Book reviews

The I?varapratvabhijñākārikā of Utpaladeva with the Author's Vrtti. Critical edition and annotated translation. Serie Orientale Roma LXXI. Raffaele Toreha, 1994, Roma, Istituto Italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente, LIV+ 273 pp., pb L. 110.000

Jung and Eastern Thought: a Dialogue with the Orient. John James Clarke, 1994, London, Routledge, vii +217 pp., £12.99

Abu Ya^cqub al‐Sijistani: Intellectual Missionary. Paul E. Walker, 1996, London, I. B. Tauris, xv + 132 pp.

Religious Pluralism and Truth: Essays on Cross‐cultural Philosophy of Religion. Edited by Thomas Dean, 1995, Albany, SUNY Press, xi + 271 pp., 0 7914 2123 6 hb, 0 7914 2124 4 pb, $19.95

The Body, Self‐cultivation, and Ki‐energy. Yuasa Yasuo, trans, by Shigenori Nagatomo and Monte S. Hull, 1993, Albany, SUNY Press, xxxvi + 229 pp. 814.95     

cumulative continuity and injection drug use among women: a test of the downward spiral framework

In this analytic essay. I shall utilize the framework of Individualism and structuralism in an attempt to realize an overview of theory in the sociology of deviance.¹ A major advantage of this framework is that it provides a perspective that sensitizes one to a theory's basic locus of causation and motivation for deviance. This takes us into the question of why some people, but not others, commit deviant acts even though they know those acts will be negatively viewed by others and bring sanctions upon themselves. As I apply this framework to selected major theoretical orientations.² I shall also note limitations of each theory. In addition. I shall Indicate contrasting practical Implications of deviance theory that have far‐ranging ramifications for social life—Interconnections between our changing political orientations and Individualism and structuralism in deviance theory.     

Ahl al‐dhimma in an Islamic state: The teaching of Abū al‐Hasan al‐Mawardi's Al‐ahkam al‐sultaniyya

The much‐quoted Al‐ahkam al‐sultaniyya of the prominent Shafi'i jurisconsult, Abu l‐Hasan al‐Mawardi (364–450 AH/974–1058 AD), was written primarily to buttress the ‘Abbadsid caliphate which was facing, at the time, challenges to its authority by the competing caliphates of the Fatimids and Umayyads, in Cairo and al‐Andalus respectively, and, at home by the actual usurpation of its power by the Twelver Shi'ite Buwayhids (945–1055 CE).

Al‐Mawardi recapitulates Sunni political thought to lend credence to the primacy of the ^cAbbasid caliphate in Baghdad and its legitimacy. His discussion of the various functions, rights and duties of the caliph included discussion of the rights and obligations of ahl al‐dhimma (Christians and Jews) in the Muslim state which included freedom of worship and protection by the state, in lieu of the obligation of male adults to pay a poll tax (jizya) and land tax (kharäj) by farmers. Al‐Mawardi affirms the obtaining practice that allowed Christians and Jews to attain high ranks in the government, serving as executive ministers, and participating in certain military campaigns.     

Psychiatry in the labyrinth: Deconstructing deviancy

Abstract

Deviancy is a key concept in psychiatry and other therapeutic disciplines, because it dramatizes the way in which they depend on the establishment of norms, in order to justify their theory and practice. The writings of Derrida as well as Goethe provide a different view: that “deviation” from a “norm” can be fundamentally important to the well‐being of the norm. Thus deviancy can be viewed not as something to be “corrected” but rather as a creative possibility to be encouraged and shaped in productive ways. As a case of “deviancy” we have selected the writings of John Perceval, whose Narrative provides a critique of the mental‐health establishment of his day, particularly the asylum, and offers an alternative to 19th‐century views of “lunacy.” We see his “schizophrenic” commentary on his “psychosis” and its treatment as analogous to the deconstructive, “schizophrenic” discourse of postmodernity which is similarly critical of the reigning, modernist psychiatric order.     

Movement experience (ME): A context of inquiry for professional development

Abstract

This article advocates the incorporation of a model for learning witnessing and moving to explore authenticity¹ as it unfolds through and within the nonverbal language of the body, into the initial education and ongoing professional development of psychotherapists and psychoanalysts, regardless of the school of thought they follow. It argues for the expansion of the verbal/intellectual focus in professional educational experience, to include a focus on Movement Experience (ME) ‐ a context of inquiry, a process which can teach us of presence and clarity, and may lead to an unfolding of the Self and of self‐knowledge, that rest in the wisdom and the mystique of the human existence as body and movement becomes conscious. It presents a working model as a tool for raising self‐awareness, and for reflection in‐action and on‐action (movement supervision). In Movement Experience (ME)² and Authentic Movement (AM)³ participants consciously engage in a heuristic act, in the search, and re‐search, for a deeper understanding of the meaning of experience. A personal journey toward professional growth and development.     

