First Group Of Models Research Articles

Emboldened in the rap "game": How severely stigmatized video models navigate disrespect and vulnerability to workplace mistreatment.

Moral stigma attached to an occupation can scar workers through discrediting, shaming, and denying respect. It can also open the door to interpersonal mistreatment, but little is known about how morally stigmatized workers navigate anticipated disrespect to potentially avoid harm. We explore this issue in a study of an occupation carrying severe moral stigma and where disrespect and workplace mistreatment are pervasive: models in hip-hop and rap music videos. Through analyses of 71 interviews with 48 video models and 19 industry informants, field observations, and archival data, we show how severe moral stigma and industry constraints promote generalized disrespect of video models (i.e., denial of worth to all role occupants) and, thus, each model's personal vulnerability to mistreatment. Two distinct groups of models emerged from our analysis-those who viewed themselves as emboldened in their role identity and those who did not-and this emboldened role identity was associated with differing perceptions of their personal vulnerability to mistreatment and their behaviors to mitigate it. The first group of models, those reporting an emboldened role identity, perceived their vulnerability to mistreatment as controllable. They strategically used both assertive behaviors (that earned respect from others) and passive behaviors (that avoided disrespect from others) to mitigate mistreatment. By contrast, the second group perceived their vulnerability to mistreatment as uncontrollable and reported using only passive behaviors (to avoid disrespect) when mistreatment was imminent. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our findings, advancing knowledge of dirty work, workplace mistreatment, respect dynamics, and identity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Модели составных гармонических полуволн и связь дискретизации времени с энтропией временных параметров сигналов

The problem of finding the absolute error of stepwise and linear interpolation of the control signal from uniform samples from it using models of composite harmonic half-waves is solved. Previously, during the inspection of the control object, the maximum values of the signal parameters and half-waves are determined: speed, acceleration and sharpness, there are no spectrum parameters. To determine the values of the intervals of uniform sampling of time, two groups of models of "harmonic half-waves" are considered. The first group of models is described by harmonic time functions whose parameters are consistent. The second group of models is described by composite harmonic functions of time, thereby the time parameters of the signals are consistent. It is proved that with an increase in the entropy of the maximum values of the signal parameters, the value of the time sampling interval increases without increasing the interpolation error. Thus, the entropy value of the signal parameters serves as an indicator of their inconsistency. The results of modeling and graphs obtained in the environment of the mathematical package are presented. The results are intended to optimize the loading of input tasks and primary information processing of processors in robust real-time automation systems, for example, used to control high-speed trains when braking in sliding or skidding mode.

Mathematical modeling of biomechanical elastic and hyperelastic properties of the myocardium

BACKGROUND: The study of mechanical properties of biological tissues is extremely informative and is one of the most important areas of biomechanics. Knowledge of these aspects of biological objects based on experimental data can become a source of new medical and technical solutions for the reconstruction of organs and the development of replacement materials. AIM: Passive mechanical properties of isolated myocardium are compared with linear, bilinear, exponential and the most common hyperelastic models (neohookean, Mooney–Rivlin, Ogden, Yeoh, polynomial and Veronda–Westmann). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature data on mechanical tests of autopsy material obtained from mongrel dogs were used as initial data. To search for the most advanced calculation algorithms the computer algebra system was used, the Mathcad 15.0 software package and the multifunctional finite element analysis application ANSYS 2022 R2 were used. Direct comparison of models was made based on mathematical statistics. RESULTS: Among the first group of models, the results closest to the experimental data were demonstrated by the exponential model R = 0.9958/0.9984 (in the longitudinal/transverse direction with respect to the myocardial fibers), the lowest accuracy was demonstrated by the linear model R = 0.9813/0.9803. Young’s moduli of linear, bilinear and exponential models and material constants of hyperelastic models are determined. The coefficient of elastic anisotropy of the myocardium, defined as the ratio of the elastic moduli of the linear model measured along and across the direction of the fibers, is equal to 2.18, which is very different from the literature data for the myocardium of the human heart. Deformation along the fibers of the heart muscle is more energy-consuming in the direction along the fibers than in the transverse direction (3.81 and 2.52 mJ/cm3). The most accurate hyperelastic models turned out to be the 2nd order polynomial model R = 0.9971 and the 3rd order Yeoh model R = 0.997. The largest deviations and the lowest correlation coefficient between the experimental and model data were demonstrated by the simple neohookean model R = 0.974 with a single parameter μ. The numerical values of the parameters of hyperelastic models obtained by calculation methods used practically did not differ from each other (≤2.16%). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the importance of selecting the correct mechanical model for isolated myocardium. The data obtained can be useful in virtual interventions (simulations) for predicting outcomes and supporting clinical decisions, developing replacement materials and structures made of them for reconstructive operations on heart structures.

