Authoritarianism's inquiry in childhood: Correlations with social dominance orientation and values in boys and girls from Córdoba City (Argentina)

El estudio que se informa apuntó a analizar las relaciones existentes entre los niveles de autoritarismo y de orientación de dominancia social y los valores sociales en población infantil. Se trabajó con una muestra no probabilística de tipo accidental de 280 niños de la ciudad de Córdoba, de ambos sexos, que tenían entre 9 y 11 años. Se administró un cuestionario compuesto por tres escalas que indagaban las variables en estudio, previo consentimiento informado de los padres y autorizaciones de los niños y de las autoridades de las instituciones escolares, atendiendo a las variables sociodemográficas de edad y sexo de los participantes. Se efectuaron análisis uni y bivariados de las variables estudiadas. Los resultados confirman la relación positiva existente entre la Agresión autoritaria con la Orientación a la dominancia grupal, entre el autoritarismo en sus dos dimensiones (Agresión autoritaria y Sumisión autoritaria) y la Orientación a la dominancia grupal con los valores sociales de Conservación, y entre la Orientación a la dominancia grupal con los valores de Autopromoción. También complementariamente y de acuerdo a lo esperado, se ratificaron relaciones inversas entre la Oposición a la igualdad con los valores de Apertura al cambio y de Autotrascendencia y entre la Orientación a la dominancia grupal, con los valores de Autotrascendencia. No obstante e inesperadamente se evidenció una relación inversa entre la Sumisión autoritaria con la Oposición a la igualdad y con los valores de Apertura al cambio y entre la Oposición a la igualdad con los valores de Conservación. En función de los resultados obtenidos se discute acerca de las particularidades que adquiere esta articulación a los fines de realizar un aporte a la comprensión de actitudes autoritarias en la niñez, debido a que es una etapa crucial para la adquisición de actitudes que impactan directamente en el comportamiento político y social (Huerta, Bañuelos, Rodríguez, Luz & Gómez, 2006, en Imhoff & Brussino, 2010).This research, developed in the field of Political Psychology, aims to contribute to the understanding of authoritarian attitudes in during childhood, focusing on the relationships with other psychosocial and psycho-political variables such as social values and social dominance orientation. It's important to study the authoritarianism nowadays, due to the fact that it would obstruct the progress to a new political and economic model that allows the human development and the citizen's participation and involvement, favouring solidarity bonds and social identity (Zaiter, 2002). Thus, the scientific approach of this phenomenon makes its understanding possible and would give tools that can be used for the strengthening of democracy and the acquisition of values and democratic attitudes. Additionally, it's relevant to study the authoritarian attitudes in childhood owing to the fact that is an area of vacancy in the authoritarianism's field because most of the investigations study the authoritarianism in adults or teenagers. The research aims to analyze the relationships between the authoritarianism's level, the social dominance orientation's level and social values in children's population. This inquiry is a co-relational study in which the sample was selected using a non-random accidental sampling of 280 children from Córdoba city, male and female, from 9 to 11years old. The sample consists of 52.3% of girls and a 47.7% of boys, whereas in relation to the age distribution, there are 27.7% of 9 year old children, 32.6 % of 10 year old and 39.8% of 11 year old. The questionnaire was composed of three scales which inquiry into the variables involved and was applied with a previous parents' and head teachers' consent. These scales were: The adaptation of Altemeyer's (2006) Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) Scale to children from Córdoba city by Imhoff and Brussino (2011a); the adaptation of Sidanius and Pratto's (1999) Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale to children's population from Córdoba city by Imhoff and Brussino (2012), and the adaptation of Schwartz and Rubel-Lifschitz's (2009) Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) to children's population from Córdoba city by Imhoff and Brussino (2011b). In addition, socio-demographic variables such as sex and age were asked. Furthermore, the questionnaires were administered orally and individually to each child. Afterwards, univariate and bivariate analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Regarding the results, unvaried analysis showed a higher level of Authoritarian submission than Authoritarian aggression. In relation to social dominance orientation, high scores in Opposition to equality were obtained and a homogeneous distribution in the level of Group based-dominance. Meanwhile, concerning to the children's valorative preference, high scores were found in Self-enhancement, low scores in Self-transcendence and regarding to Conservation and Openness to change, significant differences were not found between high and low levels. Concerning the relationships between the variables, results confirmed a positive relation between Authoritarian aggression with Group based-dominance; between authoritarianism (both dimensions Authoritarian aggression and Authoritarian submission) and group based-dominance with Conservation; and between group based-dominance with Self-enhancement. Moreover, results also demonstrated a negative relationship between Opposition to equality with Openness to change and Self-transcendence; and between Groups based- dominance with Self-transcendence. On the other hand, results revealed a negative relationship between Authoritarian submission with Opposition to equality and Openness to change; and also between Opposition to equality with Conservation values. According to these results, the peculiarities that acquire this articulation are discussed in order to contribute to the understanding of authoritarian attitudes in childhood. Due to the fact that is a crucial stage for the acquisition of attitudes that impact directly in political and social behaviour (Huerta, Bañuelos, Rodríguez, Luz & Gómez, 2006).Fil: Marasca, María Micaela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Marasca, Roxana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Imhoff, Débora Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Psicología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Aproximações generalizadas de campo médio para jogos evolutivos em redes

