Explanation For Inconsistency Research Articles

Driving experience and situation awareness in hazard detection

How does driving experience help in the development of situation awareness? A comparison of detection rates of roadway hazards that involved other road users by inexperienced and experienced car drivers and experienced motorcycle riders with car driving experience was conducted under laboratory conditions. Motorcycle rider-drivers, due to their greater breadth of road experiences, were predicted to have an advantage over other road users in the detection of hazards. Two types of hazards abrupt-onset events and gradual-onset hazards were examined. Abrupt-onset events capture attention by virtue of sudden movement and risk of impending collision, as when a pedestrian runs into the roadway for example. It was expected that these hazards would be detected regardless of experience or situation awareness. Gradual-onset hazards require the anticipation of unfolding events as recognition of the danger from children playing on the footpath, and as such are a test of advanced situation awareness. The results showed no inexperienced–experienced driver differences in the detection of either type of hazard, eliminating hazard-type as an explanation of previous inconsistencies. However, motorcycle rider-drivers detected gradual-onset hazards faster than car drivers and they also perceived more hazards in relatively safe sections of roadway, that is, they showed a higher level of situation awareness.

The concept of sublimation – iodine as an example

Sublimation is a process that is defined unequally in different textbooks and in various chemistry sources. Inexactness in defining basic concepts in chemistry can lead to alternative meanings for different people. Inconsistent explanations, then, can serve as a basis for developing misconceptions and preconceptions in latter students' education. Thus, the notion that upon heating iodine only sublimes, but does not melt is present in many chemistry textbooks, teachers lectures and, therefore, in students minds and may be considered as one of the widespread misconceptions in chemistry teaching. In this paper we offer a lecture demonstration showing the existence of all three states of iodine, supported by a short video-clip, hoping to give a contribution to the correction of misbelieves about the process of sublimation and the examples of subliming substances.

Research Note—The Impact of Community Commitment on Participation in Online Communities

Online discussion communities have become a widely used medium for interaction, enabling conversations across a broad range of topics and contexts. Their success, however, depends on participants' willingness to invest their time and attention in the absence of formal role and control structures. Why, then, would individuals choose to return repeatedly to a particular community and engage in the various behaviors that are necessary to keep conversation within the community going? Some studies of online communities argue that individuals are driven by self-interest, while others emphasize more altruistic motivations. To get beyond these inconsistent explanations, we offer a model that brings dissimilar rationales into a single conceptual framework and shows the validity of each rationale in explaining different online behaviors. Drawing on typologies of organizational commitment, we argue that members may have psychological bonds to a particular online community based on (a) need, (b) affect, and/or (c) obligation. We develop hypotheses that explain how each form of commitment to a community affects the likelihood that a member will engage in particular behaviors (reading threads, posting replies, moderating the discussion). Our results indicate that each form of community commitment has a unique impact on each behavior, with need-based commitment predicting thread reading, affect-based commitment predicting reply posting and moderating behaviors, and obligation-based commitment predicting only moderating behavior. Researchers seeking to understand how discussion-based communities function will benefit from this more precise theorizing of how each form of member commitment relates to different kinds of online behaviors. Community managers who seek to encourage particular behaviors may use our results to target the underlying form of commitment most likely to encourage the activities they wish to promote.

The Need to Explain

How do reasoners deal with inconsistencies? James (1907) believed that the rational solution is to revise your beliefs and to do so in a minimal way. We propose an alternative: You explain the origins of an inconsistency, which has the side effect of a revision to your beliefs. This hypothesis predicts that individuals should spontaneously create explanations of inconsistencies rather than refute one of the assertions and that they should rate explanations as more probable than refutations. A pilot study showed that participants spontaneously explain inconsistencies when they are asked what follows from inconsistent premises. In three subsequent experiments, participants were asked to compare explanations of inconsistencies against minimal refutations of the inconsistent premises. In Experiment 1, participants chose which conclusion was most probable; in Experiment 2 they rank ordered the conclusions based on their probability; and in Experiment 3 they estimated the mean probability of the conclusions' occurrence. In all three studies, participants rated explanations as more probable than refutations. The results imply that individuals create explanations to resolve an inconsistency and that these explanations lead to changes in belief. Changes in belief are therefore of secondary importance to the primary goal of explanation.

