Labour market regulation and professional sport: The case of the Victorian Football League’s Coulter Law, 1930-1970

In most professional team sports, salary caps – first used in the mid-1980s – stabilise the financial position of teams and promote balanced competitions. Teams that do not comply with labour market regulations face heavy penalties and there is a debate about whether such labour markets should operate like competitive markets in general – with wages directing players to the teams that value their contributions most. Analysis of earlier restrictions on the mobility of players and the movement of wages may raise new questions about the effects of noncompliance. The Coulter Law was a set of Victorian Football League (VFL) recruiting and payment rules that operated from 1930 to 1970. The conventional view – that most VFL clubs breached the maximum player wage rules to maximise the utility derived from winning games – is supported only by anecdotal evidence. A new data set reveals that the Coulter Law did restrict earnings in the VFL, except for a small number of elite players. Clubs allowed players to take up more lucrative jobs in other leagues and their subsequent on-field performance reflected the level of talent of replacement players.

Raman spectroscopy of the copper chloride minerals nantokite, eriochalcite and claringbullite - implications for copper corrosion

The application of Raman spectroscopy to the study of the copper chloride minerals nantokite, eriochalcite and claringbullite has enabled the vibrational modes for the CuCl, CuOH and CuOH2 to be determined. Nantokite is characterised by bands at 205 and 155 cm-1 attributed to the transverse and longitudinal optic vibrations. Nantokite also has an intense band at 463 cm-1, eriochalcite at 405 and 390 cm-1 and claringbullite at 511 cm-1. These bands are attributed to CuO stretching modes. Water librational bands at around 672 cm-1 for eriochalcite have been identified and hydroxyl deformation modes of claringbullite at 970, 906 and 815 cm-1 are observed. Spectra of the three minerals are so characteristically different that the minerals are readily identified by Raman spectroscopy. The minerals are often determined in copper corrosion products by X-ray diffraction. Raman spectroscopy offers a rapid, in-situ technique for the identification of these corrosion products

During visual word recognition, phonology is accessed within 100 ms and may be mediated by a speech production code: evidence from magnetoencephalography

Debate surrounds the precise cortical location and timing of access to phonological information during visual word recognition. Therefore, using whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG), we investigated the spatiotemporal pattern of brain responses induced by a masked pseudohomophone priming task. Twenty healthy adults read target words that were preceded by one of three kinds of nonword prime: pseudohomophones (e.g., brein–BRAIN), where four of five letters are shared between prime and target, and the pronunciation is the same; matched orthographic controls (e.g., broin–BRAIN), where the same four of five letters are shared between prime and target but pronunciation differs; and unrelated controls (e.g., lopus–BRAIN), where neither letters nor pronunciation are shared between prime and target. All three priming conditions induced activation in the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFGpo) and the left precentral gyrus (PCG) within 100 ms of target word onset. However, for the critical comparison that reveals a processing difference specific to phonology, we found that the induced pseudohomophone priming response was significantly stronger than the orthographic priming response in left IFG/PCG at ∼100 ms. This spatiotemporal concurrence demonstrates early phonological influences during visual word recognition and is consistent with phonological access being mediated by a speech production code

Spectroscopic Analysis and Xray Diffraction of Zinnwaldite

This paper describes an X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic study, including infrared, near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy of some selected zinnwaldites. In general, zinnwaldite forms a member of the trioctahedral true micas with characteristically Li in the octahedral positions and low iron contents. Although the infrared spectrum of zinnwaldite has been described before, near infrared and Raman spectroscopy have not been used so far to study this mineral. X-ray diffraction showed that all the samples reported in this study have the 1M structure. The Raman spectra are characterised by a strong band at 700-705 cm-1 plus a broad band associated with the SiO modes around 1100 cm-1. Less intense bands are observed around 560, 475, 403 and 305 cm-1. The corresponding IR spectra show strong overlapping SiO modes around 1020 cm-1 plus less intense bands around 790, 745, 530, 470-475 and 440 cm-1. Two overlapping OH-stretching modes can be observed around 3550-3650 cm-1, in agreement with a broad band in the IR around 3450 cm-1 and a complex band around 3630 cm-1. The near-IR spectra basically reflect combination and overtone bands associated with protons in the zinnwaldite structure. A very broad band observed around 5230 cm-1 is characteristic for adsorbed water while bands around 4530, 4435 and 4260 cm-1 can be ascribed to metal-hydroxyl groups

