Memory for emotional faces in major depression following judgement of physical facial characteristics at encoding

The aim of the present study was to establish if patients with major depression (MD) exhibit a memory bias for sad faces, relative to happy and neutral, when the affective element of the faces is not explicitly processed at encoding. To this end, 16 psychiatric out-patients with MD and 18 healthy, never-depressed controls (HC) were presented with a series of emotional faces and were required to identify the gender of the individuals featured in the photographs. Participants were subsequently given a recognition memory test for these faces. At encoding, patients with MD exhibited a non-significant tendency towards slower gender identification (GI) times, relative to HC, for happy faces. However, the GI times of the two groups did not differ for sad or neutral faces. At memory testing, patients with MD did not exhibit the expected memory bias for sad faces. Similarly, HC did not demonstrate enhanced memory for happy faces. Overall, patients with MD were impaired in their memory for the faces relative to the HC. The current findings are consistent with the proposal that mood-congruent memory biases are contingent upon explicit processing of the emotional element of the to-be-remembered material at encoding.

Optimization of physical distribution problem in logistics management

Physical distribution plays an imporant role in contemporary logistics management. Both satisfaction level of of customer and competitiveness of company can be enhanced if the distribution problem is solved optimally. The multi-depot vehicle routing problem (MDVRP) belongs to a practical logistics distribution problem, which consists of three critical issues: customer assignment, customer routing, and vehicle sequencing. According to the literatures, the solution approaches for the MDVRP are not satisfactory because some unrealistic assumptions were made on the first sub-problem of the MDVRP, ot the customer assignment problem. To refine the approaches, the focus of this paper is confined to this problem only. This paper formulates the customer assignment problem as a minimax-type integer linear programming model with the objective of minimizing the cycle time of the depots where setup times are explicitly considered. Since the model is proven to be MP-complete, a genetic algorithm is developed for solving the problem. The efficiency and effectiveness of the genetic algorithm are illustrated by a numerical example.

Effects of inducer continuity on auditory stream segregation:comparison of physical and perceived continuity in different contexts

The factors influencing the stream segregation of discrete tones and the perceived continuity of discrete tones as continuing through an interrupting masker are well understood as separate phenomena. Two experiments tested whether perceived continuity can influence the build-up of stream segregation by manipulating the perception of continuity during an induction sequence and measuring streaming in a subsequent test sequence comprising three triplets of low and high frequency tones (LHL-���). For experiment 1, a 1.2-s standard induction sequence comprising six 100-ms L-tones strongly promoted segregation, whereas a single extended L-inducer (1.1 s plus 100-ms silence) did not. Segregation was similar to that following the single extended inducer when perceived continuity was evoked by inserting noise bursts between the individual tones. Reported segregation increased when the noise level was reduced such that perceived continuity no longer occurred. Experiment 2 presented a 1.3-s continuous inducer created by bridging the 100-ms silence between an extended L-inducer and the first test-sequence tone. This configuration strongly promoted segregation. Segregation was also increased by filling the silence after the extended inducer with noise, such that it was perceived like a bridging inducer. Like physical continuity, perceived continuity can promote or reduce test-sequence streaming, depending on stimulus context.

Technology transfer to developing countries : the case of physical asset management in South Africa

This research investigates technology transfer (TT) to developing countries, with specific reference to South Africa. Particular attention is paid to physical asset management, which includes the maintenance of plant, equipment and facilities. The research is case based, comprising a main case study (the South African electricity utility, Eskom) and four mini-cases. A five level framework adapted from Salami and Reavill (1997) is used as the methodological basis for the formulation of the research questions. This deals with technology selection, and management issues including implementation and maintenance and evaluation and modifications. The findings suggest the Salami and Reavill (1997) framework is a useful guide for TT. The case organisations did not introduce technology for strategic advantage, but to achieve operational efficiencies through cost reduction, higher quality and the ability to meet customer demand. Acquirers favour standardised technologies with which they are familiar. Cost-benefit evaluations have limited use in technology acquisition decisions. Users rely on supplier expertise to compensate for poor education and technical training in South Africa. The impact of political and economic factors is more evident in Eskom than in the mini-cases. Physical asset management follows traditional preventive maintenance practices, with limited use of new maintenance management thinking. Few modifications of the technology or R&D innovations take place. Little use is made of explicit knowledge from computerised maintenance management systems. Low operating and maintenance skills are not conducive to the transfer of high-technology equipment. South African organisations acquire technology as items of plant, equipment and systems, but limited transfer of technology takes place. This suggests that operators and maintainers frequently do not understand the underlying technology, and like workers elsewhere, are not always inclined towards adopting technology in the workplace.

