Major Change In Direction Research Articles

Ruth Barcan Marcus and quantified modal logic

ABSTRACT Analytic philosophy in the mid-twentieth century underwent a major change of direction when a prior consensus in favour of extensionalism and descriptivism made way for approaches using direct reference, the necessity of identity, and modal logic. All three were first defended, in the analytic tradition, by one woman, Ruth Barcan Marcus. But analytic philosophers now tend to credit them to Kripke, or Kripke and Carnap. I argue that seeing Barcan Marcus in her historical context – one dominated by extensionalism and descriptivism – allows us to see how revolutionary she was, in her work and influence on others. I focus on her debate with Quine, who found himself retreating to softened, and more viable, versions of his anti-modal arguments as a result. I make the case that Barcan's formal logic was philosophically well-motivated, connected to her views on reference, and well-matched to her overall views on ontology. Her nominalism led her to reject posits which could not be directly observed and named, such as possibilia. She conceived of modal calculi as facilitating counterfactual discourse about actual existents. I conclude that her contributions ought to be recognized as the first of their kind. Barcan Marcus must be awarded a central place in the canon of analytic philosophy.

Opportunities and Challenges in Collaborative Reform Practice: School–Community Partnerships through Art in Korean Schools

AbstractThe Korean government’s policy toward art in schools and educational autonomy has recently undergone major directional changes, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) encouraging individual schools to find their own ways to become more self‐regenerating, especially by developing community partnerships through art. This recently published policy direction has the potential to challenge traditional school practice as it demands an initiative role of schools and the active involvement of teachers in building partnerships with local communities. Concerned about the impact of the new school art policy on practice, this article attempts to clarify the opportunities and challenges involved in the expected collaborative reform practice by examining the outcomes reported by pilot schools based on their first year of implementing the new school art policy. To this end, this article first identifies the distinctive aspects of the new policy from previous studies on school–community partnerships developed in Korea over the past decade. This is followed by an identification of practical issues and needs by reviewing the outcomes of recent survey results on the perceptions of teachers who participated in conventional school–community partnership programmes. These results will be compared to the problems found in the outcomes reported by pilot schools. Findings will be discussed to assess implications and provide suggestions. This contextual analysis of practitioners’ responses to new art‐based collaborative reform practices developing in Korea may contribute to an expansion of international discussions about educational reform through art.

Urgent: Stop Preventable Infections Now.

In 2009, the US Renal Data System (USRDS) presented trends in rates of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease and infection in the first year of dialysis, 1991–2006 ([1][1]), highlighting a marked rise in infection-related hospitalizations and a need for providers and policymakers to address

The European Semester and EU Social Policy

AbstractEurope 2020 and the European Semester signal a major change of direction in EU social policy with new governance arrangements, policy orientations and politics. This paper analyses 290 Country Specific Recommendations and 29 interviews to answer two questions: 1) What type of social policy is being advanced by the EU at present? 2) How are EU social actors able to advance EU social policy under current conditions? It argues that the degree of progress in EU social policy in the European Semester (2011–15) has been conditional and contingent. EU social policy is more oriented to supporting market development than it is to correcting for market failures. We explain these developments by a combination of factors including the strong agency exerted by some social actors in a context of constraint, the moderation of expectations and the adoption of strategic practices by key actors, and political divisions among the Member States.

Trump y la coyuntura económica global

The controversial election and bumpy start of the Trump administration point towards a major change of direction for the American economic policy with consequences at global scale. Despite being close to full employment, a range of measures, which taken together are equivalent to a stimulus package, were offered. Fiscal expansion with both corporate and personal tax reductions and huge increases in infraestrcture, defense and other investment expenditures, as well as across the board deregulation for extractive and financial firms and protection measures to respond to competitive conditions deemed unfair. The decleared aims were to double the rate of growth and increase employment, particularly in manufactures. This paper review some initial reactions and the multilateral financial institutions approach, to underline the fragility of some of the proposals and evaluate the reach of their repercussions.