Evolutionary game theory offers interesting models for the study of the emergence and maintenance of cooperation. One mechanism that can maintain cooperation in a Prisoner’s Dilemma is affixing players in a network, under imitation dynamics (NOWAK; MAY, 1992). Interestingly, it was found that dilution of this lattice may lead to an enhancement of cooperation (VAINSTEIN; ARENZON, 2001), and this increase has a connection to the percolation threshold of the lattice (WANG; SZOLNOKI; PERC, 2012a). We intend to explore this phenomenon using extended mean-field approximations. We didactically present the construction of these approximations and develop a simple and clear algorithm that systematically implements an approximation method based on the ideas presented by Gutowitz & Victor (1987), explaining them in a simple way of under/overrepresentation of structures. We use this method to explore and compare different approximations for the square lattice. We found that the most commonly used pair approximation for the square lattice does not have the best predictions amongst the pair approximations, at least in the evolutionary game system analysed. We use pair approximations for different diluted lattices to explore the connection of percolation and the increase of cooperation. The pair approximations reproduce the phenomenon in a qualitative way. We find that, for the pair approximation, the site-occupancy at which the peak of cooperation disappears can be changed by alterations in the noise of the imitation function probability, including changing the peak to beyond the percolation threshold. These could be explained if the increase of cooperation happens due to favorable local configurations becoming more probable around some site occupation values, which could be confused with the percolation threshold.A Teoria de Jogos Evolutivos oferece modelos interessantes para o estudo da emergência e manutenção da cooperação. Um mecanismo que consegue manter a cooperação no Dilema do Prisioneiro é a fixação dos jogadores em uma rede, usando dinâmica de imitação (NOWAK; MAY, 1992). Um resultado interessante que foi encontrado é que a diluição dessas redes pode levar a um aumento da cooperação (VAINSTEIN; ARENZON, 2001), e este aumento tem uma conexão com o limite de percolação crítico da rede (WANG; SZOLNOKI; PERC, 2012a). Nós pretendemos explorar esse fenômeno usando aproximações de campo-médio extendidas. Como parte dessa exploração, apresentamos didaticamente a construção dessas aproximações e desenvolvemos um algoritmo claro e simples para sistematicamente implementar um método de aproximação baseado nas idéias apresentadas por Gutowitz & Victor (1987), explicando-as de uma forma simples, através do conceito de sub/super-representação de estruturas. Com o uso deste método para explorar e comparar diferentes aproximações na rede quadrada, encontramos que a aproximação mais comumente usada não apresenta as melhores previsões entre as diferentes aproximações de pares para a rede quadrada, ao menos no sistema de jogo evolucionário analisado. Usando aproximações de pares para diferentes redes diluídas, exploramos a conexão entre percolação e o aumento de cooperadores. As aproximações de pares reproduzem o fenômeno de uma forma qualitativa. Descobrimos que, ao menos para as aproximações de pares, o pico de cooperação desaparece em diferentes ocupações de rede com alterações do ruído na função da probabilidade de imitação, incluindo mudanças para além do limite crítico de percolação. Esses fatos podem ser explicados caso o aumento da cooperação esteja ligada a configurações locais mais favoráveis se tornarem mais provável para alguns valores de ocupação da rede, valores estes que p