ARIMA-Profile of the Inflation Forecasting in the Tomsk Region Problem

The inflation forecasting task is one of the key tasks for the Central Bank. Today it especially needs new approaches designed not only to serve as a tool for future inflation values predicting but also to expand knowledge about the structure of the process under study. Traditionally the Central Bank uses ARIMA time series models as a tool for infl ation forecasting. In this paper the concept of an ARIMA-profi le is introduced for the fi rst time as a set of suitable for solving a specifi c problem ARIMA-models general characteristics. Experimental confirmation of the ARIMA-profi le existence for the Tomsk region Consumer Price Index forecasting task is presented. To do this a series of experiments was conducted in each of which the models were ranked according to their predictive power. Then using heat maps and probability density diagram it was shown that all models can be divided into two groups — "suitable" and "not suitable" for the inflation forecasting problem. The ARIMA-profile was presented as a set of rules separating the fi rst group of models from the second. Such a set of rules was obtained as a result of solving the problem of classifying models into "suitable" and "not suitable" by the method of decision trees. The main template of models suitable for forecasting inflation in the Tomsk region has the ARIMA(*,*,*)(2,*,1)12 scheme. A common feature of the "best" models is the non-zero seasonal parameters P and Q and the structure of the series is such that the current inflation value is best described by the value of inflation which was observed a year ago and two years ago as well as the value of last year’s shock.

Constraining the FRB mechanism from scintillation in the host galaxy

ABSTRACT Most fast radio burst (FRB) models can be divided into two groups based on the distance of the radio emission region from the central engine. The first group of models, the so-called ‘nearby’ or magnetospheric models, invoke FRB emission at distances of 109 cm or less from the central engine, while the second ‘far-away’ models involve emission from distances of 1011 cm or greater. The lateral size for the emission region for the former class of models (≲107 cm) is much smaller than the second class of models (≳109 cm). We propose that an interstellar scattering screen in the host galaxy is well-suited to differentiate between the two classes of models, particularly based on the level of modulations in the observed intensity with frequency, in the regime of strong diffractive scintillation. This is because the diffractive length scale for the host galaxy’s interstellar medium scattering screen is expected to lie between the transverse emission-region sizes for the ‘nearby’ and the ‘far-away’ class of models. Determining the strength of flux modulation caused by scintillation (scintillation modulation index) across the scintillation bandwidth (∼1/2πδts) would provide a strong constraint on the FRB radiation mechanism when the scatter broadening (δts) is shown to be from the FRB host galaxy. The scaling of the scintillation bandwidth as ∼ν4.4 may make it easier to determine the modulation index at ≳ 1 GHz.

Mean stress effect in high‐frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)‐treated welded steel railway bridges