Waves,streams, states,and self: An outline of an integral psychology 1

Abstract

Although far from unanimous, there seems to be a general consensus that neither mind nor brain can be reduced without remainder to the other. This essay argues that indeed both mind and brain need to be included in a nonreductionistic way in any genuinely integral theory of consciousness. In order to facilitate such integration, this essay presents the results of an extensive cross‐cultural literature search on the “mind” side of the equation, suggesting that the mental phenomena that need to be considered in any integral theory include developmental levels or waves of consciousness, developmental lines or streams of consciousness, states of consciousness, and the self (or self‐system). A “master template” of these various phenomena, culled from over one‐hundred psychological systems East and West, is presented. It is suggested that this master template represents a general summary of the “mind” side of the brain‐mind integration. The essay concludes with reflections on the “hard problem,” or how the mind‐side can be integrated with the brain‐side to generate a more integral theory of consciousness.     

Stoic Warriors and Stoic Torturers: The Moral Psychology of Military Torture

Abstract

Nancy Sherman’s book Stoic Warriors provides an interesting reflection on how a modified version of the ancient teachings of stoicism may be applicable to the concerns and needs of the modern military. In the course of her book, she explains different aspects of the Stoic teachings, such as the importance of outward comportment and control of the emotions, and discusses how they might be relevant to the modern military. In this paper I will focus on her discussion of Abu Ghraib and other atrocities such as the My Lai massacre in the Vietnam War. I argue that her analysis of the contributing factors that lead to those abuses demonstrates a lack of understanding of how systematic atrocities come to occur and how military torturers are trained. In this paper I show that systematic torture arises not only out of unrestrained rage and hatred, but through a training process that builds on many of the features of basic military training and, ironically, incorporates many of the techniques of self-control and detachment that are characteristic of stoicism.     

Simulation as a Method for Theological and Philosophical Inquiry

Abstract

In this paper we make the case that simulation provides an important and relatively novel tool for confronting and possibly even surmounting various epistemological hurdles. To support the claim that simulation has particular merit for approaching certain theological and philosophical problems, we suggest a number of advantages, evaluate possible objections, and make the case in a specific domain by illustrating how an actual simulation system can be used to this end.     

EMDR as a treatment for improving attachment status in adults and children

IntroductionThe purpose of the article is to examine the current literature regarding evidence for positive change in attachment status following Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and to describe how an integrative EMDR and family therapy team model was implemented to improve attachment and symptoms in a child with a history of relational loss and trauma.LiteratureThe EMDR method is briefly described along with the theoretical model that guides the EMDR approach. As well, an overview of attachment theory is provided and its implication for conceptualizing symptoms related to a history of relational trauma. Finally, a literature review is provided regarding current preliminary evidence that EMDR can improve attachment status in children and adults.Clinical findingsA case study is described in which an EMDR and family therapy integrative model improved attachment status and symptoms in a child with a history attachment trauma.ConclusionThe case study and literature review provide preliminary evidence that EMDR may be a promising therapy in the treatment of disorders related to attachment trauma.     

The view of Islam from the monasteries of Palestine in the early cAbbasid period: Theodore Abū Qurrah and the Summa theologiae arabica

Christians in the Holy Land, and particularly members of the monastic communities in the Judean desert, were the first to compose original works of theology in Arabic. These writers presented the doctrines of the church in an idiom which was calculated to appeal to the understanding of any speaker of Arabic who was familiar with the Qur'an and with the thought of the early Muslim mutakallimin. From these texts there emerges a view of Islam which makes it dear that the writers very much consider themselves to be doing theology in dialogue. The article discusses the earliest Christian apology in Arabic; two works of Theodore Abu Qurrah; an early Summa Theologiae Arabica; and an essay in apologetics, provocatively entitled Kitab al‐burhan.     

