The Riesz transform and simultaneous representations of phase, energy and orientation in spatial vision

To represent the local orientation and energy of a 1-D image signal, many models of early visual processing employ bandpass quadrature filters, formed by combining the original signal with its Hilbert transform. However, representations capable of estimating an image signal's 2-D phase have been largely ignored. Here, we consider 2-D phase representations using a method based upon the Riesz transform. For spatial images there exist two Riesz transformed signals and one original signal from which orientation, phase and energy may be represented as a vector in 3-D signal space. We show that these image properties may be represented by a Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of the higher-order derivatives of the original and the Riesz transformed signals. We further show that the expected responses of even and odd symmetric filters from the Riesz transform may be represented by a single signal autocorrelation function, which is beneficial in simplifying Bayesian computations for spatial orientation. Importantly, the Riesz transform allows one to weight linearly across orientation using both symmetric and asymmetric filters to account for some perceptual phase distortions observed in image signals - notably one's perception of edge structure within plaid patterns whose component gratings are either equal or unequal in contrast. Finally, exploiting the benefits that arise from the Riesz definition of local energy as a scalar quantity, we demonstrate the utility of Riesz signal representations in estimating the spatial orientation of second-order image signals. We conclude that the Riesz transform may be employed as a general tool for 2-D visual pattern recognition by its virtue of representing phase, orientation and energy as orthogonal signal quantities.

Useful ideas for exploiting time to engineer representations

Commentary on target article "From simple associations to systematic reasoning: a connectionist representation of rules, variables, and dynamic bindings using temporal synchrony", by L. Shastri and V. Ajjangadde, pp. 417-494

Inscribing the organization:representations in dispute between accounting and production

This paper assumes that a primary function of management accounting is the representation of "accounting facts" for purposes such as organizational control. Accountants are able to offer conventional techniques of control, such as standard costing, as a consequence of their ability to deploy accounting representations within managerial and economic models of organizational processes. Accounting competes, at times, with other 'professional' groups, such as production planning or quality management people, in this role of representing the organization to management. The paper develops its arguments around a case illustration of cost accounting set in a low technology manufacturing environment. The research relates to a case organization in which accountants are attempting to establish the reliability of accounting inscriptions of a simple manufacturing process. The case research focuses on the documents, the inscriptions that vie for managements' attention. It is these sometimes messy and inaccurate representations which enable control of complex and heterogeneous activities at a distance. At the end of our site visits we observe quality management systems in the ascendancy over the accountants' standard costing systems. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uncertainty and the influence of group norms in the attitude-behaviour relationship

Two studies were conducted to examine the impact of subjective uncertainty on conformity to group norms in the attitude-behaviour context. In both studies, subjective uncertainty was manipulated using a deliberative mindset manipulation (McGregor, Zanna, Holmes, & Spencer, 2001). In Study 1 (N = 106), participants were exposed to either an attitude-congruent or an attitude-incongruent in-group norm. In Study 2(N = 83), participants were exposed to either a congruent, incongruent, or an ambiguous in-group norm. Ranges of attitude-behaviour outcomes, including attitude-intention consistency and change in attitude-certainty, were assessed. In both studies, levels of group-normative behaviour varied as a function of uncertainty condition. In Study 1, conformity to group norms, as evidenced by variations in the level of attitude-intention consistency, was observed only in the high uncertainty condition. In Study 2, exposure to an ambiguous norm had different effects for those in the low and die high uncertainty conditions. In the low uncertainty condition, greatest conformity was observed in the attitude-congruent norm condition compared with an attitude-congruent or ambiguous norm. In contrast, individuals in the high uncertainty condition displayed greatest conformity when exposed to either an attitude-congruent or an ambiguous in-group norm. The implications of these results for the role of subjective uncertainty in social influence processes are discussed. © 2007 The British Psychological Society.

Regional representations in the EU:between diplomacy and interest mediation

What are regional representations in the European Union? What do they hope to achieve? Since the mid-1980s, sub-state actors in the EU such as county councils, Länder, Autonomous Communities, local, municipal and city authorities have been opening representative offices in Brussels – mini 'embassies' for their territories. Although on the surface these representations might look the same, in practice they operate according to very different dynamics. Whilst some rival national governments for a stake in EU policy development, others have more modest ambitions. This book offers a comprehensive assessment of the burgeoning phenomenon of regional representation in the EU. Considering evidence from old member states as well as those which joined the EU more recently, it looks at where strategies and aims differ, positioning various 'types' of representation closer to the work of embassies or to that carried out by lobbying groups. The author also considers how regional representations contribute to our understanding of multi-level governance in the EU.