AbstractThe need for new railway bridges is driven by the growing volume of transportation demands for both passenger and freight traffic on railway networks. In the design of these bridges, the fatigue limit state is a criterion that usually limits the allowable applied load level and thus also the utilization of the high strength of the steel material. Therefore, improving the fatigue performance of welded details by high‐frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment leads to a more efficient design. However, the fatigue performance of HFMI‐treated welds is known to be affected by the mean stress and this needs to be considered in the design of treated welded details in steel bridges. This is rather straightforward if the bridge is subjected to cycles from one type of train but becomes cumbersome when several different sets of trains (e. g. axle loads, axle distances) cross the bridge. In this article, a factor to take the mean stress effect (including self‐weight and traffic load variations) into account is derived from traffic data measured in Sweden. Moreover, the mean stress effect is also predicted using the different fatigue load models in the Eurocode. These models either consist of one‐load patterns such as LM71, SW/0, and SW/2 or are composed of different trains with different combinations. It was found that the mean stress effect is underestimated by the first group of models. On the other hand, the mean stress predicted by the light traffic mix is found to be close to that calculated using real traffic data, while other mixes (standard and heavy) underestimate the mean stress effect. Therefore, a correction factor to account for the mean stress effects in real traffic is derived (called here λHFMI). This factor can be used to correct the design stress range for fatigue verification of HFMI‐treated welded details in railway bridges.

Advancing the marketing‐operations interface in omnichannel retail

Advancing the marketing‐operations interface in omnichannel retail

Experimental investigation for the estimation of the intensity of solar irradiance on oblique surfaces by means of various models

Abstract In the literature several models have been derived by different authors in order to predict the solar irradiance intensity over inclined surfaces, however for the most models accuracy at various inclinations have not been verified. The study evaluated the estimation of solar irradiance at different tilt angles by means of different models based on the experimental measurements. For this purpose, two groups of models (isotropic and anisotropic) were carried out: the first group of models was used for estimating the diffuse solar irradiance component, and the second group was used for estimating the global solar irradiance. Five models have been selected and implemented for the estimation of the diffuse solar irradiance component, and five models have been selected for the estimation of global solar irradiance. The results of the analysis were compared with local experimental measurements for diffuse radiation and global irradiance. There are three tilt angles (0°, 30°, 60°) and a two-axis tracking system has been determent for comparison experiments with the model estimated results. The results showed all the selected models generated an error percentage in both the diffuse and global irradiance investigations.

Dynamic and thermodynamic models of adaptation.

The concept of biological adaptation was closely connected to some mathematical, engineering and physical ideas from the very beginning. Cannon in his "The wisdom of the body" (1932) systematically used the engineering vision of regulation. In 1938, Selye enriched this approach by the notion of adaptation energy. This term causes much debate when one takes it literally, as a physical quantity, i.e. a sort of energy. Selye did not use the language of mathematics systematically, but the formalization of his phenomenological theory in the spirit of thermodynamics was simple and led to verifiable predictions. In 1980s, the dynamics of correlation and variance in systems under adaptation to a load of environmental factors were studied and the universal effect in ensembles of systems under a load of similar factors was discovered: in a crisis, as a rule, even before the onset of obvious symptoms of stress, the correlation increases together with variance (and volatility). During 30 years, this effect has been supported by many observations of groups of humans, mice, trees, grassy plants, and on financial time series. In the last ten years, these results were supplemented by many new experiments, from gene networks in cardiology and oncology to dynamics of depression and clinical psychotherapy. Several systems of models were developed: the thermodynamic-like theory of adaptation of ensembles and several families of models of individual adaptation. Historically, the first group of models was based on Selye's concept of adaptation energy and used fitness estimates. Two other groups of models are based on the idea of hidden attractor bifurcation and on the advection-diffusion model for distribution of population in the space of physiological attributes. We explore this world of models and experiments, starting with classic works, with particular attention to the results of the last ten years and open questions.

On a localization phenomenon in two types of bio-inspired hierarchically organized oscillatory systems

This study presents two different groups of models of bio-inspired hierarchically organized oscillatory mechanical models exhibiting a localization phenomenon, when only certain parts of the system oscillate. The first group of models corresponds to an idealized sympodial tree-type branched structure consisting of branches represented by physical pendula attached mutually via hinges and linear rotational springs. The localization phenomenon is examined analytically and numerically in the structures with a different level of hierarchy, i.e. with a different level of branches, and the corresponding localized modes and their respective natural frequencies are found. The cases of small and large-amplitude vibration are considered. The second group of models has the form of a chain of hierarchically organized block masses attached mutually via tension–extension springs. The case of an arbitrary number of masses attached via linear springs is considered to show which localized modes exist at certain frequencies and the theorem related to the number of localized models is formulated and proven. It is pointed out that localized modes appear also in a system with nonlinear (pure cubic) springs. The results obtained can further be used in theoretical dynamical studies of these systems with different types of excitations, as well as for appropriate biomimetic applications, especially related to their utilization as vibration absorbers.