Does Personality Disorder Co-Morbidity Impact Treatment Outcome for Patients with Major Depression?: A Multi-Level Analysis

In literature, there exists disagreement regarding the impact of comorbid personality disorder(s) (PD[s]) on treatment outcome for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this paper was to investigate whether statistical heterogeneity and inter-dependency are potential moderators of the effect of co-morbid PDs on outcome for patients with MDD. Clinician-rated MADRS scores and DSM-IV Axis II personality disorder diagnoses were obtained from 562 outpatients with MDD who received 6 months of combined psycho- and pharmacotherapy. Single-level regression showed significantly worse treatment outcome among patients with co-morbid PD, as compared to patients with no PD. After controlling for statistical heterogeneity and interdependency, treatment outcome was no longer significantly worse for patients with co-morbid PD. In conclusion, heteroscedasticity and inter-dependency should be considered as potentially compelling explanations for inconsistencies in findings on treatment outcome for depressed patients with co-morbid PDs.

Detecting inconsistencies in large biological networks with answer set programming

AbstractWe introduce an approach to detecting inconsistencies in large biological networks by using answer set programming. To this end, we build upon a recently proposed notion of consistency between biochemical/genetic reactions and high-throughput profiles of cell activity. We then present an approach based on answer set programming to check the consistency of large-scale data sets. Moreover, we extend this methodology to provide explanations for inconsistencies by determining minimal representations of conflicts. In practice, this can be used to identify unreliable data or to indicate missing reactions.

Coming to Consensus on Strategic Consensus

Prior studies of strategic consensus and firm performance have yielded inconsistent results. The authors synthesize and account for these divergent findings using a mediated moderation model. Results based on a sample of manufacturing companies in Spain suggest a pattern of mediated moderation such that the relationship between competitive method consensus (i.e., means) and organizational performance, which is moderated by environmental dynamism, is mediated by consensus on objectives (i.e., goals or ends). These results provide an alternative explanation for prior inconsistencies in research results regarding the consensus–performance relationship and point to the need for a more complex conceptualization of the relationship among competitive method consensus, consensus on objectives, organizational performance, and the organization’s surrounding environment.

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering in Raman lasers and Raman wavelength converters

AbstractIn this paper recent research progress on the use of Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) in Raman lasers and Raman wavelength converters is reviewed. The latest insights in the physical nature and behavior of CARS are addressed, and the recent performance breakthroughs in CARS‐based Raman wavelength conversion are discussed. Based on the new findings regarding the behavior of CARS, a physical explanation for apparent inconsistencies in various experimental observations of Raman wavelength conversion is provided. To conclude it is shown that these recent insights also pave the way to the development of a novel CARS‐based mechanism for reducing the heat dissipation in Raman lasers.

Agenda Diffusion: An Integrated Model of Agenda Setting and Interpersonal Communication

The present study proposes a model of agenda diffusion as an explanation for inconsistencies in agenda-setting research. We suggest that interpersonal communication plays a pivotal role in a two-step process in which the media agenda diffuses first from the mass media to media users, and then from these via interpersonal communication to non-users. We present findings from a field study to provide empirical evidence for the reality of agenda diffusion and discuss theoretical, analytical, and methodological implications for further agenda-setting research.

Exploring inconsistencies between modal transition systems

It is commonplace to have multiple behaviour models that describe the same system but have been produced by different stakeholders or synthesized from different sources. Although in practice, such models frequently exhibit inconsistencies, there is a lack of tool support for analyzing them. There are two key difficulties in explaining why two behavioural models are inconsistent: (1) explanations often require branching structures rather than linear traces, or scenarios; and (2) there can be multiple sources of inconsistency and many different ways of explaining each one. In this paper, we present an approach that supports exploration of inconsistencies between modal transition systems, an extension to labelled transition systems. We show how to produce sound graphical explanations for inconsistencies, how to compactly represent all possible explanations in a composition of the models being compared, and how modelers can use this composition to explore the explanations encoded therein.

