Pre‐deliberation moderation on choice dilemmas: proposing a moderation–elasticity theory of choice shift

A moderation–elasticity theory to explain the choice shift is proposed and tested. The theory predicts that group members engage in moderation of initial decision choices in anticipation of future interaction. These moderate choices are strategic in nature, and thus are posited to disappear when anticipated interaction is eliminated. Moderation–elasticity is proposed as a form of predeliberation normative influence. A test of the theory finds support for both moderation and elasticity processes on choice dilemma item decisions.     

What about choice for a change?

Through the lens of exile, this conceptual study explores the complex associations of choice and change, and their implications for education, in a range of areas from sociology through psychology and physiology. In bringing together and synthesising diverse thoughts about choice and change, it inquires into how educators and their professional practices can support the choices of young people in creating significant change and the hopeful future through knowledge economies. It concludes that, if the moral purposes of change are to be social and communal development, mental models should be chosen and knowledge created to accomplish those purposes. At stake is the legacy of today’s choices for young people’s futures. Dedicated to my Dad, Pieter, 19 April 1922–18 April 2004, ‘Recte faciendo neminem timeas’.     

从女子标枪成绩的多元回归分析中看样本含量与F 的取值对结论的影响

以女子标枪6 个变量因素为例, 对三组不同样本含量和F 的取值进行了多元回归分析, 结果表明: 在样本的成绩范围内, 样本n = 10 建立的“最优”回归方程与样本n = 60 , n = 30 的结论基本相同. 认为用样本n = 10建立“最优”回归方程既方便又省力. 强调在作逐步回归分析时, F 的检验临界值要取低些, 并指出: 在指标因素过多时, 应先聚类, 然后分别选出影响最大的指标建立“最优”方程.     

毕业论文选题思路及写作技巧要旨

毕业论文的写作对学生来说，是一种挑战。学生如何做好论文选题，掌握好写作的基本技巧，则是成功写作论文的关键。本文主要从论文选题思路、论文结构各部分写作技巧等方面，阐述了如何指导和引导学生正确选题、准确写作的方法，对提高学生的毕业论文写作水平有一定的指导意义。     

Ant colony system algorithm for the optimization of beer fermentation control

Beer fermentation is a dynamic process that must be guided along a temperature profile to obtain the desired results. Ant colony system algorithm was applied to optimize the kinetic model of this process. During a fixed period of fermentation time, a series of different temperature profiles of the mixture were constructed. An optimal one was chosen at last. Optimal temperature profile maximized the final ethanol production and minimized the byproducts concentration and spoilage risk. The satisfactory results obtained did not require much computation effort.     

Optimal arrangement of viscoelastic dampers for seismic control of adjacent shear-type structures

The optimal arrangement of viscoelastic dampers (VEDs) used to link two adjacent shear-type structures under seismic excitation was investigated. A two-step optimal design method is proposed. First, optimal parameter expressions of the Kelvin model are used to calculate the optimal stiffness and damping coefficient of the VEDs. Then, using the two-step optimal design method, taking the quadratic performance index as the optimization objective, the optimal arrangement of the dampers is determined. General rules about the optimal arrangement of the VEDs were obtained. The results show that the placement of only one damper between two adjacent shear-type structures should be avoided; if more than one damper is used, they should be distributed on the top and lower floors of the structures. Optimization of the number of dampers had little effect on response reduction. The most important factor was the optimization of the placement of the dampers. Through comparative study, for buildings of equal and unequal heights, the optimal parameters of dampers from parametric studies were shown to match the theoretical results for different numbers and placements of dampers. The level of response reduction was shown to be sensitive to the damping coefficient of the dampers.     

Classroom choice-making for Chinese master’s students: choice,motivation and learning contexts

ABSTRACT

Under the framework of self-determination theory, choice is a supporting factor for autonomy in the classroom. The provision of choice in the classroom is a distinct feature of higher education, through which students experience a shift from mandatory tasks to those are more learner-controlled. This study explores Chinese master’s students’ perspectives on choice and the relationship between choice and motivation, also, compares the choice-making opportunities in different learning contexts (China vs. UK). 60 Chinese master’s students, studying in China and the UK, participated in this study. The findings of this study indicate that most master’s students hold a positive attitude towards classroom choice, considering choice contributes to increased learning motivation in the classroom in most cases. Then, limited choices may not automatically decrease students’ motivation and students studying in China possess fewer opportunities for choice-making than students in the UK, which is influenced by the social and academic culture.     

“Putting Patients First”: Systematically Distorted Communication and Merck's Marketing of Vioxx

An estimated 27,000–60,000 patients died while taking Merck's drug Vioxx between 2000 and 2004. This essay uses Deetz's treatment of systematically distorted communication and Nilsen's significant choice to analyze Merck's communication about the drug. The company claimed publicly to be forthright about Vioxx's safety. The article shows, however, that Merck systematically distorted communication through neutralization, topical avoidance, and disqualification in ways that thwarted physicians’ and patients’ abilities to make an informed choice about Vioxx. The analysis shows that Merck employees’ consent to economic priorities framed these communication practices as legitimate and rational within the organization. The same practices, however, appeared socially irresponsible to members of the scientific community outside the company. In contrast to Merck's practices, the essay offers more participatory communication applications that uphold companies’ moral obligation to their stakeholders.     

The Interaction of Functional and Dysfunctional Emotions During Balance Beam Performance

The interaction between functional and dysfunctional emotions, as one of the major tenets of the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model (Hanin, 2000), was studied in a sport specific setting. Fourteen female gymnasts performed three attempts of a compulsory balance beam routine at three different heights. Heart rate and self-report of functional and dysfunctional emotions were measured during each routine. These data revealed the effectiveness of inducting emotions by manipulating height. Also, performance decreased on the most challenging condition, (i.e., the first attempt on the highest height). Moderated hierarchical regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between functional and dysfunctional emotions only when the dysfunctional emotion level was low.     

Exercise science and health-enhancing physical activity

Although technology has now infiltrated and prompted evolution in most mass participation sports, the advances in bat technology in such sports as baseball and cricket have been relatively minor. In this study, we used a simple finite element modelling approach to try to shed new light upon the underlying mechanics of the bat-ball impact, with a view to the future optimization of bat design. The analysis of a flexible bat showed that the point of impact that produced the maximum post-impact ball velocity was a function of the bat's vibrational properties and was not necessarily at the centre of percussion. The details of the analysis agreed well with traditional Hertzian impact theory, and broadly with empirical data. An inspection of the relative modal contributions to the deformations during impact also showed that the position of the node of the first flexure mode was important. In conclusion, considerable importance should be attached to the bat's vibrational properties in future design and analysis.