The Peacock Effect: The Influence of the Opposite Sex on Aggressive Behavior

Most widely-accepted models for aggression do not explicitly address an important variable that roots in evolutionary psychology: the presence of a potential mate. The current research investigates whether the presence of an attractive or unattractive member of the opposite sex influences hypothetical aggression. Participants (N = 1035) imagined themselves in front of an attractive or non-attractive member of the opposite sex (accompanied by pictures of corresponding attractiveness levels), and indicate their aggressive intentions after a provocation, or not. Results from the 2(sex) x 2(attractiveness) ANOVA showed that males viewing an image of an attractive female aggressed more when provoked than males viewing a non-attractive female. These effects were absent for females

A class of infinite convex geometries

Various characterizations of finite convex geometries are well known. This note provides similar characterizations for possibly infinite convex geometries whose lattice of closed sets is strongly coatomic and lower continuous. Some classes of examples of such convex geometries are given.Comment: 10 page

Topological phonon modes in filamentous structures

Topological phonon modes are robust vibrations localized at the edges of special structures. Their existence is determined by the bulk properties of the structures and, as such, the topological phonon modes are stable to changes occurring at the edges. The first class of topological phonons was recently found in 2-dimensional structures similar to that of Microtubules. The present work introduces another class of topological phonons, this time occurring in quasi one-dimensional filamentous structures with inversion symmetry. The phenomenon is exemplified using a structure inspired from that of actin Microfilaments, present in most live cells. The system discussed here is probably the simplest structure that supports topological phonon modes, a fact that allows detailed analysis in both time and frequency domains. We advance the hypothesis that the topological phonon modes are ubiquitous in the biological world and that living organisms make use of them during various processes.Comment: accepted for publication (Phys. Rev. E

A Model of Psychological Disengagement

This paper presents the preliminary findings of research into the disengagement from highly entitative and ideological social groups, such as one percent motorcycle clubs, military special forces and fundamental ideological groups. Using a grounded theory approach, the discourse of 25 former members identified the discrepancy between group membership and the self-concept as the core theme in the disengagement experience. This model presents the process of experiencing a threat, self-concept discrepancy and management, physical disengagement and the post-exit identity. The findings indicate a consistent experience of disengagement and allow further understanding to the factors influencing membership appraisal

Entitativity and ideology: a grounded theory of disengagement

Highly entitative sub-groups with strong ideologies ensure members are committed to the groups cause making disengagement a significant life event. This paper provides an insight into the current study of the psychological and social factors influencing the experience of personal disengagement from HESGIs. Semi-structured interviews were held with former members of one percent motorcycle clubs, fundamental religious groups, a pseudopsychotherapeutic cult, political activist groups, and military Special Forces. Using purposive sampling, participants were recruited through informal networks, internet requests and snowballing methods. Data analysis is at the preliminary stages, but through the coding and analysis methods of Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) grounded theory, interesting points have been noted in terms of causes for disillusionment, social distancing, and the self-identity

Green chemistry and green engineering in China: drivers, policies and barriers to innovation

With the world’s largest population and consistently rapid rates of economic growth, China faces a choice of whether it will move towards a more sustainable development trajectory. This paper identifies the different factors driving innovation in the fields of green chemistry and green engineering in China, which we find to be largely driven by energy efficiency policy, increasingly strict enforcement of pollution regulations, and national attention to cleaner production concepts, such as “circular economy.” We also identify seven key barriers to the development and implementation of green chemistry and engineering in China. They are (1) competition between economic growth and environmental agendas, (2) regulatory and bureaucratic barriers, (3) availability of research funding, (4) technical barriers, (5)workforce training, (6) industrial engineering capacity, and (7) economic and financial barriers. Our analysis reveals that the most crucial barriers to green chemistry and engineering nnovations in China appear to be those that arise from competing priorities of economic growth and environmental protection as well as the technical challenges that arise from possessing a smaller base of experienced human capital. We find that there is a great deal of potential for both the development of the underlying science, as well as its implementation throughout the chemical enterprise, especially if investment occurs before problems of technological lock-in and sunk costs emerge

Review: Disillusionment with Radical Social Groups

Disengagement from radical social groups is a complex process initiated by the experience of a crisis, or disillusionment causing a re-evaluation of involvement. This paper provides a review of the experiences that hinder group involvement and increases the likelihood of disengagement. Utilising the categorisation by Klandersman (2005) and Demant et al. (2008a), the factors are discussed under the themes of normative, affective, and continuance. Normative factors rely on the ideological premise to ensure membership is viewed as a moral obligation, while the affective factors incorporate the social and organisational aspects facilitating emotional attachment to the group, and continuance factors are those influencing the cost and benefits of group involvement. Commitment to radical social groups becomes vulnerable when the material, psychological and communal benefits of membership are outweighed by the resources required for association and the inability to achieve desirable outcomes

Commitment and the 1% Motorcycle Club: Threats to the Brotherhood

The brotherhood ethos is the founding principle of the 1% motorcycle clubs community. Interviews with former members and partners show how threatening this social bond can reduce satisfaction and lead to doubts over involvement with the club