High palaeolatitude record of Late Maastrichtian – Early Danian climate change, Seymour Island, Antarctica

The Latest Cretaceous period was characterised by global cooling, superimposed on this pattern of climate change were perturbations in global climate. In high palaeolatitude settings in the Southern Hemisphere short term glacial episodes may have occurred through the latest Cretaceous. The extensive sedimentary succession within the James Ross Basin, Antarctica, provided an opportunity to test the possibility of late Cretaceous glaciation in particular through the succession exposed on Seymour Island. A high resolution oxygen and carbon stable isotope record through the Late Maastrichtian – Early Danian was generated by analysing diagenetically unaltered aragonite nacre shell material from a molluscan fauna collected from the López de Bertodano Fm., part of the Marambio Group present on Seymour Island, Antarctica. The Marambio Group forms an extensive 1100 m thick Late Maastrichtian section that crops out over ~70 km2 of the southernmost part of the island. Coverage of stable isotope data for the measured stratigraphy was good with 213 screened analyses that included data from within 1 m of the K-Pg boundary located at 1029 m above datum, determined from the first occurrence of the dinoflagellate cyst Senegalinium obscurum. Stable isotope data (‰ VPDB) for primary aragonite from bivalves, cephalopods and gastropods exhibited screened stable isotope data ranges of -0.06 to +2.05‰ for δ18O and -7.54 to +3.7‰ for δ13C. Data showed that at individual stratigraphic levels the range in measured δ18O exhibited significant variability. Benthic specimens provided the majority of the stable isotope data, bivalves exhibited the widest range of δ18O and δ13C values. Data show that individual specimens from the same genus can exhibit significant variability for δ18O and δ13C and that analysis of single samples at discrete stratigraphic levels may provide an erroneous interpretation of climate change. Higher oxygen isotope values were seen mid-section and complement previous records of periods of cooler climate identified from palynology, clumped isotopes and sea level. Palaeotemperatures were calculated for δ18O values for a seawater composition of SMOW = -1.0‰, representing an ice free ocean, 6 to 14°C for bivalves, 9 to 12°C for gastropods and 9 to 15°C for cephalopods. Temperatures indicated relatively stable benthic temperatures (~10°C) with a cooling phase that commenced at ~450 m (~69.5 Ma) with the coolest temperatures developed at ~630 m (~69 Ma). Cooling trends showed a good correlation with the position of seawater lowstands. Thereafter temperatures recovered towards the K-Pg boundary before a cooling trend developed that closely correlated with the PaDa1 lowstand. Acceptance of Deccan Traps volcanism as a causal mechanism for the limited degree of observed warming close to the K-Pg event was limited by a lack of suitable specimens

A Graduate Recital in Organ

The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the composers and pieces played on the master’s recital. This thesis will include composer biographical information, basic analysis of each piece to be performed, performance considerations, and relevant historical context

Obsolescence of frontline ICT: police and schools

Frontline information and communications technology (ICT) includes the hardware, software and supporting network infrastructure used to help public sector agencies deliver services. ICT can quickly become obsolete due to the high tempo of innovation and subsequent refresh rate of technology assets. Inadequate management of obsolescence of ICT assets could lead to poor or degraded service delivery. The audit objective was to assess whether obsolescence of ICT equipment and software is managed effectively and efficiently in the public sector. The audit concludes that obsolescence of frontline ICT assets is not being given adequate recognition: whole-of-government policies have not kept pace with the increasingly central role of ICT in service delivery; there are no ICT-specific policies or frameworks to guide the ongoing management of ICT obsolescence; and a more robust funding model is needed to better reflect the rapid ageing of ICT assets. Two frontline ICT systems were subject to detailed case study examination in the audit. The National Secondary School Computer Fund—funded by the Commonwealth Government, and overseen by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The audit found that due to insufficient oversight of obsolescence by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, secondary school student learning goals that depend upon the use of ICT assets, are at risk. The Mobile Data Network, used by Victoria Police and managed by the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority. The audit found that ICT obsolescence has been effectively managed in the Mobile Data Network. However, the Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury and Finance must continue to monitor the strategic risk of adequate radio spectrum allocation for Victoria’s emergency services so that the Commonwealth Government is made aware of present and future operational requirements