Evaluating dynamic similarity of fixed,self-selected and anatomically scaled speeds in non-linear analysis of gait during treadmill running

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate how speed affects non-linear measures of variability. Fixed and self-selected speeds were compared to an anatomically scaled speed calculated based on leg length to evaluate which provided a more reproducible result between subjects.MethodsSixteen subjects ran on a treadmill at a fixed, scaled and self-selected speed and at ±10% in each case. Kinematic data were collected for two minutes at 250 Hz for each trial. Sample entropy (SaEn) and maximum Lyapunov exponents (LyE) were calculated from the sagittal knee and hip joint angles to evaluate regularity of gait and local stability. These nonlinear measures were compared to evaluate the dynamic similarity of the movement in each case, and to evaluate speed as a confounding variable in non-linear analysis.ResultsAn anatomically scaled speed shows more dynamic similarity than a fixed or self-selected speed with the lowest observed coefficient of variation for each measure. This was found to be statistically significant for both nonlinear measures of the hip (SaEn p = 0.038; LyE p = 0.040). Speed was not found to be a confounding variable in non-linear analysis of running gait of a healthy population (η² < 0.05).ConclusionsChanges in speed by ±10% do not significantly affect stability and variability of gait for healthy participants, suggesting that they make adaptations to ensure optimal gait variability.Anatomically scaled speeds provide a more reliable methodology for both linear and non-linear analysis by providing a definitive protocol, suggesting it could replace self-selected or fixed speeds in future research.     

A combination of Raspberry Pi and SoftEther VPN for controlling research devices via the Internet

Remote control over devices for experiments may increase the efficiency of operant research and expand the area where behavior can be studied. This article introduces a combination of Raspberry Pi^® (Pi) and SoftEther VPN^® that allows for such remote control via the Internet. The Pi is a small Linux computer with a great degree of flexibility for customization. Test results indicate that a Pi‐based interface meets the requirement for conducting operant research. SoftEther VPN^® allows for establishing an extensive private network on the Internet using a single private Wi‐Fi router. Step‐by‐step instructions are provided in the present article for setting up the Pi along with SoftEther VPN^®. Their potential for improving the way of conducting research is discussed.     

A Negationless Interpretation of Intuitionistic Theories. I

The present work contains an axiomatic treatment of some parts of the restricted version of intuitionistic mathematics advocated by G. F. C. Griss, also known as negationless intuitionistic mathematics. Formal systems NPC, NA, and FIM ^N for negationless predicate logic, arithmetic, and analysis are proposed. Our Theorem 4 in Section 2 asserts the translatability of Heyting's arithmetic HAinto NA. The result can in fact be extended to a large class of intuitionistic theories based on HAand their negationless counterparts. For instance, in Section 3 this is shown for Kleene's system of intuitionistic analysis FIMand our FIM ^N . This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Prediction of true test scores from observed item scores and ancillary data

In many educational tests which involve constructed responses, a traditional test score is obtained by adding together item scores obtained through holistic scoring by trained human raters. For example, this practice was used until 2008 in the case of GRE^®General Analytical Writing and until 2009 in the case of TOEFL^® iBT Writing. With use of natural language processing, it is possible to obtain additional information concerning item responses from computer programs such as e‐rater^®. In addition, available information relevant to examinee performance may include scores on related tests. We suggest application of standard results from classical test theory to the available data to obtain best linear predictors of true traditional test scores. In performing such analysis, we require estimation of variances and covariances of measurement errors, a task which can be quite difficult in the case of tests with limited numbers of items and with multiple measurements per item. As a consequence, a new estimation method is suggested based on samples of examinees who have taken an assessment more than once. Such samples are typically not random samples of the general population of examinees, so that we apply statistical adjustment methods to obtain the needed estimated variances and covariances of measurement errors. To examine practical implications of the suggested methods of analysis, applications are made to GRE General Analytical Writing and TOEFL iBT Writing. Results obtained indicate that substantial improvements are possible both in terms of reliability of scoring and in terms of assessment reliability.     

Organizing the voice questionnaire for transgender persons

Abstract

Background: The validated Transsexual Voice Questionnaire Male to Female (TVQ^MtF) and the adapted TVQ Female to Male (FtM) (TVQ^FtM) are both 30-item-long questionnaires used to evaluate self-perception of voice in transgender persons. They are part of a series of questionnaires completed by transgender persons during follow-up of cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT).

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine if these questionnaires can be organized.

Methods: The TVQ^MtF or the TVQ^FtM was filled out at the start of CSHT, by 145 trans women and 83 trans men. Data were analyzed by factor analyses on both the questionnaires.

Results: The factor analyses resulted in a three-factor solution for both the TVQ^MtF and the TVQ^FtM. The three factors were labeled as anxiety and avoidance, vocal identity, and vocal function.