Perception while watching movies:effects of physical screen size and scene type

Over the last decade, television screens and display monitors have increased in size considerably, but has this improved our televisual experience? Our working hypothesis was that the audiences adopt a general strategy that ���bigger is better.��� However, as our visual perceptions do not tap directly into basic retinal image properties such as retinal image size (C. A. Burbeck, 1987), we wondered whether object size itself might be an important factor. To test this, we needed a task that would tap into the subjective experiences of participants watching a movie on different-sized displays with the same retinal subtense. Our participants used a line bisection task to self-report their level of ���presence��� (i.e., their involvement with the movie) at several target locations that were probed in a 45-min section of the movie ���The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.��� Measures of pupil dilation and reaction time to the probes were also obtained. In Experiment 1, we found that subjective ratings of presence increased with physical screen size, supporting our hypothesis. Face scenes also produced higher presence scores than landscape scenes for both screen sizes. In Experiment 2, reaction time and pupil dilation results showed the same trends as the presence ratings and pupil dilation correlated with presence ratings, providing some validation of the method. Overall, the results suggest that real-time measures of subjective presence might be a valuable tool for measuring audience experience for different types of (i) display and (ii) audiovisual material.

Assessment of physical and hydrological properties of biological soil crusts using x-ray microtomography and modelling

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are formed by aggregates of soil particles and communities of microbial organisms and are common in all drylands. The role of BSCs on infiltration remains uncertain due to the lack of data on their role in affecting soil physical properties such as porosity and structure. Quantitative assessment of these properties is primarily hindered by the fragile nature of the crusts. Here we show how the use of a combination of non-destructive imaging X-ray microtomography (XMT) and Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) enables quantification of key soil physical parameters and the modeling of water flow through BSCs samples from Kalahari Sands, Botswana. We quantify porosity and flow changes as a result of mechanical disturbance of such a fragile cyanobacteria-dominated crust. Results show significant variations in porosity between different types of crusts and how they affect the flow and that disturbance of a cyanobacteria-dominated crust results in the breakdown of larger pore spaces and reduces flow rates through the surface layer. We conclude that the XMT���LBM approach is well suited for study of fragile surface crust samples where physical and hydraulic properties cannot be easily quantified using conventional methods.

A fitts��g (m)��rt��ke. A fizikai inaktivit��s nemzetgazdas��gi terhei Magyarorsz��gon (The value (degree) of fitness. The national economic costs of physical inactivity in Hungary)