Energy Evaluation of Triggering Soil Liquefaction Based on the Response Surface Method

Liquefaction is one of the most destructive phenomena caused by earthquakes, and it has been studied regarding the issues of risk assessment and hazard analysis. The strain energy approach is a common method to evaluate liquefaction triggering. In this study, the response surface method (RSM) is applied as a novel way to develop six new strain energy models in order to estimate the capacity energy required for triggering liquefaction (W), based on laboratory test results collected from the literature. Three well-known design of experiments (DOEs) are used to build these models and evaluate their influence on the developed equations. Furthermore, two groups of artificial neural network (ANN) and RSM models are derived to investigate the complicated influence of fine content (FC). The first group of models is based on a database without limitation on the range of input parameters, and the second group is based on a database with FC lower than the critical value of 28%. The capability and accuracy of the six presented models are compared with four existing models in the literature by using additional new laboratory test results (i.e., 20 samples). The results indicate the superior performance of the presented RSM models and particularly the second group of the models based on a limited value of FC.

Conflicting emergences. Weak vs. strong emergence for the modelling of brain function

The concept of “emergence” has become commonplace in the modelling of complex systems, both natural and man-made; a functional property” emerges” from a system when it cannot be readily explained by the properties of the system’s sub-units. A bewildering array of adaptive and sophisticated behaviours can be observed from large ensembles of elementary agents such as ant colonies, bird flocks or by the interactions of elementary material units such as molecules or weather elements. Ultimately, emergence has been adopted as the ontological support of a number of attempts to model brain function. This manuscript aims to clarify the ontology of emergence and delve into its many facets, particularly into its “strong” and “weak” versions that underpin two different approaches to the modelling of behaviour. The first group of models is here represented by the “free energy” principle of brain function and the “integrated information theory” of consciousness. The second group is instead represented by computational models such as oscillatory networks that use mathematical scalable representations to generate emergent behaviours and are then able to bridge neurobiology with higher mental functions. Drawing on the epistemological literature, we observe that due to their loose mechanistic links with the underlying biology, models based on strong forms of emergence are at risk of metaphysical implausibility. This, in practical terms, translates into the over determination that occurs when the proposed model becomes only one of a large set of possible explanations for the observable phenomena. On the other hand, computational models that start from biologically plausible elementary units, hence are weakly emergent, are not limited by ontological faults and, if scalable and able to realistically simulate the hierarchies of brain output, represent a powerful vehicle for future neuroscientific research programmes.

Fracture Modeling of Concrete in Plain and Reinforced Concrete Members

To simulate response of concrete members and structures, comprehensive description of concrete behavior is required. This paper presents two groups of models that could be used to simulate behavior of concrete in tension for finite element modeling. The first group of models is based on stress–strain relationships and the second is based on stress–displacement relationships. Six relationships available in literature are investigated to model the response of plain concrete struts of various shapes and the behavior of reinforced concrete frame. Three of these relationships define tension in terms of stress–strain, whereas the other three describe tension in terms of stress–displacement. Comparing model estimates with results from experiments on plain and reinforced concrete members, it is concluded that tensile behavior of concrete can be represented well using stress–strain relationship. Modeling tensile behavior of concrete based on stress–displacement relationships can simulate response of these members, too, but not as well. The stress–strain relationship given by Tsai is the best option to simulate tension in concrete compared to the other stress–strain relationships and stress–displacement relationships considered in this study.