Disclosing the Health Value through Integrated Report: An Explorative Research

This study aims to investigated if the integrated report, according to the IIRC (International Integrated Reporting Council) Framework, has the potential to disclose health information and to address citizens’ expectations. An explorative case was conducted in an Italian public hospital follows the action research approach. Semi-structured interviews were asked by researchers to reach a deep understanding of the phenomenon under study. The results show that Integrated Reporting is able to disclose the value created: the health outcome. There is a need for Integrated Reporting Framework adjustments for health sector purposes: in relation to some capitals of the framework, to the concept of value created in its particular emphasis on health outcome for patients and to the need to find a more effective communication method. The absence of stakeholder engagement activities in the Integrated Reporting adoption process influences the attractiveness of the document. In fact, the Integrated Reporting user appears to be only the financing institutio

CSR Motivations in Voluntary Non-Financial Disclosures: The Preparers’ Voice

CSR reports are communication tools, appropriate for informing stakeholders of the CSR practices conducted by organizations. This article aims to explore the reasons why complex organizations have adopted on purpose the CSR report to meet their needs, and to discover why they have chosen to adopt the integrated report as an alternative to the sustainability report. This study is based on an explanatory case study of two healthcare organizations that have exactly implemented Integrated Reporting (IR), instead of Sustainability Reporting. The research method used is the field study. This work points out how organizations create and use CSR reports, even if they are not mandatory. If the IR looks like a “managerial innovation”, there is always a risk that the diffusion of these tools could simply be the latest popular trend, followed by internal or external proponents, rather than a rational decision-making process. The study has implications for the policymakers, the organizations, and their integrated report. The policymakers can understand if this tool can be useful for the organizations, to promote internal CSR. The study contributes to literature about the willingness to publish CSR reports, as an expression of the internal and external factors that influence voluntary reporting choices

The melanin pigmentation: cellular and biomolecular mechanisms

Several factors are determinant for the color of human skin: the thickness of the stratum corneum, the speed of blood flow, the degree of oxygenation of hemoglobin but the main role is played by the presence of pigments such as carotenoids and, above all, melanin. The amount and the type of melanin is genetically determined, but they are strongly influenced by the other conditions such as hormonal and environmental: age, presence of metal ions, and inflammatory processes, and specifically exposure to sunlight. In vertebrates, melanocytes cells, responsible for the production of melanin, have the main function, but not exclusively, to protect the skin from the genotoxic stress produced by ultraviolet rays (UV); melanin absorbs the UV and neutralizers reactive oxygen species (ROS) they produce. Some studies clarified, at least in part, enzymatic and non enzymatic factors involved in the biosynthesis of melanin and the molecular mechanisms underlying the different responses of skin pigmentation to external stimuli, particularly to solar radiation. In this review we want to revise the cellular and biochemical aspects of skin pigmentation

Digital technologies and the evolution of the management accounting profession: a grounded theory literature review

This paper aims to critically examine the accounting and information systems literature to understand the changes that are occurring in the management accounting profession. The changes the authors are interested in are linked to technology-driven innovations in managerial decision-making and in organizational structures. In addition, the paper highlights research gaps and opportunities for future research. The authors adopted a grounded theory literature review method (Wolfswinkel et al., 2013) to achieve the study’s aims. The authors identified four research themes that describe the changes in the management accounting profession due to technology-driven innovations: structured vs unstructured data, human vs algorithm-driven decision-making, delineated vs blurred functional boundaries and hierarchical vs platform-based organizations. The authors also identified tensions mentioned in the literature for each research theme. Previous studies display a rather narrow focus on the role of digital technologies in accounting work and new competences that management accountants require in the digital era. By contrast, the authors focus on the broader technology-driven shifts in organizational processes and structures, which vastly change how accounting information is collected, processed and analyzed internally to support managerial decision-making. Hence, the paper focuses on how management accountants can adapt and evolve as their organizations transition toward a digital environment