Measuring Alpha Based Performance: Implications for Alpha Focused, Structured Products

Portable Alpha, an alpha-focused absolute return product with tremendous potential, has met with somewhat muted demand. Much of the confusion arises from a lack of clear consensus regarding a strict definition of alpha. Inquiries by potential investors are too often met with off the cuff, vague, and inconsistent explanations of the product. One remedy is to improve the clarity of exactly what alpha is, and when it is worth paying for. These ideas should be broadly disseminated. Relative return products such as active portfolio extensions (130/30 funds) pose an additional challenge for Portable Alpha, as they serve as substitute goods. Direct comparisons between Portable Alpha and active extension products have traditionally been difficult to obtain, in large part due to asymmetric performance methodologies in which the information ratio is only computed for active extension products. Reconciling this and other performance measurement issues, and moving to a common assessment methodology in which both absolute and relative return products are assessed via an investor focused information ratio would do much to improve investor demand for both products. The result will likely be a significant increase in collective demand for all professionally managed alpha-focused products.

Seismic response of an earth dam: finite element coupling analysis and validation from centrifuge tests

Abstract: Variations in acceleration and excess pore water pressure during a seismic event are critical early-warning indicators of an impending dam collapse. To assess these variations, the seismic responses for three simplified model dams, based on cross-sections through a real earthen dam, were assessed with numerical simulations and centrifuge tests. A normalized root-mean-square error was utilized as a comparison index to assess the closeness between simulated and the recorded values. Assuming that the experimental records are reliable, the reliability of the numerical program was evaluated using this root-mean-square error estimation approach. Explanations for inconsistency between the two approaches are presented. The conclusions are drawn from the results of the three model dams.

Do sex differences in a faceted model of fluid and crystallized intelligence depend on the method applied?

Abstract Recently, different methodological approaches have been discussed as an explanation for inconsistencies in studies investigating sex differences in different intelligences. The present study investigates sex differences in manifest sum scores, factor score estimates, and latent verbal, numerical, figural intelligence, as well as fluid and crystallized intelligence as measured by the German Intelligence-Structure-Test 2000-R (IST 2000-R; Liepmann, Beauducel, Brocke, & Amthauer, 2007). The not population-representative sample consisted of 977 German 11th and 12th graders enrolled in a “Gymnasium” (551 female; mean age: M = 16.70; SD = 0.65) who completed the IST 2000-R. Sex differences in fluid and crystallized intelligence were not influenced by the method applied with men performing better than women. However, extent and direction of sex differences in verbal, numerical, and figural intelligence differed by the method applied. Whereas there was a male advantage in all three factors measured as manifest sum scores, women performed better in verbal intelligence as measured by factor scores or as latent variables. Effect sizes of sex differences in numerical and figural intelligence were also greatly reduced when applying the latter two methods. Results are discussed with regard to their theoretical and practical implications.

Functional Imaging as a Tool to Investigate the Relationship between Genetic Variation and Response to Treatment with Antipsychotics

Recent evidence suggests that genetic variation is associated with individual variability in response to treatment with antipsychotics. Although numerous studies have been performed for identification of potential genetic variants affecting response to treatment, initial enthusiasm has been tempered by inconsistent results. Along with some specific methodological issues, another plausible explanation for such inconsistencies is lack of sensitivity of the phenotype (clinical measures) used to define response. In this paper, we review use of Imaging Genetics, a relatively new approach that combines genetic assessment with functional neuroimaging, to explore in vivo neurobiological effects of genetic variation. Moreover, we propose to use Imaging Genetics as a tool to evaluate and predict response to treatment with antipsychotics based on the individual genetic makeup.

