Democratic Support, Populism, and the Incumbency Effect

Many have argued that the rise of populism presents a danger to liberal democracy. But do supporters of populist parties oppose liberal democracy? Using an original survey instrument covering 28 European democracies, we examine support for aspects of liberal democracy among populist- and nonpopulist-party supporters. Our findings show that it is not primarily populism, but rather incumbency status that correlates with a lack of support for liberal-democratic norms that can constrain majority rule. This is especially the case for radical-right party supporters who favor liberal democracy when in opposition, but oppose core liberal-democratic norms when in government

Adolescents and MP3 Players: Too Many Risks, Too Few Precautions

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to assess risky and protective listening behaviors of adolescent users of MP3 players and the association of these behaviors with demographic characteristics and frequency of use. METHODS. In 2007, 1687 adolescents (12–19 years of age) in 68 classes in 15 Dutch secondary schools were invited to complete questionnaires about their music-listening behaviors. RESULTS. Ninety percent of participants reported listening to music through earphones on MP3 players; 32.8% were frequent users, 48.0% used high volume settings, and only 6.8% always or nearly always used a noise-limiter. Frequent users were _4 times more likely to listen to high-volume music than were infrequent users, and adolescents in practical prevocational schools were more than twice as likely to listen to high-volume music as were those attending preuniversity education. CONCLUSIONS. When using MP3 players, adolescents are very likely to engage in risky listening behaviors and are unlikely to seek protection. Frequent MP3 player use is an indicator of other risky listening behaviors, such as listening at high volumes and failing to use noise-limiter

Training balance recovery in people with incomplete SCI wearing a wearable exoskeleton

Improving stability of people wearing a lower extremity Wearable Exoskeleton (WE) is one of the biggest challenges in the field. The goal of this preliminary study was to improve balance recovery from perturbations in people with incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) assisted by a WE with specifically developed balance controller. The WE has actuated ankle and knee joints, which were controlled by using a body sway-based balance controller. Two test pilots participated in 5 training sessions, devoted to enhance the use of the robot, and in pre/post assessments. Their balance during quiet standing was perturbed through pushes in forward direction. The controller was effective in supporting balance recovery in both tests pilots as reflected by a smaller sway amplitude and recovery time when compared with a minimal impedance controller. Moreover, the training resulted in a further reduction of the sway amplitude and recovery time in one of the test pilots whereas it had not an additional beneficial effect for the other subject. In conclusion, the novel balance controller can effectively assist people with incomplete SCI in maintaining standing balance and a dedicated training has the potential to further improve balance.</p

Relationships between anopheline mosquitoes and topography in West Timor and Java, Indonesia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is a serious health issue in Indonesia. Mosquito control is one aspect of an integrated malaria management programme. To focus resources on priority areas, information is needed about the vectors and their habitats. This research aimed to identify the relationship between anopheline mosquitoes and topography in West Timor and Java.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Study areas were selected in three topographic types in West Timor and Java. These were: coastal plain, hilly (rice field) and highland. Adult mosquitoes were captured landing on humans identified to species level and counted.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eleven species were recorded, four of which were significant for malaria transmission: <it>Anopheles aconitus, Anopheles barbirostris, Anopheles subpictus </it>and <it>Anopheles sundaicus</it>. Each species occupied different topographies, but only five were significantly associated: <it>Anopheles annularis, Anopheles vagus </it>and <it>Anopheles subpictus </it>(Java only) with hilly rice fields; <it>Anopheles barbirostris, Anopheles maculatus </it>and <it>Anopheles subpictus </it>(West Timor only) with coastal areas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Information on significant malaria vectors associated with specific topography is useful for planning the mosquito control aspect of malaria management.</p