Economic infrastructure and the development of state autonomy: A case study of U.S. maritime policy

This paper interprets the development of the U.S. maritime industry as reflecting changes in the economic substructure of American capitalism. The analysis seeks to explain how the changing interests of the state, as well as the changing balance of power between capitalists, workers and the state stimulated changes in the maritime industry. Three time periods are used: the Revolution until 1867; 1868 to 1897; and 1898‐on. These three periods represent distinct periods of policy change and strategies of capital accumulation for the state and for capitalists. A combination of Marxian and Weberian theories of political economy are used to explain these capital‐state relations.     

A multimethod assessment of personal space development in female and male,black and white children

In order to obtain evidence of the effects of demographic parameters and measurement techniques on personal space, several different assessments were used to determine the impact of subject age, race, and sex on interpersonal distancing. Thirteen different variables representing stimulation, paper-and-pencil, and behavioral techniques indicated that as age increased, personal space requirements decreased, particularly for whites. Blacks as compared to whites required less space at age 7, and mixed-sex dyads tended to require more space than same-sex dyads. The results thus indicate that while some previous findings appear to be measurement method specific, others show intermethod consistency.     

Expert Informants and Relative Risk: A Methodology for Modeling Waterways

This project describes a methodology for assessing relative risk along a transportation corridor utilizing waterborne transportation on the busiest port area in the world, the lower Mississippi River (from the mouth of Southwest Pass up through Baton Rouge, Louisiana). The paper calculates a relative risk scale, using data obtained from maritime experts, previous research, and existing databases. The research aggregates the vessel traffic data and geographic risk location data to produce relative risk scores for each mile along the River from the mouth of Southwest Pass to the termination of shipping at the U.S. 190 bridge across the River at Baton Rouge. This is done in a very simple and practical way for this initial model: (1) each vessel traveling the Mississippi is classified according to its risk potential for those miles that it passes in route to where it docks, and (2) points along the river are assigned a relative risk score based upon risk variables identified by expérts identified through a standard sampling procedure. The relative risk scores for river miles are combinations of these two factors.     

DISCERNING THE SYMBIONIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPORT,LEISURE, AND RECREATION: A NOTE ON THE SPORTIZATION OF PASTIMES

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the sportization of pastimes. This is perhaps one of the most important issues facing the sociology of sport, leisure, and recreation. The article offers some initial dialogue toward the development of a theory that would explain the myriad of activities which continue to evolve from leisure time pursuits of a few, into more organized recreation for many, and then into highly competitive sports. The status of this subarea of sociology is discussed within the context that the sportization of pastimes may generate enough research interest so as to catapult this subarea into mainstream sociology.     

The Cycle of Bias in Health Research: A Framework and Toolbox for Critical Appraisal Training

Recognizing bias in health research is crucial for evidence-based decision making. We worked with eight community groups to develop materials for nine modular, individualized critical appraisal workshops we conducted with 102 consumers (four workshops), 43 healthcare providers (three workshops), and 33 journalists (two workshops) in California. We presented workshops using a “cycle of bias” framework, and developed a toolbox of presentations, problem-based small group sessions, and skill-building materials to improve participants' ability to evaluate research for financial and other conflicts of interest, bias, validity, and applicability. Participant feedback indicated that the adaptability of the toolbox and our focus on bias were critical elements in the success of our workshops.     

The mediating effect of civic community on social growth: The importance of reciprocity

This paper examines the effects of economic structural change on community social capital. The content of 156 interviews in Southern communities entrenched in the offshore oil economy, were used to investigate the consequences of industrial and civic restructuring on the social structure and social ties among local residents. The central finding is that population turnover and in-migration of workers demanded by a rapidly expanding economy enhances the density of weak tie networks within the community. However, the activation of these weak ties is highly dependent upon perceptions of future reciprocity from newcomers to the community by the entrenched members. Weak ties are important because they serve as a foundation for community members engaging in collective problem solving. Civic and social institutions can mediate the negative effects of rapid community growth shown. When newcomers are not integrated into the community, it may lead to exploitation and exclusion due to stigmatic labels.     

Multitaper testing of spectral lines and the detection of the solar rotation frequency and its harmonics

We develop statistical testing methodology for closely spaced spectral lines based on multitaper spectrum estimates and apply it to a time series of solar magnetic field magnitude data recorded by the Ulysses spacecraft. The test is formulated through complex-valued weighted least squares. Using this test in combination with the test for well-separated lines, we can accurately detect the solar equatorial rotation frequency of the sun, and its harmonics, from data recorded by Ulysses's magnetometer at solar mid-latitudes; this is a potentially important result for solar physicists, since it has implications for the structure and dynamics of magnetic fields in the solar corona.     

Production planning and control improvements in a small UK garment manufacturer; a case study

Through the medium of a case study, this paper highlights problems typical of a small manufacturer whose business operates in a turbulent environment, yet who lacks adequate planning and scheduling software needed to provide some visibility and control. This paper reveals how improvement options were evaluated, a system selected, and appropriate procedures and management disciplines installed to underpin the electronic solution. Finally, the paper closes with some cogent insights into the usefulness of finite capacity scheduling tools, and their successful operation.