Conclusion: Both the questionnaires can be organized into three factors. This could contribute to making shorter versions of the questionnaires. Shorter versions would be useful to hormone prescribing physicians to track down more quickly voice problems in trans people undergoing virilizing or feminizing hormone treatment.     

An Adaptive Logic Based on Jaśkowskiˈs Approach to Paraconsistency

In this paper, I present the modal adaptive logic AJ ^r (based on S5) as well as the discussive logic D ^r ₂ that is defined from it. D ^r ₂ is a (non-monotonic) alternative for Jaśkowski’s paraconsistent system D ₂ . Like D ₂ , D ^r ₂ validates all single-premise rules of Classical Logic. However, for formulas that behave consistently, D ^r ₂ moreover validates all multiple-premise rules of Classical Logic. Importantly, and unlike in the case of D ₂ , this does not require the introduction of discussive connectives. It is argued that this has clear advantages with respect to one of the main application contexts of discussive logics, namely the interpretation of discussions.*Research for this paper was indirectly supported by the Flemish Minister responsible for Science and Technology (contract BIL1/8). The author is indebted to Leon Horsten, Jo?o Marcos, Jerzy Perzanowski, Liza Verhoeven, and especially to the referee and to Diderik Batens for comments and suggestions.     

Belief versus acceptance

Abstract

In this paper the problem of the relation between belief and acceptance is discussed in view of recent literature on the topic. Belief and acceptance are characterized in terms of a number of properties, which show both the similarities and the dissimilarities between these notions. In particular it is claimed — contrary to some recently expressed views — that acceptance need not be intentional action and that the differences between belief and acceptance do not boil down to the simple view that acceptance, contrary to belief, is based on the agent's direct exercise of his will. Acceptance which is not based on intentional action is shown in the paper to be especially closely related to belief, especially to linguistic belief. Thus if a person is in a non‐intentional‐ly acquired and held state of acceptance that something p, he also believes that p. Another general difference is that acceptance is language‐dependent while there can be non‐linguistic belief. Collective beliefs and acceptances are also briefly discussed in the paper Among other things, it is noted that the notion of wide as contrasted with truth‐oriented, narrow acceptance is central in the collective case.     

The soft X-ray emission spectra of Zn,Ga and Ge

Abstract

The experimental L_α1,2 and L_β1 X-ray emission spectra of Zn, Ga and Ge are presented. The high-energy satellite structure of the lines is considered. It appears that the intensity of these satellites relative to the main lines is much larger for Zn than for Ga and Ge. This enhancement effect is interpreted as arising mainly from the 2p^?1 _1/2 → 2p^?1 _3/23d^?1 _3/2,5/2 Coster-Kronig transition occurring in metallic Zn, which is absent in the case of Ga and Ge. Furthermore, for all these elements it is suggested that a significant contribution to the high-energy satellites of the L_α1,2; X-ray emission band arises from the 2s^?1 _1/2 → 2p^?1 _3/23d^?1 _3/2,5/2 Coster-Kronig process, whereas in the case of the satellites of the L_β1 X-ray emission spectrum the main cause would be the 2s^?1 _1/2 → 2p^?1 _1/23d^?1 _3/2,5/2transition.     

Tap,swipe, and build: Parental spatial input during iPad® and toy play

Despite the increase in the use of interactive technological devices, little is known about the impact that play context has on the production of spatial language by parents. To investigate whether there is differential parental spatial input afforded by play contexts with their preschoolers, 34 children (20 girls, 14 boys) and their primary caregivers engaged in 30‐min 3‐dimensional (3D) spatial play using blocks and puzzles and virtual 2‐dimensional (2D) spatial play using an iPad^® in 2 separate home visits. There were no significant differences in the average amount of spatial talk and the number of spatial categories used by parents in both 3D and 2D play contexts. However, the amount of parental spatial talk decreased significantly with older preschoolers using the iPad^®. In the 3D play contexts, parents produced more words related to spatial dimensions, location and directions, and continuous amount than in the 2D play contexts. However, in the 2D play contexts, they produced more words associated with orientations and transformations as well as deictics than in the 3D play contexts. Our findings suggest that technology can be effectively introduced into play contexts to elicit enriched parental spatial input by supporting parents and caregivers with best practices.

Highlights

• The present study examines the differences in parental spatial talk when using traditional versus technology‐based learning tools with their preschoolers.
• Two 30‐min home observations of parent–child dyads playing blocks and puzzles versus spatial apps on an iPad^®. No significant differences in the amount of parental spatial talk and the number of spatial categories in both play contexts were found.
• Our findings suggest that technology can be effectively introduced into play contexts to elicit enriched parental spatial input.