Az elm��lt ��vekben Magyarorsz��gon is fokozatosan n��tt az ��rdekl��d��s az ��letmin��s��g vizsg��lata ir��nt. A 2004-2006 k��z��tti id��szakra k��sz��lt els�� Nemzeti Fejleszt��si Terv f�� c��lkit��z��se a lakoss��g ��letmin��s��g��nek jav��t��sa volt, de c��lj��t nem ��rte el, mivel a WHO 2010 m��jus��ban k��zz��tett statisztik��ja szerint a magyarorsz��gi ��letmin��s��g-mutat��k az eur��pai rangsor v��g��n tal��lhat��k. Elszomor��t�� az Eurobarom��ter 2010. ��vi reprezentat��v kutat��s��nak eredm��nye: a n��pess��g 77 sz��zal��k��nak ��letm��dja mozg��sszeg��ny, fizikailag inakt��v. Kutat��sunk sor��n azt a t��nylegesen hi��nyp��tl�� c��lt k��v��ntuk el��rni, hogy meghat��rozzuk ��s sz��mszer��s��ts��k a mozg��sszeg��ny ��letm��db��l ad��d�� nemzetgazdas��gi terheket, valamint megbecs��lj��k a fizikai inaktivit��s cs��kkent��s��vel el��rhet�� megtakar��t��sok sz��mszer��s��thet�� m��rt��k��t. Az Orsz��gos Eg��szs��gbiztos��t��si P��nzt��r (OEP) ��s egy saj��t orsz��gos k��rd����ves kutat��s (n = 1158) adataira t��maszkodtunk. A fizikai inaktivit��s betegs��geire vonatkoz�� megtakar��t��si lehet��s��geket t��telesen hat��roztuk meg, majd meg��llap��tottuk az inaktivit��sb��l sz��rmaz�� gazdas��gi terheket, aminek alapj��n a d��nt��shoz��k elk��sz��thetik a fizikai inaktivit��s cs��kkent��sre alkalmas akci��terveiket. Ezzel nemcsak a lakoss��g "k��z��rzete" javulhat sz��mottev��en, de komolyabb k��lts��geket is meg lehet takar��tani k��z��p- ��s hossz�� t��von. / === / Interest in examining the quality of life has increased steadily in Hungary in recent years. Improving it was the main objective of the first National Development Plan, for the 2004-6 period, but it failed to do so, for Hungary's indices for quality of life were at the bottom of the European list according to figures published by the WHO in May 2010. The results of the representative research Furobarometer 2010 are saddening: 77 per cent of the population pursue a low-exercise, physically inactive lifestyle. The authors' researches sought to fill a gap by measuring and quantifying the national economic costs of a low-exercise lifestyle and to estimate quantitatively the savings to be made by reducing such physical inactivity. The paper relics on the data of the National Health Insurance Fund and on an authors' questionnaire (n = 1158). The potential savings on illness relating to physical activity are listed one by one. to arrive at the economic costs of such inactivity, based on which it is possible for decision-makers to prepare adequate action plans for reducing physical inactivity. This will improve the "morale" of the public and bring appreciable savings in the medium and long term.

A fizikai matematika leg��jabb eredm��nyei mint a k��zgazdas��g-tudom��ny lehets��ges vizsg��lati eszk��zei (The newest results of physical mathematics as the possible investigation tools of economics)

A k��zgazdas��g-tudom��ny sz��mos probl��m��ja a fizika anal��g modelljeinek seg��ts��g��vel nyert megold��st. A k��zgazd��szok k��r��ben er��teljesen megoszlanak a v��lem��nyek, hogy a k��zgazdas��gi modellek mennyire reduk��lhat��k a fizika, vagy m��s term��szettudom��nyok eredm��nyeire. Vannak,akik pontosan ezzel magyar��zz��k,hogy a mai mainstream k��zgazdas��gi elm��let ��talakult alkalmazott matematik��v��,ami a gazdas��gi k��rd��seket csak a t��rsadalom-tudom��nyi vonatkoz��sait��l eltekintve k��pes vizsg��lni. M��sok, e tanulm��nyszerz��je is, viszont ��gy v��lekednek, hogy a k��zgazdas��gi probl��m��k egy r��sze, ahol lehet��s��g van a m��r��sre, j��l modellezhet��k a term��szettudom��nyok technikai arzen��lj��val. A m��sik r��sze, amelyekben nem lehet m��rni,s tipikusan ilyenek a t��rsadalomtudom��nyi k��rd��sek, ott sokkal komplexebb technik��kra lesz sz��ks��g. Etanulm��ny c��lkit��z��se, hogy felv��zolja a fizika leg��jabb, az irreverzibilis dinamika, a relativit��selm��let ��s a kvantummechanika sztochasztikus matematikai ��sszef��gg��seit, amelyekb��l a k��zgazd��szok v��laszthatnak egy-egy probl��ma megfogalmaz��s��ban ��s megold��s��ban. P��ld��ul az id��oper��torok pontos ��rtelmez��se jelent��s fordulatot hozhat a makro��kon��miai elm��letekben; vagy az eddigi statikus egyens��lyi referencia pontokat felv��lthatj��k a dinamikus,id��ben v��ltoz�� sztochasztikus egyens��lyi referenciaf��ggv��nyek, ami forradalmian ��j megvil��g��t��sba helyezhet sz��mos t��rsadalomtudom��nyi, s f��leg nemegyens��lyi k��zgazdas��gi k��rd��st.A termodinamika ��s a biol��giai evol��ci�� fogalmait ��s defin��ci��it Paul A. Samuelson (1947) m��r adapt��lta a k��zgazdas��gtanban, viszont a kvantummechanika leg��jabb eredm��nyeit, az id��oper��torokat stb. nem ��rintette. E cikk azokat a leg��jabb fizikai, k��miai ��s biol��giai matematikai ��sszef��gg��seket foglalja ��ssze,amelyek hasznosak lehetnek a k��zgazdas��gi modellek komplexebb megfogalmaz��s��hoz. ___________________ The aim of this paper is to out line the newest results of physics,i.e.,the stochastic mathematical relations of relativity theory and quantum mechanics as well as irreversible dynamics which can be applied for some economic problems.For example,the correct interpretation of time operators using for the macroeconomic theories may provide a serious improvement in approach to the reality.The stochastic dynamic equilibrium reference functions will take over the role of recent static equilibrium reference points,which may also reveal some nonequilibrium questions of macroeconomics.The concepts and definitions of thermodynamics and biological evolution have been adopted in economics by Paul A. Samuelson, but he did not concern the newest results of quantum mechanics, e.g., the time operators. Now we do it.In addition, following Samuelson,we show that von Neumann growth model cannot be explained as a peculiar extension of thermodynamic irreversibility.

