The effects of exposure to images of others’ suffering and vulnerability on altruistic, trust-based, and reciprocated economic decision-making

In this paper we explored the effects of exposure to images of the suffering and vulnerability of others on altruistic, trust-based, and reciprocated incentivized economic decisions, accounting for differences in participants’ dispositional empathy and reported in-group trust for their recipient(s). This was done using a pictorial priming task, framed as a memory test, and a triadic economic game design. Using the largest experimental sample to date to explore this issue, our integrated analysis of two online experiments (total N = 519), found statistically consistent evidence that exposure to images of suffering and vulnerability (vs. neutral images) increased altruistic in-group giving as measured by the “triple dictator game”, and that the manipulation was significantly more effective in those who reported lower trust for their recipients. The experimental manipulation also significantly increased altruistic giving in the standard “dictator game” and trust-based giving in the “investment game”, but only in those who were lower in in-group trust and also high in affective or cognitive empathy. Complementary qualitative evidence revealed the strongest motivations associated with increased giving in the experimental condition were greater assumed reciprocation and a lower aversion to risk. However, no consistent effects of the experimental manipulation on participants’ reciprocated decisions were observed. These findings suggest that, as well as altruistic decision-making in the “triple dictator game”, collaboratively witnessing the suffering of others may heighten trust-based in-group giving in the “investment game” for some people, but the effects are heterogeneous and sensitive to context

Infra-Red Thermal Measurement on a Low Power Infra-Red Emitter in CMOS Technology

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version.This paper presents high temperature characterisation of a novel infra-red (IR) emitter chip based on CMOS technology, using IR thermal microscopy. The performance and reliability of the thermal source is highly dependent on the operating temperature and temperature uniformity across the micro-heater which is embedded within the silicon dioxide membrane. To date, the accuracy of the IR measurement has been limited by the optical transparency of the semiconductor material forming the membrane, which has poor emissivity compared to a black-body source. In this paper, a high emissivity micro-particle sensor is used improve the accuracy of the temperature measurements. IR measurements on the emitter chip were validated with reference to temperature measurements made using an electrical technique where good temperature uniformity across the membrane heater was found

Developments in surface passenger transport. Implications for tourism

This paper was presented at the 1991 Tourism Outlook Forum (Australian Tourism Research Institute). It examines the state of play in the surface passenger transport system and comments on the implications of developments for tourism. Transport is increasingly being regarded as a weak link in Australian tourism, largely due to the declining standard of infrastructure. Nowhere is this more evident than in the road system. As governments at all levels attempt to cope with less resources, road funding is not keeping pace with traffic growth. As a consequence, some of the nation’s busiest highways are in need of major upgrading. The automobile, the most commonly used form of tourist transport, is becoming more fuel efficient as a result of technological developments and environmental pressures. The bus and coach industry is undergoing major changes as a result of competitive pressures both from within the industry and from other modes. Whilst the prospects for charter operations are sound, long-distance express services are under threat, especially as airline competition erodes their market. Conventional rail is also suffering in this environment, but the five government rail systems are under increasing pressure to curb the deficits on long-distance passenger services. The likely outcome is a more efficient rail operation with higher fares and better services on lines with the heaviest traffic. This should provide better opportunities to incorporate rail into tourism products, but rail’s roll will be limited. The proposal to introduce a network of high speed rail services connecting Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide with service levels similar to airline standards offers hope of a significant expansion of the travel market. The Very Fast Train proposal could have a major impact on air and other public transport modes, but would also aim to take a sizable proportion of people out of their cars. This would make it easier to develop attractive packages for a broader tourist market. Finally, Bass Strait has seen the introduction of a high speed ferry and the TT Line will replace the Abel Tasman in 1993 with a luxurious and larger vessel. The outlook for the future is a transport sector with a growing recognition that it is a vital part of tourism

Percutaneous Medial Collateral Ligament Repair and Posteromedial Corner Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is among the most commonly injured structures of the knee. Most cases are managed nonoperatively; however, grade III injuries and injuries associated with multiligament injuries to the knee are often managed surgically. MCL reconstruction procedures are the most widely used surgical option, but modern advancements have seen a renewed interest in ligamentous repair that avoids graft-site morbidity. In addition, augmentation of the repair protects the ligament during the healing phase and allows early mobilization. This article describes, with video illustration, percutaneous MCL repair and posteromedial corner repair with suture tape augmentation

Public sector reforms, privatisation and regimes of control in a Chinese enterprise

The Chinese economic reform has recently become a major focus of attention around the world. The underlying rationale for the Chinese government's privatisation and public sector reforms is the view that reformed state enterprises and privately managed firms will demonstrate superior management control and better performance, and hence encourage economic growth and employment. There are very few intensive case studies published in English journals studying whether firms privatised in China have reversed previous losses and introduced better management controls, leading to increased investment, productivity, and overall organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The researchers do not seek to deny the control problems of Chinese SOEs, but question the consequences of the new controls installed during the post-privatisation period. The paper also reveals a declining tendency in employment; altered distributions of wealth ? especially to the state ? and labour, and a lack of improvements in the accountability of privatised companies. Overall, the paper argues, the aims of reform policies in China, including better control, increased profitability and an improved working life for Chinese people, have not materialized. The paper calls for more research on the above issues in the Chinese context

Biogeography of Caladenia (Orchidaceae), with special reference to the South-west Australian Floristic Region

Caladenia contains 376 species and subspecies, of which almost all are endemic to temperate and southern semiarid Australia. Eleven species occur in New Zealand, 10 of which are endemic, and one species is widely distributed in eastern Australia and the western Pacific. Only three species occur in both south-western and south-eastern Australia. At subgeneric level, Drakonorchis is endemic to the South-west Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR), Stegostyla to eastern Australia and New Zealand, whereas three subgenera, Calonema, Phlebochilus and Elevatae occur on both sides of the Nullarbor Plain. Subgenus Caladenia is primarily eastern Australian but also extends to the western Pacific. The largest subgenera (Calonema and Phlebochilus) have radiated extensively, with Calonema exhibiting a greater concentration of species in more mesic parts of the SWAFR than Phlebochilus. Within the SWAFR, the major biogeographic division within Caladenia follows the 600-mm isohyet. Within rainfall zones, biogeographic districts for Caladenia correlate with a combination of underlying geology and surface soils. Areas of high endemism contain diverse edaphic environments. Climatic and edaphic requirements are likely to be key drivers of rarity in Caladenia, although these parameters may be acting in concert with mycorrhizal and pollinator specificity

The Work of Recovery on Two Assertive Community Treatment Teams

The compatibility of recovery work with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model has been debated; and little is known about how to best measure the work of recovery. Two ACT teams with high and low recovery orientation were identified by expert consensus and compared on a number of dimensions. Using an interpretive, qualitative approach to analyze interview and observation data, teams differed in the extent to which the environment, team structure, staff attitudes, and processes of working with consumers supported principles of recovery orientation. We present a model of recovery work and discuss implications for research and practice

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main restraining force in the first 20° of flexion against lateral patellar displacement and is disrupted after patellar subluxation or dislocation. MPFL reconstruction is frequently performed when conservative management fails and the patient has recurrent patellar dislocations. However, a variety of complications have been reported in the literature with this procedure. Internal bracing with suture tape augmentation encourages healing and allows early mobilization. This article describes, with video illustration, MPFL repair with suture tape augmentation