Probabilistic predictive analysis of business cycle fluctuations in Polish economy

Research background: The probabilistic setup and focus on evaluation of uncertainties and risks has become more widespread in modern empirical macroeconomics, including the analysis of business cycle fluctuations. Therefore, forecast-based indicators of future economic conditions should be constructed using density forecasts rather than point forecasts, as the former provide description of forecast uncertainty.
 Purpose of the article: We discuss model-based probabilistic inference on business cycle fluctuations in Poland. In particular, we consider model comparison for probabilistic prediction of growth rates of the Polish industrial production. We also develop a class of indicators of future economic conditions constructed using probabilistic information on the rates (that make use of joint predictive distribution over several forecast horizons).
 Methods: We use Bayesian methods (in order to capture the estimation uncertainty) and consider two groups of models. The first group consists of Dynamic Conditional Score models with the generalized t conditional distribution (with conditional heteroskedasticity and heavy tails, being important for modelling of extreme observations). Another group of models relies on deterministic cycle modelling using Flexible Fourier Form. Ex-post density forecasting performance of the models is compared using the criteria for probabilistic pre-diction: Log-Predictive Score (LPS) and Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS).
 Findings & value added: The pre-2013 data support the deterministic cycle models whereas more recent observations can be explained by a simple mean-reverting Gaussian AR(4) process. The results indicate a structural change affecting Polish business cycle fluctuations after 2013. Hence, forecast pooling strategies are recommended as a tool for further research. We find rather limited support in favor of the first group of models. The probabilistic indicator of future economic conditions considered here leads actual phases of the growth cycle quite well, though the effect is less obvious after 2013.

Mechanisms contributing to gait speed and metabolic cost in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

BackgroundGait speed and metabolic cost are indicators of functional capacity in children with cerebral palsy. Uncovering their mechanisms helps guide therapeutic actions. ObjectivesTo investigate the contributions of energy-generating and energy-conserving mechanisms to gait speed and metabolic cost of children with unilateral cerebral palsy. MethodsData on eccentric and concentric muscle work, co-contraction, elastic torque and vertical stiffness of the affected-limb, forcing torque of the non-affected limb, gait speed and metabolic cost were collected from 14 children with unilateral cerebral palsy, aged 6–12 years. Analyses included two groups of multiple regression models. The first group of models tested the association between each dependent variable (i.e., speed and metabolic cost) and the independent variables that met the input criteria. The second group verified the contribution of the non-selected biomechanical variables on the predictors of the first model. ResultsGait speed (R2=0.80) was predicted by elastic torque (β=0.62; 95%CI: 0.60, 0.63), vertical stiffness (β=−0.477; 95%CI: −0.479, −0.474) and knee co-contraction (β=0.27; 95%CI: −1.96, 2.49). The production of eccentric work by the affected limb proved relevant in adjusting the vertical stiffness (R2=0.42; β=−0.64; 95%CI: 0.86, −0.42); elastic torque of the affected-leg was associated with impulsive torque of the non-affected leg (R2=0.31; β=0.55; 95%CI: 0.46, 0.64). Metabolic cost of gait (R2=0.48) was partially predicted by knee co-contraction (β=0.69; 95%CI: 0.685, 0.694). ConclusionsThe chain of associations revealed by the two steps models helped uncover the mechanisms involved in the locomotion of children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Intervention that changes specific energy conserving and generating mechanisms may improve gait of these children.

Электронное правительство как инструмент противодействия коррупции в Российской Федерации

The article discusses the features and prospects relating to the development of technology of “electronic government” due to the use of electronic information systems and the introduction of scientific and practical turnover category “standard-setting action”. Events are interpreted as the expression of functional external relations of the subjects of the right to information through the use of the code which reflects the algorithm acts of such entities as the digital code of fixed length, which carries the regulatory information, reflecting more or less similar to the original legally significant situation. Based on the need for uniform accounting standards in judicial practice, it is important to optimize the use of such information in order to improve the efficiency of anti-corruption court. This state can promote the computer evaluation of the quality of the developed judicial act (judgment, ruling), connected with the development and creation of a comprehensive quality management system of judicial decisions based on the use of modern software and hardware. Integrated quality management system in judicial decisions should be composed of at least two groups of models: the first is to describe the boundary condition for the existence of society, and the second — human activity. This first group of models should be attributed to the number of basic and human activity unit must be built on the basis of established legal limits. This involves consideration of the process of preparation of the judicial act (decision, judgment) on the basis of the synthesis of the legal needs of society and the state with the parameters of human rights and freedoms.