Helyhez k��t��tt kapcsolatok. Egy t��rsadalmi kapcsolath��l��kon alapul�� magyar��zat a f��ldrajzi munkamegoszt��s kialakul��s��ra = Ties of locality. An explanation of the development of the geographical division of labour based on social networks

A ���f��ldrajzi munkamegoszt��s��� vagy ���elhelyezked��s probl��ma��� arra a k��rd��sre utal, mi��rt alakulnak ki egy-egy gazdas��gi tev��kenys��gre szakosodott f��ldrajzi egys��gek, region��lis gazdas��gi rendszerek. A hagyom��nyos k��zgazdas��gi megk��zel��t��sek a ter��letek racion��lisan kalkul��lhat�� komparat��v el��nyeit, a nyersanyagok vagy a piac k��zels��g��t, infrastruktur��lis adotts��gokat, ��tf��gg��s��get stb. szokt��k hangs��lyozni. A tanulm��ny szerz��je a t��rsadalmi kapcsolatok jelent��s��g��t emeli ki, azt sugallja, hogy a ter��leti specializ��l��d��s az egym��ssal kapcsolatban ��ll��, hasonl��an specializ��l��dott t��bbi szerepl�� nyom��s��ra alakul ki. A hipot��zist k��t k��lf��ld��n v��gzett eset tanulm��ny tapasztalatai alapj��n j��rja k��r��l. ______________________ The question of "regional economic systems", "geographical division of labour" or "location problem" has an important literature. Economic approaches emphasize the rationally calculated advantages of the specialized industrial areas: the benefit of the exploitation of discovered resources, more cooperative relations, etc. The paper stresses the role of social networks in the location problem: economically specialized areas formed because of the suggestions and tips of connected enterprises, cooperative partners. The hypothesis is based on the experiences of two case studies, made in a Peruvian rural area and a Mexican modern industrial area.

Education and training in the use of physical agent modalities by occupational therapists practicing in the physical disabilities area

This study was conducted to examine how occupational therapists (OTs) practicing in the physical disabilities area received their training in the use of physical agent modalities (PAMs); to determine the frequency of PAMs usage by those therapists; and to obtain their opinions regarding the training of OTs and OT students in the administration of PAMs. Three hundred OTs practicing in physical diabilities (n = 194 returned) were surveyed. The most frequently used modalities were hot and cold packs, paraffin, and ultrasound. The least frequently used modalities were transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) and whirlpool. On-the-job training was the most common educational method received by the respondents for PAMs usage. The respondents considered a combination of undergraduate education, fieldwork, continuing education and on-the-job training as the most appropriate educational setting for training in modalities. While few of the respondents received preparation in PAMs during entry-level academic programs, the majority felt that OT students should be trained in PAMs usage as part of their education curriculum. ^