Translation and norms

Translation norms are understood as internalized behavioural constraints which embody the values shared by a community. In the two main contributions it is argued that all decisions in the translation process are primarily governed by norms. The explanatory power of a norm-based theory of translation is then critically reflected upon in the debates and the responses.

Etude theorique et empirique des pratiques et des representations du loisir chez les meres de famille en France

L'objectif de cette thèse consiste à faire une analyse approfondie des méanismes d'articulation dialectique qui lient la sphère sociale du loisir aux sphères de la production éonomique et de la (re)production domestique. Cette analyse se situe dans le cadre d'une problématique construite en termes de rapports sociaux de sexe. Une revue bibliographique des recherches sur le loisir permet de constater que les trois paradigmes thériques qui ont été traditionnellement employés dans l'éude sociologique de ce `fait social' manifestent un biais androcentrique implicite qui pose d' importants problèmes quand il s'agit d'élargir le champ d'analyse de ce phéomène au-delà du rapport travail salarié-loisir qui constitue l'entrée thématique principale de la majorité des recherches existantes dans ce domaine. Bien qu'il ne soit nullement notre intention de proposer une nouvelle conceptualisation théorique du `loisir', l'attention portée sur les différences de sens subjectif et symbolique que les individus et les groupes sociaux attribuent à leurs pratiques de loisir permet, néanmoins, de constater la nature insatisfaisante des recherches fondées sur une analyse quantitative des caractéristiques sociales des pratiquants et soulève la question de l'ètude sociologique des mécanismes de production-reproduction des identités sociales objectives et subjectives qui s'opèrent `a travers les pratiques de loisir. Afin de répondre à cette question, deux approches méthodologiques distinctes ont été adoptées. Les données statistiques portant sur les pratiques `hors-travail' des femmes sont issues d'une enquête effectuée `a l'aide d'un questionnaire ferméaupr`es d'un échantillon non-repréntatif de 157 mères de famille françaises (actives et inactives). Les données sur les représentations temporelles proviennent d'une série de 30 entretiens semi-directifs approfondis effectués auprès de femmes ayant déjà répondu au questionnaire. Une mise en rapport de ces deux types de données permet l'analyse du rôle de l'articulation entre la `part réelle' et la `part pensée' des rapports sociaux de sexe et la conceptualisation du rapport entre les pratiques et les représentations du loisir en fonction de l'inscription objective et subjective des enquêtées dans la hiérarchie sociale de classe et de sexe. De cette analyse découle une définition de la sphère sociale du loisir en tant qu'espace social contesté où se jouent à la fois les mécanismes de reproduction des systèmes des rapports sociaux à l'identique et les mécanismes de réppropriation et de réinterprétation des normes de sexe de la part des groupes sociaux.

Representations of voluntary childlessness in the UK Press, 1990-2008

Representations of voluntary childlessness — the declaration by an individual that he or she does not wish to bear or raise children — were studied in 116 articles published in British national newspapers in the period 1990—2008. Media framing analysis was used to examine broad patterns of framing of the topic, identifying four frames: voluntary childlessness as an individual rights issue, as a form of resistance, as a social trend, and as a personal decision. These frames, it is argued, may act as potential ‘scripts’ for newspaper readers who are debating the decision to start a family.

Looking for redemption in a globalised North:representations of the Arctic in Judith Hermann’s Short Stories Kaltblau (Cold –Blue) and Die Liebe zu Ari Oskarsson (Love for Ari Oskarsson)

This paper explores the literary representation of Iceland and Norway in two short stories by contemporary German writer Judith Hermann. It analyses both the depiction of these countries as part of the globalised western world and the redemptive power they are tentatively ascribed by the author. Continuing a long German tradition of looking at Scandinavia from an almost colonial perspective, Hermann on the one hand presents these northern countries as a mere extension of central Europe, largely devoid of distinguishing national characteristics. At the same time she makes reference to the topos of the north as a vast and empty space and highlights both the specific arctic nature of the environment and the effect it has on her urban characters, who find themselves on a search for meaning and orientation in a postmodern fragmented world. Despite Hermann's overall sceptical attitude towards her characters' quest for happiness, these northern locations ultimately appear as potential places of self-realisation and enlightenment.

Transatlantic representations of Religion

Introduction to special issue: Transatlantic representations of religion