CONSIDERAÇÕES ACERCA DA GÊNESE DO CRISTIANISMO E SUA INFLUÊNCIA NO DIREITO ROMANO

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo principal compreender a relação de influência exercida pelo Cristianismo no Direito Romano do Império, bem como os seus reflexos no Direito Contemporâneo. Para tanto, a metodologia utilizada foi  pesquisa bibliográfica de cunho qualitativo, método  que melhor compõe a análise múltipla e completa do tema em questão. A estruturação do trabalho incia-se com uma apreciação acerca do surgimento e ascenção da religião cristã no Império, tendo sido incialmente negligenciada, perseguida e, por fim, incorporada à cultura romana. Na sequência, são demonstrados os meios a partir dos quais o Cristianismo passou a exercer influência na legislação romana, enfatizando-se a participação da patrística e dos imperadores Justiniano, Teodósio e Constantino. Este estudo também buscou especificar as mudanças ocorridas na legislação imperial com relação à escravidão, onde a incorporação do cristianismo foi um atenuante ao tratamento desumano empregado para com os escravos, tendo sido responsável, entre outras coisas, pela proibição da crucificação e da marca servil nos escravizados. No tocante à família, a influência da nova religião foi profunda: o casamento adquiriru caráter sacramental,  o concubinato foi proibido, e o pátrio poder passou a ser limitado, harmonziando as relações familiares. Pôde-se inferir, a partir dessa pesquisa, que o Cristianismo foi um divisor de águas no campo jurídico, visto que, ao transpor-se na legislação romana, modificando-a, pulverizou os costumes da época no Direito Contemporâneo

Os instrumentos não convencionais de política monetária em um contexto de taxas de juros no “Zero Lower Bound”

A crise financeira de 2007-2008 se configurou como uma ruptura no sistema financeiro e trouxe à tona um novo desafio aos formuladores de políticas. Foi nesse contexto que o Federal Reserve, sob a presidência de Ben Bernanke, adotou uma série de políticas não convencionais no intuito de gerar estímulo monetário adicional à economia americana, com destaque ao Forward Guidance e ao Quantitative Easing. Fora dos Estados Unidos outras políticas não convencionais foram adotadas, com destaque para a política de taxas de juros negativas e para o controle da curva de juros. Este trabalho, através de uma revisão sistemática da literatura bibliográfica existente, visa contemplar uma análise sobre estas políticas, estudando de que forma elas foram postas em prática pelos bancos centrais, explorando seus mecanismos de transmissão às variáveis da economia e investigando sua efetividade sobre tais, bem como seus possíveis custos e riscos de implementação. O trabalho inclui também uma discussão a respeito do que a literatura existente recomenda sobre o uso das políticas monetárias não convencionais e qual o melhor framework a ser adotado pelos bancos centrais frente ao problema do zero lower bound. Diversas abordagens e metodologias foram analisadas e, apesar de não haver um consenso amplo, todas as políticas estudadas parecem ter obtido resultados positivos em termos de geração de estímulo monetário, embora em graus distintos, e devem permanecer no kit ferramental dos bancos centrais para o enfrentamento de futuras recessões.The financial crisis of 2007-2008 was a rupture in the financial system and brought up a new challenge for policymakers. In this context, the Federal Reserve, under the chairmanship of Ben Bernanke, adopted a series of unconventional policies, providing additional stimulus to the American economy, with emphasis on Forward Guidance and Quantitative Easing. Outside the United States, other unconventional policies were adopted, such as yield curve control and negative interest rates. This study, through a systematic review of the existing bibliographic literature, analysis these policies, studying how they were put into practice, exploring their transmission mechanisms to economic variables, and investigating their effectiveness as well as their possible costs and risks of implementation. The study also discusses the use of unconventional monetary policies and what is the best framework to be adopted by central banks in face of zero lower bound. Even though there is no broad consensus in the existing literature, all the policies studied seem to have positive results in terms of generating monetary stimulus, although to varying degrees. It seems reasonable to defend that these instruments should remain in the central banks' toolkit for tackling future recessions

Impact of nitrogen flushing and oil choice on the progression of lipid oxidation in unwashed fried sliced potato crisps

Unwashed, sliced, batch-fried potato crisps have a unique texture and are growing in popularity in the UK/EU premium snack food market. In this study, the storage stability of unwashed sliced (high surface starch) potatoes (crisps) fried in regular sunflower oil (SO) or in high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) was compared over accelerated shelf life testing (45 °C, 6 weeks); with and without nitrogen gas flushing. Primary oxidation products (lipid hydroperoxides) were measured with a ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) assay and volatile secondary oxidation products (hexanal) were quantified by using solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). Results revealed that crisps fried in SO were the least stable. Flushing the stored crisps with nitrogen gas proved to be effective in slowing down the oxidation rate after frying with sunflower oil, significantly stabilizing the crisps. However, crisps fried in HOSO were the most stable, with the lowest rate of development of oxidation markers, and this has previously not been shown for crisps with a high free starch content