Multisensory Decisions: the Test of a Race Model, Its Logic, and Power

The use of separate multisensory signals is often beneficial. A prominent example is the speed-up of responses to two redundant signals relative to the components, which is known as the redundant signals effect (RSE). A convenient explanation for the effect is statistical facilitation, which is inherent in the basic architecture of race models (Raab, 1962,Trans. N. Y. Acad. Sci.24, 574–590). However, this class of models has been largely rejected in multisensory research, which we think results from an ambiguity in definitions and misinterpretations of the influential race model test (Miller, 1982,Cogn. Psychol.14, 247–279). To resolve these issues, we here discuss four main items. First, we clarify definitions and ask how successful models of perceptual decision making can be extended from uni- to multisensory decisions. Second, we review the race model test and emphasize elements leading to confusion with its interpretation. Third, we introduce a new approach to study the RSE. As a major change of direction, our working hypothesis is that the basic race model architecture is correct even if the race model test seems to suggest otherwise. Based on this approach, we argue that understanding the variability of responses is the key to understand the RSE. Finally, we highlight the critical role of model testability to advance research on multisensory decisions. Despite being largely rejected, it should be recognized that race models, as part of a broader class of parallel decision models, demonstrate, in fact, a convincing explanatory power in a range of experimental paradigms. To improve research consistency in the future, we conclude with a short checklist for RSE studies.

Perceived Risk and Consumer Behaviour towards Online Shopping: An Empirical Investigation

The past decade has witnessed the beginning of a major directional change of consumer behaviour, from physical stores purchasing behaviour to online purchasing behaviour in the retailing industry. In India, Internet is still considered a new medium to link customers with retailers. Still Indian people have been attached to the traditional brick and mortar stores; they take online shopping as a risk. In this study, author has attempted to find out the factors leading to perceived risk with online shopping. Reliability coefficient for the scale containing 18 variables was satisfactory and factor analysis generated six major factors: product risk, financial performance risk, psychological risk, time risk, delivery capability risk and website performance risk.

Integrated water resource and flood risk management: comparing the US and the EU

Floods are the most important natural hazard in the EU and US, causing 700 deaths and at least €25 billion in insured economic losses in Europe since 1998, and causing nearly $10 billion annual average flood losses in the US. Flood control is commonly viewed as a matter of building dykes, dams, and other structures, but effective flood management within the perspective of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) must address multiple components of the flood risk management cycle (Figure 1). We systematically reviewed governance structures, guidance documents, and mapping products in both the EU and US, drawing particular examples from California and Spain, to determine how the US and the EU approach the flood risk management within different IWRM initiatives, which strategies and agencies are involved in the different phases –characterization (flood hazard and risk assessment and mapping), mitigation (prevention and protection), emergency (preparation and response), and (short and long term) recovery-, and how these agencies relate to each other. The regions have strong similarities in economy and environmental values, but have evolved very different approaches to cope with floods. The US and EU have similar organizational structures, but very different legislative frameworks. In the US overarching policy and large scale infrastructure funding have traditionally resided at the federal level with state and local agencies exercising strong land use control. EU member states have arguably advanced ahead of the US in some significant ways since adoption of the EU Floods Directive in 2007, a more top-down approach. Among the Directive’s many components, one important requirement is submission of flood risk management plans (by the end of 2015), which, for first time, take into account all phases of flood management. This umbrella strategy to cope with floods is creating a more consistent and integrated flood risk management approach in Europe. In 2008, the State of California, with over 2500 km of levees, enacted a comprehensive package of flood management legislation and state bond financing that far exceeds federal and other state’s actions. This program known as FloodSafe California provided funding for projects within Integrated Regional Water Management Plans, an attempt to implement IWRM at regional scale. Although the efforts of FloodSafe California represent as a major change in direction in US flood risk management, the actions still do not fully implement the integrated flood risk approach promoted by the EU.

TECTONIC MOTION OF MALAYSIA: ANALYSIS FROM YEARS 2001 TO 2013

Abstract. This paper seeks to investigate the tectonic motion of Malaysia using the Malaysian Active GPS Station (MASS) and Malaysia Realtime Kinematic GNSS Network (MyRTKnet) data from years 2001 to 2013. GNSS data were processed using Bernese 5.0, and plotted as a time series; whereby the period before and after the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman mega earthquake are plotted separately. From the time series, episodic events and stable inter-seismic deformation period are analysed. The results indicate that the 2001- 2004 and 2008-2011 periods were free from episodic events; hence, chosen to depict the tectonic motion of Malaysia before and after 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, respectively. The motion had a major change in direction and rate, especially for East Malaysia and South Peninsular Malaysia. This indicates there exist a long-term post-seismic deformation due to the 2004 mega earthquake. Nonetheless, the 2008-2011 inter-seismic period is stable, and suitable to represent the current long-term tectonic motion of Malaysia: Peninsular and East Malaysia moves south-east, at an average velocity of 0.89 ±0.01 cm/yr south and 1.70 ±0.02 cm/yr east, and 1.06 ±0.01 cm/yr south and 2.50 ±0.02 cm/yr east, respectively. In addition, the co-seismic motion for the 2005 Nias, 2007 Bengkulu and 2012 Northern Sumatra earthquakes after the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake are relatively small, indicating these three earthquakes have no significant contribution to the long-term tectonic motion of Malaysia. Overall, this paper aims to provide a general insight into the tectonic motion of Malaysia which, expectedly, may benefit other scientific fields.

