Intramanual and intermanual transfer of the curvature aftereffect

The existence and transfer of a haptic curvature aftereffect was investigated to obtain a greater insight into neural representation of shape. The haptic curvature aftereffect is the phenomenon whereby a flat surface is judged concave if the preceding touched stimulus was convex and vice versa. Single fingers were used to touch the subsequently presented stimuli. A substantial aftereffect was found when the adaptation surface and the test surface were touched by the same finger. Furthermore, a partial, but significant transfer of the aftereffect was demonstrated between fingers of the same hand and between fingers of both the hands. These results provide evidence that curvature information is not only represented at a level that is directly connected to the mechanoreceptors of individual fingers but is also represented at a stage in the somatosensory cortex shared by the fingers of both the hands

The effects of culture, attitudes and perceptions on industrial cluster policy – the case of Russia

Culture, attitudes and perceptions have an underappreciated effect on industrial cluster policies particularly in transition economies, where long-established local social norms are confronted with hard-pressed external imperatives. This paper examines the impact of cultural and governmental peculiarities in the Russian context on the development of Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks. Based on some stylised facts about the Russian context, in-depth interviews and surveys of the managing companies and tenants of all industrial clusters in Russia, we find cultural and governmental characteristics emerge as major influences on the effective development of industrial cluster policies. We develop an adapted industrial cluster model that accommodates these factors and suggests a policy pathway for mitigation

Was sind die Erfahrungen von Schlaganfallpatienten mit einer modifizierten Form der Constraint Induced Movement Therapy? Eine hermeneutisch-phänomenologische Untersuchung zur Ergänzung der randomisiert kontrollierten Studie HOMECIMT

Purpose. In the present study we want to propose a classification system to quantify cystoceles by perineal ultrasound (PUS). Materials and Methods. 120 PUS data were analyzed measuring the distance between the lowest point of the bladder and the midpubic line (MPL) during rest and Valsalva. Results were classified into groups and compared to POP-Q using the κ-coefficient. Results for exact bladder position were checked for interrater reliability using ICC and Pearson’s coefficient and results for classification were checked using the κ-coefficient. Bladder positions at rest and Valsalva were correlated with the distance between these points. Results. Highly significant differences concerning the position at rest and the distance between rest and Valsalva were found between the groups. For the interrater agreement, the Pearson correlation coefficient was ρ=0.98, the ICC (A-1) = 0.98, and κ=1.00. Comparing the classification results for POP-Q and PUS, the kappa-coefficient was κ=0.65. Conclusion. PUS using the MPL and the classification system is a highly reliable tool for the evaluation of cystoceles. PUS shows good correlation with POP-Q. Furthermore, PUS offers a doubtless identification of the descending organ. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical use of the classification system proposed here

Michael Porter’s Competitiveness Framework—Recent Learnings and New Research Priorities

The conceptual framework of competitiveness and clusters introduced by Michael Porter in his Competitive Advantage of Nations (Free, New York, 1990 ) remains exceptionally influential, especially among practitioners. The article discusses recent learnings about Porter's conceptual framework from practical applications and research directly driven by his work. It also outlines developments in the creation and analysis of empirical datasets and the analysis of policy processes, two main areas of current research in this field that are likely to increase in importance. The aim is to provide a coherent and current representation of key elements of the framework, while also discussing a few misperceptions about the concept present among practitioners or researchers. Copyright Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2006competitiveness, clusters, business environment, analysis, F23, L52, O13, O57, R12,