Something in the way she moves: biological motion,body shape,and attractiveness in women

Most previous research into the attractiveness of women’s bodies has relied on static stimuli such as line-drawings or photographs, particularly focusing on the role of body-mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). However, real attractiveness judgments are invariably made on moving bodies, and movement may contain important information about attractiveness. We measured the importance of movement in attractiveness judgments by using motion-capture to isolate dynamic cues from 37 female walkers, and compare ratings of 75 participants made on these, static photographs, and the original videos. Multiple regression analysis revealed that both dynamic and static cues were important in the attractiveness of women’s bodies. Furthermore, BMI and WHR predicted attractiveness, but BMI was more important in dynamic rather than static cues, while WHR was important for both static and dynamic cues. These findings suggest that movement plays a crucial part in the attractiveness of female bodies and cannot be ignored in studies of human mate choice. Furthermore, dynamic and static cues may contain differential information related to female body shape, which further research should attempt to elucidate.     

An observational study of restraint and helmet wearing behaviour in Malaysia

Unrestrained and unhelmeted occupants are at increased risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash, and there is evidence that children, particularly in low and middle income countries, have low restraint and helmet wearing rates.Roadside observations of occupants of passing vehicles (7247 cars, vans and taxis and 2897 motorcycles) in nearside lanes were made at seven selected road sites located around the Klang Valley (greater Kuala Lumpur) area representing a variety of demographic locations.The findings revealed an overall low rate of seat-belt wearing in vehicles (front seat drivers: 44.6%; front seat adult passengers: 33.8%; front seat child passengers: 11.8%; rear seat adult passengers: 5.2%; and, rear seat child passengers: 5.8%). For motorcyclists, the majority of adult riders and pillions wore helmets (93.4% and 85.8%, respectively), however a substantial proportion (40%) did not fasten their helmet properly. Of children observed on motorcycles, only 30.5% wore helmets.This study shows low seat-belt and helmet wearing rates, despite enactment of legislation that requires all vehicle passengers to be restrained and for all motorcyclists to wear helmets. This was particularly evident for children (front and rear seating positions) and rear seat adult passengers. It is suggested there is a general lack of awareness of safety and the benefits of restraint/helmet use, and lack of adequate and appropriate enforcement. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of promoting restraint/helmets use, enforcement of legislation and implementation of technologies to increase appropriate restraint/helmet use.     

遮挡范式下运动速度和方向对碰撞时间估计绩效指标的影响

为探索运动速度和方向对碰撞时间（TTC）估计的影响,采用3运动速度×4运动方向的双因素设计开展了实验研究。结果发现,在相对慢速条件下,受试者TTC估计的准确性显著差于相对中速和相对快速条件;仅在相对慢速条件下受试者对竖直方向的TTC估计准确度显著差于水平方向、低估TTC的比例显著高于高估TTC的比例。结果表明,运动速度对TTC估计绩效指标的影响相对较强,运动方向对其影响相对较弱;两个因素的影响存在交互作用。     

On the minimal relative motion principle—lateral displacement of a contracting bar

Xausa, Beghi, and Zanforlin (J. Math. Psychol. 45(4) (2001) 635) provide an account of perceptual organization based on their ‘minimal relative motion’ principle. They claim that this principle can account for the percept generated by a contracting bar that is simultaneously translating laterally. We critique the mathematical analysis provided in the aforementioned paper. We conclude that the ‘minimal relative motion’ principle, in the form presented, cannot adequately explain the percept reported by observers.     

篇章阅读理解中句子边界对整体连贯性的影响

通过四个实验考察句子边界对整体连贯性的影响。实验运用不一致程序(inconsistent paradigm)进行。实验一结果发现,当目标行1(target line)不是一个完整句子时,被试阅读完目标行2(post-target line)后才会意识到目标行1中的不一致。实验二结果发现,当目标行1是一个完整句子时,被试阅读完目标行1后就可立刻意识到其中的不一致,但探测词的反应时在两种条件下则并没有明显差异。这两个实验的结果表明,句子边界作为一种信号,提示读者在阅读下一句子前要完成当前句子的整合加工。实验三结果发现,目标行1以一个无关词(如然后)结束时,被试阅读完目标行1后也可立刻注意到其中的不一致,这表明句号对背景信息的整合不是必需的。实验四考察了分号的作用,结果显示:被试阅读完目标行1后并没有意识到其中的冲突。根据本研究的结果,可以推测句号在理解过程中起着重要影响,而其它句子边界(如:分号)的作用则并不明显。     

Neuropsychological dissociations between motion and form perception suggest functional organization in extrastriate cortical regions in the human brain

In this review of neuropsychological case studies, a number of dissociations are shown between different visual abilities including low-level motion perception, static form perception, form-from-motion perception and biological motion perception. These dissociations reveal counter-intuitive results. Specifically, higher level form-from-motion perception can persist despite deficits in low-level motion perception and static form perception. To account for these dissociations, we present a model of functional organization and identify future directions for investigations of higher order form-from-motion perception.     

Processus et subjectivité dans l’addiction

Addictive behaviors point out difficulties in definition and conceptualization. Emotion in its different forms is one of the most important phenomenon in the dynamic of addictions. We question the nature of the act, its economical status and its adaptative value. Moreover, we question the individual vulnerability and behavior's effects. The most important difficulty is to propose a general model of addiction, which can put together and explain the different forms of addictive behaviours. Those have to describe behaviour and its relationships with the individual's functioning, like subjectivity. We tend to propose in this paper such a model and insist on a particular economical system in the addiction.     

The meaning and legacy of the Reformation in a global perspective

When reviewing the non‐European perspectives of Lutheran theology presented in the contributions of this issue of Dialog, it is easy to recognize a dominant, unifying theme and a common task in a confrontation with the new Pentecostal churches. It then makes sense to refer to the two central themes and tasks of Lutheran theology mentioned in this volume: the development of a Lutheran pneumatology in contrast to the Pentecostal/charismatic movements; and an interpretation of the Lutheran doctrine of justification that concentrates on how the pure grace and love of God can be witnessed in good works. As a future focal point of Lutheran theology, the contributions from non‐European Lutheran Christianity presented here show that the connection between the theology of the cross as a central element of the grammar of Lutheran Christianity and the dialectics of law and gospel for the interpretation of the salutary efficacy and experienceable nature of the Spirit requires further reflection.     

The World Council of Churches and Pentecostals

This article recalls the history of the relationships between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Pentecostal churches from the early years of the WCC until today. One of the greatest challenges currently facing the WCC is the shift in focus of Christianity to the South and the East, a phenomenon to which emerging Pentecostal and charismatic churches and communities are contributing. Alongside global cultural trends in the context of globalization, Pentecostal and charismatic piety and spirituality are increasingly affecting the older churches as well. While some see this negatively, many see it as an expression of adaptation to new challenges necessary for the survival of these churches. The article shows how the changing ecclesial context led to the WCC to explore new avenues for building relationships such as a Joint Consultative Group and the Global Christian Forum.