Finite element stress analysis study for stresses around mandibular implant retained overdenture MIR-OD

Background: It has been well known that the success of mandibular implant- retained overdenture heavily depends on initial stability, retention and long term osseointegration this is might be due to optimal stresses distribution in surrounding bones. Types of mandibular implant- retained overdenture anchorage system and number of dental implants play an important role in stresses distribution at the implant-bone interface. It is necessary to keep the stresses below the physiologic tolerance level of the bone .since. And it is difficult to measure these stresses around bone in vivo. In the present study, finite element analysis used to study the stresses distribution around dental implant supporting Mandible implant retained overdenture Materials and methods: Eight models were constructed including four designs of anchorage system (ball-cup, ball-O Ring, bar without distal extension and bar with distal extension).The first group of models were supported by four dental implant and second group of models were supported by two dental implant only. Models constructed from the data obtained directly from patient The contour of bone was obtained from C.T scan image of patient, then data transferred to ANSYS program for modeling then load applied and solve the equation by the program, Specified nodes were selected at the rings of crestal bone (cortical bone) and cortical cancellous interface around each dental implant and fixed for all models to monitor the stress change in that regions of different design of MIR-OD.. After load application, Specified nodes were selected at the rings of crestal bone (cortical bone) and cortical cancellous interface around each dental implant and fixed for all models to monitor the stress change in that regions of different design of MIR-OD . Results: In the present study the stress distribution and maximum stresses value around dental implant had a relationship to the number of dental implant. , The result appeared that the maximum stresses and means of stresses value was lower in the first group of models (which was supported through the use four dental implant) than the second group of models (which was supported through the use of two dental implant only). For the first group of models the maximum stresses value around mesial implant was11.67, 10.51, 10.98 and 10.72 Mpa, while the maximum stresses around distal implant was 21.33, 18.51, 18.86, and17.56 Mpa for models 1,2,3 and 4respectively ,and the stresses around implant supporting second group of models was 22.52, 22.16, 20.51 and 19.60 Mpa for models 5,6,7and8 respectively .Statistical analyses of means value appeared that there was statistically significant difference in stresses means value around implant of the second group with that’s values around mesial and distal implant supporting first group of model . Regarding the result of both ball and bar system, it has been demonstrated that stress was greater with ball attachment and MIR-OD supported by the use of four dental implants and anchored by bar attachments with distal extension gives the minimum values of stresses than the rest models. Also the results show that higher stresses value was appeared at the cortical bone ring surrounding dental implant especially the distal implant nearest to the free end extension area. Also it was appeared that the best model was Mandible implant- retained overdenture that’s anchored by bar with distal extension and support by four dental implant. Conclusions: Bar-clips with distal extension mode of attachment considered the best type in producing the least stresses around dental implant regardless number of dental implant used.

Enhancing Habitat Connectivity in Fragmented Landscapes: Spatial Modeling of Wildlife Crossing Structures in Transportation Networks

Roads fragment habitat and pose a variety of threats to wildlife by restricting their physical movements or causing direct mortality. Wildlife crossing structures can mitigate some of these effects by simultaneously connecting fragmented habitat and reducing collisions between animals and traffic. This research develops two classes of spatial models for optimally locating crossing structures in situations where the goal is to connect discrete habitat patches that are fragmented by roads. The first group of models uses variations of minimum spanning forest (MSF) problems to select crossing structure locations in scenarios where the goal is to connect all habitat patches in the landscape. This article explores three variations: distance-based, intersection-weighted, and component-based MSFs. The second set of models includes newly developed integer programs with objectives that maximize interpatch connectivity given a fixed number of crossing structures. One of these integer programs maximizes overall connectivity in a landscape, and the other maximizes the connectivity of patches to a core reserve. We illustrated the models using hypothetical landscapes and applied them to a case study where the goal is to connect vernal pool habitat for amphibians. Results of the applications guide a discussion of the relative merits of each approach for meeting various conservation goals related to improving habitat connectivity in fragmented landscapes. More broadly, this article develops an analytical framework for dealing with habitat connectivity issues due to road network fragmentation as well as a new neighborhood graph and several spatial models.

