presumably adapted to facilitate the successful performance of the different fine-motor tasks. [source]