The authenticity premium: Balancing conformity and innovation in high technology industries

Research on categories and markets suggests that audiences rely on categorical distinctions to make sense of market offerings. Market offerings that deviate from category norms risk devaluation. Although literature in this area has led to valuable insights, scholars have begun to question whether there has been an overemphasis on conformity, leaving existing theories ill-equipped to account for innovation. Within this context, we argue that research on authenticity in cultural sociology offers a useful platform for theorizing. We draw on the work of Peterson (1997), who underscores the importance of signals in evaluation. Objective features of market offerings (e.g., quality) matter, but particularly for innovations, these features are not readily visible. Because authentic producers are typically thought to be more committed, capable, and intrinsically motivated, when visibility of such objective features is lacking, authenticity may serve as an alternative indicator of value. Appearing authentic requires signaling believability with respect to category norms, while also being distinctive. Using data on 684 firms from five high technology sectors, we explore the relationship between authenticity and investor perceptions of value. Focusing on three different proxies for signals of authenticity—networks, governance, and narratives—we find a curvilinear association between conformity/distinctiveness and Tobin's q. Consistent with our view of authenticity as a signal, we also find that this relationship flattens as firms gain better track records and face stiffer competition.     

Embedded programming and real-time signal processing of swimming strokes

The research outlined in this paper was conducted to allow real-time processing, transmission and presentation of data to swimming coaches and subsequently their swimmers in a training environment, focused on providing information relevant to strokes in free swimming. This was achieved using a wearable wireless sensor and embedded programming techniques, using accelerations involved in the swimming stroke to provide relevant features for coaches. Current methods used do not offer real-time response to coaches, which results in the lack of real-time feedback and significantly increased post-session analysis time. Filtering and signal processing algorithms are described here, which allow real-time data analysis to be embedded within a wireless sensor node. The system significantly reduces the time for processing acquired data and has delivered a novel monitoring device suitable for operation within the harsh environment of the pool.     

Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the golf swing using instantaneous screw axis theory,Part 2: golf swing kinematic sequence

A number of recent studies have measured the extent and timing of segment rotation during the golf swing. A promising technique, instantaneous screw axis (ISA) theory, could provide a better expression of segment rotation. In Part 1 of this two-part study, the objectives are to identify the ISA of the pelvis, shoulders and left arm during the downswing, compute segment angular velocity relative to that segment’s ISA and verify that ISA theory is a valid tool to analyse segment rotation during the golf swing. Results indicate that for all subjects, at least 71% of marker velocity is a result of rotation about their respective ISA, when averaging results over the duration of the downswing, confirming that motion is primarily rotational. Furthermore, ISA position and orientation of each segment approaches, on average, the expected gross axis of rotation, confirming that motion about the ISA is representative of joint motion.     

Neuromuscular control and running economy is preserved in elite international triathletes after cycling

Running is the most important discipline for Olympic triathlon success. However, cycling impairs running muscle recruitment and performance in some highly trained triathletes; though it is not known if this occurs in elite international triathletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cycling in two different protocols on running economy and neuromuscular control in elite international triathletes. Muscle recruitment and sagittal plane joint angles of the left lower extremity and running economy were compared between control (no preceding cycle) and transition (preceded by cycling) runs for two different cycle protocols (20-minute low-intensity and 50-minute high-intensity cycles) in seven elite international triathletes. Muscle recruitment and joint angles were not different between control and transition runs for either cycle protocols. Running economy was also not different between control and transition runs for the low-intensity (62.4 +/- 4.5 vs. 62.1 +/- 4.0 ml/min/kg, p > 0.05) and high-intensity (63.4 +/- 3.5 vs. 63.3 +/- 4.3 ml/min/kg, p > 0.05) cycle protocols. The results of this study demonstrate that both low- and high-intensity cycles do not adversely influence neuromuscular control and running economy in elite international triathletes.     

足球运动员整体训练系统基础

对足球运动员在长期训练过程中身体准备的综合体系进行了分析。长期的研究结果表明,足球运动训练可以被划分为4个方面:1)单纯性身体活动的使用,2)不同目标训练过程的交替使用,3)较小训练周期固定结构的保留并作为训练过程的基础,4)专门性推动能力的有序发展。这4个方面可以有效地解决足球运动员全面身体准备的问题。     

Out on the Web: The Relationship between Campus Climate and GLBT-related Web-based Resources in Academic Libraries

This article explores the relationship between the perceived campus environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students at colleges and universities and how academic libraries have deployed GLBT-related resources on the Web. Recommendations are made for increasing GLBT-related materials and information in academic libraries.     

Analysis of the efficiency of applying artificial neuron networks for solving recognition,compression, and prediction problems

The paper summarizes the experience of developing the PS ANN image recognition software system based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). The real abilities of neural networks to solve image recognition, data compression, and extrapolation problems are demonstrated. The results of experimental studies on accelerating parallel task computations are presented.     

Imagination and technoscientific innovations: governance of transgenic cows in New Zealand

This paper examines a controversial research programme aimed at the production of transgenic cows in New Zealand. It emphasizes the contested representation of the research, in its promotion, in its governance, and in the opposition sparked amongst environmentallanti-genetic modification groups and within the Māori community. The paper contends that the case of New Zealand's genetically modified cows certainly reveals some unique features of the prevailing economic, geographical and cultural context, but nonetheless has salience for the broader understanding of the promotion, public reception and governance of genetic modification.     

Organic Acidurias: An Updated Review

Organic acidurias are an important class of inherited metabolic disorders arising due to defect in intermediary metabolic pathways of carbohydrate, amino acids and fatty acid oxidation. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the important organic acidurias in the Indian population. Specifically, diagnosis and principles of treatment of organic acidurias are covered. The salient features of common organic acidurias as well as their prevalence in various parts of the world are reviewed in some detail.