Seismic wave attenuation and dispersion resulting from wave-induced flow in porous rocks — A review

One major cause of elastic wave attenuation in heterogeneous porous media is wave-induced flow of the pore fluid between heterogeneities of various scales. It is believed that for frequencies below [Formula: see text], the most important cause is the wave-induced flow between mesoscopic inhomogeneities, which are large compared with the typical individual pore size but small compared to the wavelength. Various laboratory experiments in some natural porous materials provide evidence for the presence of centimeter-scale mesoscopic heterogeneities. Laboratory and field measurements of seismic attenuation in fluid-saturated rocks provide indications of the role of the wave-induced flow. Signatures of wave-induced flow include the frequency and saturation dependence of P-wave attenuation and its associated velocity dispersion, frequency-dependent shear-wave splitting, and attenuation anisotropy. During the last four decades, numerous models for attenuation and velocity dispersion from wave-induced flow have been developed with varying degrees of rigor and complexity. These models can be categorized roughly into three groups ac-cording to their underlying theoretical framework. The first group of models is based on Biot’s theory of poroelasticity. The second group is based on elastodynamic theory where local fluid flow is incorporated through an additional hydrodynamic equation. Another group of models is derived using the theory of viscoelasticity. Though all models predict attenuation and velocity dispersion typical for a relaxation process, there exist differences that can be related to the type of disorder (periodic, random, space dimension) and to the way the local flow is incorporated. The differences manifest themselves in different asymptotic scaling laws for attenuation and in different expressions for characteristic frequencies. In recent years, some theoretical models of wave-induced fluid flow have been validated numerically, using finite-difference, finite-element, and reflectivity algorithms applied to Biot’s equations of poroelasticity. Application of theoretical models to real seismic data requires further studies using broadband laboratory and field measurements of attenuation and dispersion for different rocks as well as development of more robust methods for estimating dissipation attributes from field data.

Learning About Our Shameful Past: A Socio-Psychological Analysis of Present-Day Historical Narratives of Italian Colonial Wars

A computer-assisted content analysis (Bolasco 2000) of seven textbooks currently used for history teaching in Italian high schools was carried out to ex- amine to what extent past atrocities perpetrated during Italy’s African colonial wars are acknowledged and taught. More specifically, we investigated the relative importance these texts devote to teaching established historical facts or to achieve socio-psychological aims, such as advancing reconciliation processes and protecting the in-group’s social identity. Social psychologists working in the field of intergroup reconciliation usually consider these two aims as partially competing. The models reviewed by Nadler et al. (2008a) all consider the need to protect personal social identity as a source of biases, which the search for historical truth has to accommodate. In contrast, a recent work by Pratto and Glasford (2008) stresses that social identity can play a positive role as a powerful motivation for reconciliation. They suggest that acknowledging historical faults may assist the difficult process of finding a balance between the need for self-esteem and self-integrity and the need to belong. Our results seem to confirm certain aspects of the first group of models, and other aspects of Pratto and Glasford’s review. The crucial point seems to be the use of abstract or concrete terms to describe in-group wrongdoings. Strikingly, more than seventy years after the Italian colonial wars only three textbooks out of seven fully describe atrocities perpetrated by the in-group using clear, concrete terminology; this is consistent with the idea of a tension between reconciliation and justice. On the other hand, the more concrete descriptions, although less frequent, seem better able to protect the in-group’s self-integrity by showing their young readers a clearer acceptance of moral responsibility for the historical faults of their group.