Impact of individual differences, reward distribution, and task structure on productivity in a simulated work environment.

Analyzed the effects of intragroup competition on group productivity within a research design that accounted for both individual differences and experimental effects. 72 college students were given the Minnesota Clerical Test and then randomly assigned to 3-man groups in 1 of 4 conditions: differential- or equal-reward distribution or high- and low-task-flow interdependence. Individuals in the differential-reward and the low-task-flow-interdependence conditions were more productive than those in the equal-reward and the high-task-flow conditions. Differential and experimental analyses combined accounted for more variance in productivity than either analysis alone. Both experimental conditions moderated the relationship between the test and productivity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effect of recent and remote frames of reference on temporal judgments of schizophrenic patients.

"46 schizophrenic patients were compared with 80 control Ss with respect to their estimation of one clock second's duration under long and short anchor conditions, where anchor represented the extreme duration in a series. In addition, the interaction of recent and more remote anchors was studied." The findings suggested that the schizophrenic is likely to overestimate the duration of a clock second and that they responded only to the pulling effect of immediate anchors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Numerical analysis of confined turbulent flow

This work outlines a second order accurate, coupled, conservative new numerical scheme for solving a two dimensional incompressible turbulent flow filed. Mean vorticity, ω, and mean stream function, ψ, are used as the mean flow dependent variables. The turbulent kinetic energy $\text{k}$ and the turbulent energy decay rate, ?, are used to define the turbulent state. In the present computational scheme two systems of equations and variables are considered: the mean flow system, ψ-ω, and the turbulent state system, $\text{k-?}$. Every system is solved implicity in a coupled double loop manner, and all the flow equations are solved iteratively in the global sense. Since the turbulence boundary conditions have a non-regular variation near a solid wall, they are coupled to the equations implicitly in both systems. In this way the numerical instabilities due to the irregular form of the equations near the solid walls are suppressed. The rate of convergence of the new numerical scheme of the coupled systems ψ-ω and $\text{k-?}$ is twice that realized when solving these equations separately. The necessary conditions for convergence of the numerical equations are investigated as well as the rate of convergence features. The detailed stability conditions are derived. As an example, the axisymmetric mixing of two confined jets with an internal heat source is considered with this numerical scheme.     

Developing a research unit within a hospital social work department

This article describes the establishment of a research unit as an integral part of a hospital social work department on the basis of the authors' experience in a cancer center over a 13-year period. Methods are described for building support within the institution, for the process of initiating the unit, for deciding on study topics, and finally for bridging the gap between clinical and research staff. The evolution of the relationship between clinical and research staff was characterized by four different phases: curiosity, competitiveness, cooperation, and collaboration. A childhood bereavement project is used to exemplify the developmental processes and the ongoing interaction of research and clinical staff. The professional practice of all staff benefited from the increased academic rigor and productivity, although some staff remained unconvinced of the value of such a major research effort. The benefits and costs of the unit are also discussed.     

Breast abscess: coagulase-negative staphylococcus as a sole pathogen

Breast abscesses in nonlactating women are very uncommon. Rarely have cases been reported in which coagulase-negative staphylococci have been isolated in pure culture. We describe a 67-year-old patient who had such an abscess. Specimens obtained by fine needle aspiration, incision and drainage, and biopsy of the breast mass all showed acute inflammation and many gram-positive cocci on gram stain and histologic examination; cultures of all specimens yielded many coagulase-negative staphylococci. The patient responded well to incision and drainage and therapy with antibiotics.     

Genetics of heat-curability of killer virus of yeast

The cytoplasmically inherited M double-stranded (ds) RNA genome segment of killer virus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is heat-curable in some yeast strains but not in others. Temperature sensitivity is conferred on both M₁ and M₂ dsRNA satellite virus segments by the L-A-HN allele of the killer helper virus genome, but not by the L-A-H allele. Both diploidy and mating type heterozygosity of the host cell are also correlated with increased virus curability.     

Determination of quality parameters from statistical analysis of routine TLD dosimetry data

Following the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) practice, there is a need to measure very low doses, of the same order of magnitude as the natural background, and the limits of detection of the dosimetry systems. The different contributions of the background signals to the total zero dose reading of thermoluminescence dosemeter (TLD) cards were analysed by using the common basic definitions of statistical indicators: the critical level (L(C)), the detection limit (L(D)) and the determination limit (L(Q)). These key statistical parameters for the system operated at NRC-Negev were quantified, based on the history of readings of the calibration cards in use. The electronic noise seems to play a minor role, but the reading of the Teflon coating (without the presence of a TLD crystal) gave a significant contribution.     

On neutron-gamma mixed field dosimetry with LiF:Mg,Ti at radiation protection dose levels

The possibility of using the specific responses of the high temperature Peaks 6 and 7 and Peaks 4 and 5 to different LET radiations was mentioned in the past mainly for very high doses. The applicability of the two regions method for thermal neutrons--gamma ray mixed field dosimetry was investigated by analysing the response of LiF:Mg,Ti dosemeters irradiated to different ratios of thermal neutrons and gamma rays at radiation protection dose levels encountered in routine work conditions, up to approximately 50 mSv. The Region of Interest method was used to define the areas of the Peaks 4 + 5 and 6 + 7. We found that a simple algorithm can be used to determine with good accuracy the separate contributions of neutron and gamma doses.     

The demographics and politics of economic decline in New York City

New York City's economy has been declining since 1969. Although this decline is usually discussed with reference to interregional shifts in population and the migration of industry to the South and West, the root causes can be best understood in terms of the changing demographic, political and economic matrix of the City combined with short-sighted public policies toward business development.After explaining some important aspects of the political economy of economic erosion in New York City, the paper suggests several local government policy alternatives that might help to reverse the tide of economic decline.