Dignity at Work for Low Wage, Low Skill Service Workers

Using responses from a telephone survey of 589 low wage, low skill workers in US hospitals, the authors investigate the workplace features that influence workers’ perceptions of dignity at work. Both work organization variables and union representation are investigated as potential factors affecting workers’ perceptions of fair treatment by their employer, intrinsically satisfying work, and economic security. Work organization and union representation have little effect on dignity at work with the exception of their association with higher wages and therefore a greater degree of economic security. Results indicate that higher pay, adequate levels of staffing and resources, and access to training are the variables that are most closely associated with dignity on the job.On a récemment accordé beaucoup d’attention à l’inégalité croissante des gains et aux conditions économiques qui se détériorent chez les travailleurs à faibles revenus (Levy et Murnane, 1992; Johnson et Kuhn, 2004). En plus de faibles revenus, ces travailleurs doivent aussi affronter de mauvaises conditions de travail : insécurité d’emploi, traitement arbitraire et absence de représentation. De plus en plus, en relations industrielles, on cherche comment améliorer la vie au travail de ces travailleurs. La dignité au travail est devenue un sujet de ralliement, non seulement pour les syndicats, comme ce fut traditionnellement le cas, mais aussi pour les décideurs politiques et les intellectuels.Dans cet article, nous avons voulu évaluer les effets de certaines caractéristiques des lieux de travail sur les perceptions que les travailleurs se font de la dignité au travail, en recourant à une enquête auprès des personnes occupant des postes peu qualifiés et peu rémunérés dans le secteur des services. De plus, nous nous sommes demandés si la représentation syndicale ou des changements dans l’organisation du travail associés à des pratiques de haut rendement au travail affectent ou non la perception de ces travailleurs de la dignité en emploi.Les données proviennent d’une enquête effectuée dans quinze hôpitaux communautaires américains. Ce type d’hôpitaux constitue la majeure partie des hôpitaux aux États-Unis, et nous avons retenu le groupe le plus représentatif, c’est-à-dire ceux qui comptent entre 200 et 400 lits. Les hôpitaux sont répartis dans presque toutes les régions du pays. L’étude a débuté à l’été de l’année 2000 et elle s’est terminée au printemps de 2002.Notre analyse s’appuie sur une enquête téléphonique auprès de 589 travailleurs, dans les quinze hôpitaux retenus, et comprend des questions sur tous les aspects du travail accompli et de la carrière. Nous avons aussi visité chaque hôpital où nous avons interviewés des gestionnaires, des surveillants et des représentants syndicaux. En recourant à l’analyse multivariée, nous avons ensuite analysé l’effet de la syndicalisation et des pratiques de travail sur la perception de la dignité au travail dans les établissements. Pour estimer la perception de la dignité au travail par les travailleurs, nous avons retenu trois variables dépendantes clés : la sécurité d’emploi, la satisfaction intrinsèque au travail et le traitement équitable de la part de l’employeur. Nos variables indépendantes incluent une mesure de l’enrichissement du travail, la participation à des comités de résolution de problèmes, la formation sur le tas ou d’ordre institutionnel, le champ d’action du syndicat, la perception de la suffisance du personnel et des ressources matérielles, la charge de travail ainsi que diverses variables de contrôle.Nous avons posé l’hypothèse que le fait de bonifier le travail, soit par un élargissement des tâches, soit par un accroissement du niveau d’habiletés requises, par l’offre de participation à la solution des problèmes au travail, par l’offre d’occasions de formation et le fait de disposer d’une représentation syndicale sur le lieu de travail devraient être liés de façon positive à des niveaux plus élevés de perception de la dignité au travail. Nos données nous indiquent qu’à l’exception des effets positifs de la formation, ni la restructuration du travail, ni la représentation syndicale ne présentaient des effets dans le sens anticipé. Dans le cas de ces travailleurs du secteur des services, les emplois sont si faiblement rémunérés, si exigeants physiquement et si peu gratifiants que le fait de les redessiner n’améliore pas la situation. Ce qui semble améliorer la perception de la dignité au travail est plutôt lié à l’accès à la formation, au fait de pouvoir compter sur du personnel en nombre suffisant et sur du matériel adéquat et en quantité suffisante et aussi de ne pas se faire demander d’accomplir plus que ce qu’on peut faire.Cependant, des modifications dans l’organisation du travail et la représentation syndicale ont été associées avec un niveau plus élevé de rémunération, une mesure de dignité particulièrement importante chez cette catégorie de travailleurs. Bien que la restructuration du travail, la formation et la représentation syndicale sont sources de hausses salariales, elles ne contribuent pas à l’ajout d’une valeur intrinsèque au travail, pas plus qu’à l’impression d’un traitement équitable de la part des employeurs. Ces deux effets sont plutôt liés à des enjeux inhérents au procès de travail, tels que la charge de travail, la présence d’un personnel suffisant et de ressources matérielles adéquates. Seule la formation demeure liée aux trois aspects de la dignité au travail.Ainsi, les changements dans la nature du travail, comme les travaux sur la promotion de la dignité au travail en relations industrielles le laissaient entendre, présentent peu ou pas de relation avec cette dernière variable chez cette catégorie de travailleurs à faibles revenus et peu qualifiés. L’enrichissement du travail, de même que la participation à des comité de résolution de problèmes ou la représentation syndicale n’améliorent pas la perception de dignité au travail chez ces travailleurs. Cependant, des salaires plus élevés, du personnel en nombre suffisant et la formation contribuent à une meilleure perception de la dignité au travail. Par conséquent, les politiques axées sur la formation et les qualifications des travailleurs peu rémunérés sont plus susceptibles d’avoir un impact important sur leur emploi et leurs perspectives d’avenir. De plus, les syndicats pourraient davantage aider leurs membres en négociant non seulement des salaires plus élevés, mais aussi du personnel en nombre suffisant et des ressources adéquates pour que les travailleurs et les travailleuses puissent bien accomplir leurs tâches.A partir de una encuesta telefónica con 589 trabajadores hospitalarios de Estados Unidos caracterizados por sus bajos salarios y nivel bajo de calificación, los autores investigan las características del medio laboral que influyen las percepciones de dignidad en el trabajo. Tanto las variables relativas a la organización del trabajo como aquellas de la representación sindical son investigadas como factores potenciales que afectan las percepciones de los trabajadores a propósito de lo que es un tratamiento justo de la parte de su empleador, la satisfacción intrínseca en el trabajo y la seguridad económica. La organización del trabajo y la representación sindical tienen poco efecto sobre la dignidad en el trabajo excepto cuando está asociada con los salarios elevados y por tanto, con un nivel mas elevado de seguridad económica. Los resultados indican que las remuneraciones mas elevadas, los niveles adecuados de personal y de recursos así como el acceso a la formación, son las variables que están mas fuertemente asociadas con la dignidad en el trabajo