Novartis reboots brain division

After years in the doldrums, research into neurological disorders is about to undergo a major change of direction.

Bisphosphonates (BP) and Risk of Esophageal Cancer: A Meta Analysis of Observational Studies

Purpose: BP are widely used for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. BP can cause erosive esophagitis and delay healing. According to some, chronic use of BP may be associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Epidemiological studies have evaluated the relationship between BP and the risk of esophageal cancer. However, the results are conflicting. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled observational studies to examine the association of BP use and the risks of esophageal cancer through a meta-analysis of studies published on this subject in peer-reviewed literature. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE from 1950-2012 was conducted. We also scanned the bibliographies of all retrieved articles for additional relevant articles. All controlled observational studies that compared esophageal cancer outcome in patients with BP to control group were included. We extracted adjusted effect estimates with standard error and calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model (REM). The Cochrane Q X2 test was used to detect heterogeneity of the effects. Results: Of 42 identified studies, 6 (3 cohort and 3 case-control) with 3,570 esophageal cancer patients were included in our analysis. Of these, 5 studies were performed in western countries, one in Taiwan. In BP users, compared with non users, the pooled OR for esophageal cancer was 1.02 (95% CI, 0.73-1.42), with no significant heterogeneity between studies (P=0.15). Sensitivity analysis was performed: 1) analysis that included only studies published in full-text form (n=3); and 2) study designs (cohort vs case-control). The pooled OR of the case control studies was marginally significant (OR 1.28, 95% CI, 1.01-1.63). Otherwise, we did not find any major changes in direction and magnitude of the summary estimates and p value of heterogeneity. Conclusion: We found no association of oral BP and the increased risk of esophageal cancer at the population level.

Unilever's vital shift in direction

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the article in context.FindingsAll organizations have, from time to time, to face a major change in direction. For whatever reason – from changing market conditions to accepting that a structure once fit for purpose is no longer appropriate for current times – they have to plan a new course. Facing a new strategic direction can be tough, especially for a company, which has found success in the past relatively straightforward. Another problem is that some paths can lead you the wrong way, even up a blind alley, and you have to be nimble enough to change direction again.Practical implicationsThe piece provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.

What exactly is synthetic biology?

Summary Having spent the 20 th century taking living things apart, biologists are now beginning to put pieces together in new forms. Synthetic biology emerges as a new discipline with a few success stories, but no clear direction yet. Michael Gross reports.

Paleointensity variation across the Matuyama-Brunhes polarity transition: Observations from lavas at Punaruu Valley, Tahiti

[1] We have conducted a paleointensity study of the Matuyama-Brunhes (M-B) polarity transition recorded in 34 successive lava flows of Punaruu Valley on Tahiti. A reversed polarity is obtained from the lower part of the record, major directional changes are derived from the middle part of the record, and a normal polarity is recorded in the upper part of the record. These paleomagnetic directions and five 40Ar/39Ar ages yielding a weighted mean of 771 ± 8 (1σ) ka indicate that 30 lava flows recorded the geomagnetic field across the M-B transition. The 215 specimens from 32 flows were subjected to the double-heating technique of the Shaw method combined with low-temperature demagnetization (LTD-DHT Shaw method), yielding 73 successful results from 18 flows. For the reversed polarity period just prior to the major directional changes, paleointensity shows an oscillation-like variation between 3 and 38 μT corresponding to virtual dipole moments (VDMs) between 0.9 × 1022 and 9.6 × 1022 Am2. For the major directional changes, a weak paleointensity of 5 μT is obtained, which gives a VDM of 1.0 × 1022 Am2. For the normal polarity period, paleointensities are 14–21 μT, giving VDMs of 3.5–5.2 × 1022 Am2. For the reversed polarity period just prior to the major directional changes, a linear relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0.96 is recognized on the diagram of VDM versus virtual geomagnetic pole latitude. This linear relationship may be a precursory feature of the geodynamo at the onset of the M-B transition.