Review on application of biomimetics in the design of agricultural implements

This paper aims at reviewing the application of biomimetics in design of agricultural implements. Most of the biomimetic works done were aimed at investigating the effect of non-smooth surfaces on soil resistance based on soil burrowing animals. The characteristics of soil-burrowing animals for improved soil scouring and their mechanism for reducing soil adhesion and friction are discussed. From past research works, it can be concluded that non-smooth surfaces can generally reduce soil resistance however the extent of reduction is still a gray area. The main factors affecting soil adhesion like the nature and properties of the soil, the properties of the soil-engaging component surfaces and the experimental conditions which are difficult to replicate, could be the explanation for inconsistencies in the extent of soil resistance reduction. Generally, when applying the concept of non-smooth surfaces in biomimetic implement design, general factors considered in arranging non-smooth structures are distribution of normal stresses, choice of non-smooth type and material, soil motion tracks during operation and choice of non-smooth convex parameters. Key words: Biomimetics, anti-friction, anti-adhesion, soil resistance, burrowing animals.

Transport properties and dynamic processes in a fault zone from samples recovered from TCDP Hole B of the Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project

We measured transport properties at a confining pressure of 60 MPa in core samples from the fault zone in Hole B of the Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project (TCDP). Permeability and specific storage of the fault gouge range from 3 × 10−15 to 1 × 10−17 m2 and from 2 × 10−10 to 7 × 10−10 Pa−1, respectively, and the measured hydraulic diffusivity was 6 × 10−5 m2/s, which is consistent with the data measured in situ. Numerical analysis of the thermal pressurization mechanism during the 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake using laboratory measured transport and frictional properties showed that pore pressure at the fault zone increased dramatically during slip, whereas temperature increased only moderately to 400°C at the end of slip. The results indicate that dehydration of interlayer water in smectite is plausibly caused by frictional heating, although such dehydration does not influence fault weakening. The decomposition reactions of other minerals are difficult to explain for only one slip event. A magnetic susceptibility anomaly observed in the fault zone is consistent with the modeling results, although low contents of inorganic carbon and clay minerals are not. We concluded that these inconsistencies can possibly be explained by the combined effects of enhancement of chemical reactions by mechanochemical influences and periodic movement on the Chelungpu fault. High‐temperature water‐rock interactions are also a possible explanation for inconsistencies.

Policosanols lose their lustre as cholesterol-lowering agents

Policosanols have been purported by one research group to act as effective agents for LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in humans. However data from independent researchers have been contradicting results published by the laboratories originating these claims. The purpose of this commentary is therefore to briefly summarize the policosanol controversy and point out the potential explanations for inconsistencies in the policosanol literature, as well as to determine potential origins of the problem especially at the level of the reviewing and publishing process. Scrutiny and vigilance at all steps of the process are necessary in order to avoid such controversies in the field of natural product research.

P-08 IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and cancer risk: poor performance on discrimination analysis as an explanation of inconsistencies between risk-association studies

P-08 IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and cancer risk: poor performance on discrimination analysis as an explanation of inconsistencies between risk-association studies

Reformulating Table Constraints using Functional Dependencies—An Application to Explanation Generation

We present a novel approach to automatically reformulating constraints defined as tables of allowed assignments to variables. Constraints of this form are common in a variety of settings. Specifically, we propose an approach in which a high arity table constraint is reformulated as a conjunction of lower arity constraints. The reformulation is logically equivalent to the original constraint. We demonstrate that by using functional dependencies from the field of database design such reformulations can be found. We apply the approach to the problem of generating explanations as minimal conflicts. We show that reformulations can be found that yield compact explanations of inconsistency by reducing both the number of variables required to explain inconsistency and the arity of the largest constraint involved in the explanation. We demonstrate our approach on real-world datasets with positive results.

Mystery of the Disappearing Allergen: Published Allergens Rarely Seen Again

Patch testing is an important tool in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Although this technique can be accurate, occasionally the results may be inconclusive. A previously positive result to an allergen may become negative upon repeat testing, and this may complicate the process of achieving a definitive diagnosis. There are some potential explanations for such inconsistencies, including the Excited Skin Syndrome, irritant reactions, a need to repeat the diagnostic algorithm, “rogue” reactions, and “contact allergy.” These explanations should be taken into account when interpreting these results. However, further knowledge is needed to solve the mystery of an allergen that subsequently disappears.