Increasing false recognition rates with confirmatory feedback : a phenomenological analysis

Accepted ManuscriptDuring a simulated witness interrogation, participants were encouraged to confabulate an account consistent with false information concerning a videotaped event. The interviewer verbally affirmed some false responses. Previous research has shown that, a week later, participants often recognize confabulated events that were affirmed by the experimenter as being from the video. What is unclear is whether confirmatory feedback encouraged a change in the mental representation of the confabulated events to fit the original event or confirmation might have merely encouraged a change in beliefs about the event. To further understand the mechanisms that underlie the confirmatory feedback effect, participants were asked to judge the phenomenological experience associated with false recognition.Frost, R J., Lacroix, D., & Sanborn, N. (2004). Increasing false recognition rates with confirmatory feedback: A phenomenological analysis. The American Journal of Psychology, 116(4), 515-525. http://www.jstor.org/stable/142365

Why misinformation is more likely to be recognized over time : a source monitoring account

Accepted ManuscriptAlthough memory for actual events tends to be forgotten over time, memory for misinformation tends to be retrieved at a stable rate over long delays or at a rate greater than that found immediately after encoding. To examine whether source monitoring errors contribute to this phenomenon, two experiments investigated subjects’ memory for the source of misinformation at different retention intervals. Subjects viewed a slide presentation, read a narrative containing misinformation, and, either 10 minutes or 1 week later, completed a recognition test about details seen in the slides and about the source of these details. After the longer retention interval in both experiments, participants were more likely to agree that they had seen misleading information and were also more likely to incorrectly associate the misinformation with the slide event. Theoretical implications of these findings are considered.Frost, P., Ingraham, M., & Wilson, B. (2002). Why misinformation is more likely to be recognised over time: A source monitoring account. Memory, 10(3), 179-185. doi:10.1080/0965821014300031