Perceived Risk, Perceived Technology, Online Trust for the Online Purchase Intention in Malaysia

The past decades have witnessed the beginning of a major directional change of consumer behaviour, from physical stores purchasing behaviour to online purchasing behaviour in the retailing industry, especially the youngsters in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate and validate the impacts of perceived technology and perceived risk on the online trust and how online trust is related to online purchase intention. This study also investigates the impact of online trust in mediating the relationship between perceived technology and online purchase intention. A total of 250 sets of questionnaire were distributed to the full time undergraduate information technology students in a private university that is located in Kuala Lumpur. The findings revealed that perceived technology and perceived risk are positively related to the online trust; online trust is positively related to online purchase intention and perceived technology is positively related to the online purchase intention. In addition, the finding also concluded that perceived technology is positively related to online purchase intention, mediated by online trust.

Yukiko Goda: Memories are made of this

Goda investigates how neurons fine-tune their signals.

Modeling the response of the induced magnetosphere of Venus to changing IMF direction using MESSENGER and Venus Express observations

The second MESSENGER flyby of Venus on 5 June 2007 provided a new opportunity to study the response of the induced magnetosphere of the planet to changes in the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). At the time of the MESSENGER flyby, the European Space Agency's Venus Express spacecraft was located outside the magnetosphere and provided a monitor of solar wind conditions. Measurements by the Venus Express magnetometer show that the IMF underwent four major changes in direction and magnitude while MESSENGER was traveling through the inner magnetosphere of Venus. The response of the magnetosphere to each of these IMF changes was determined with a semi‐time‐dependant global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model, and the results were compared with magnetic and compositional measurements by the Magnetometer (MAG) and the Energetic Particle and Plasma Spectrometer (EPPS) on MESSENGER. Our modeling results show that this semi‐time‐dependant MHD technique produces magnetic field profiles that can account for both of the field reversals seen by MAG and the peak in the pick‐up ion density measured by EPPS. Moreover, these results reveal that the plasma sheet that confines most of the pick‐up ions has a barred disk shape and continuously rotates along the Sun‐planet axis to align its smallest dimension with the transverse direction of the IMF.

The Chemistry of Fluorescent Bodipy Dyes: Versatility Unsurpassed

The world of organic luminophores has been confined for a long time to fairly standard biological labeling applications and to certain analytical tests. Recently, however, the field has undergone a major change of direction, driven by the dual needs to develop novel organic electronic materials and to fuel the rapidly emerging nanotechnologies. Among the many diverse fluorescent molecules, the Bodipy family, first developed as luminescent tags and laser dyes, has become a cornerstone for these new applications. The near future looks extremely bright for "porphyrin's little sister".

Are Shared Services a Panacea for Australian Local Government? A Critical Note on Australian and International Empirical Evidence

Australian local government policy has undergone a major change in direction as policyelites have recognized the ominous dimensions of the problem of local council financial unsustainability and thereby realized that recent structural reform programs have done little to ameliorate this problem. As a consequence, attention has now moved away from forced amalgamation to focus on shared local services as an alternative means of achieving greater operational efficiency. However, an unfortunate feature of the present debate is that, with a few notable exceptions, very little effort has been expended on examining existing Australian and international empirical evidence on the performance of shared local service models. The present paper seeks to remedy this neglect by critically evaluating available Australian and international empirical literature on the outcomes of shared local service arrangements.

Exploring the influence of the non-dipole field on magnetic records for field reversals and excursions

SUMMARY We have used the model CALS7K.2 to explore the possible influence of the time-varying non-dipole components of the geomagnetic field during field reversals and excursions. Our findings suggest that non-dipole components could add significant structure to the field during the reversal and excursion processes. Globally, the main polarity reversal is variable in duration and rapid reversals on subdecadal timescales are seen for a small number of locations. The model generates variable reversal paths; however, there is a longitudinal preference both spatially and, more weakly, temporally. Directional reversal features are not globally synchronous: some polarity changes finish before they start elsewhere. Global intensity variations, however, appear more coherent. We also find support for the idea that field intensity changes occur some time before and after the major directional changes of the reversal. Large excursions appear naturally when the axial dipole has been reduced to 20 per cent for the whole time period; however, they are not globally synchronous or uniform.