Doctor of Philosophy / Psychological Sciences / Kimberly Kirkpatrick / Risky decisions are inherently characterized by the potential to receive gains and losses from these choices, and gains and losses have distinct effects on global risky choice behavior and the likelihoods of making risky choices depending on the outcome of the previous choice. One translationally-relevant phenomenon of risky choice is loss-chasing, in which individuals make risky choices following losses. However, the mechanisms of loss-chasing are poorly understood. The goal of two experiments was to illuminate the mechanisms governing individual differences in loss-chasing and risky choice behaviors. In two experiments, rats chose between a certain outcome that always delivered reward and a risky outcome that probabilistically delivered reward. In Experiment 1, loss processing and loss-chasing behavior were assessed in the context of losses-disguised-as-wins (LDWs), or loss outcomes presented along with gain-related stimuli. The rats presented with LDWs were riskier and less sensitive to differential losses. In Experiment 2, these behaviors were assessed relative to the number of risky losses that could be experienced. Here, the addition of reward omission or a small non-zero loss to the possible risky outcomes elicited substantial individual differences in risky choice, with some rats increasing, decreasing, or maintaining their previous risky choice preferences. Several reinforcement learning (RL) models were fit to individual rats’ data to elucidate the possible psychological mechanisms that best accounted for individual differences in risky choice and loss-chasing behaviors. The RL analyses indicated that the critical predictors of risky choice and loss-chasing behavior were the different rates that individuals updated value estimates with newly experienced gains and losses. Thus, learning deficits may predict individual differences in maladaptive risky decision making. Accordingly, targeted interventions to alleviate learning deficits may ultimately increase the likelihood of making more optimal and informed choices.

This study deals with a very common problem encountered in many automotive industries. Automotive companies try to level the production of different models over time based on the demands for these models in the market. In order to achieve this, they introduce a leveled stream of cars in the beginning of the production line. But because of many reasons this leveled stream gets disturbed in its course. In order to re-level the stream, buffers are used between the shops. One such buffer is called as selectivity bank and it sits between paint shop and assembly shop. This buffer receives a disturbed sequence from the paint shop. The thesis tries to develop different algorithms that can be used to discharge cars from this buffer in order to achieve better leveling in the presence of rework and assembly constraints. These algorithms continuously try to steer the system from an undesirable state to a more desirable state by keeping track of current conditions in the plant. A simulation model is developed, which gives a platform for comparing relative performance of these logics under different conditions. The simulation tool is also helpful in designing optimum size of this buffer that will result in desired leveling performance.

High accessibility to internet technology and popularization of focus media has given rise to various emerging subcultures among the younger generation who constantly seek novelty and unique lifestyles. The Otaku subculture is one such adolescent subculture, a culture of avid ACG (animation, comic, games) collectors, while pop music fans belong to another youth subculture deeply involved in gathering and tracking the lives and performances of pop music stars. As the adolescent is becoming the most purchasing power consumer group of fashion product, this research aims at comparing the traits of the above two adolescent subcultures and their influences on buying behavior tendencies toward subculture-specific merchandises. This research is also attempting to develop an analytical model through comparison of two studies. The research framework is constructed based on the assumption that the traits of adolescent subcultures influence the subculture-specific consumptions and is examined on two studies of Otaku and pop music fans subcultures respectively. The same investigation methods are applied in two studies. First, the review of prior studies and findings of focus group interview with sample of five representative adolescents were integrated into a tentative model. Then, the questionnaire was developed based on the tentative model and the focus group interview findings, and sample of survey in two studies are 105 and 101 respectively. Survey data were examined by factor analysis and structural equation modeling for the verification of the tentative model, and finally a revised model is developed based on comparison of two studies results. Results show that the personality, values and lifestyle of subculture¡¦s main traits dimensions influence their buying behavior, although the Otaku and pop music fans take part in different activities and embrace different personality traits and values. The results also verify a feasible generalized analytical model for measuring the influences of the traits of specific adolescent subcultures on their buying behavior. This research offers some implications for consumer behavior and marketing communication including (1) comprehensive customer investigation is needed to understand what adolescents think and want; (2) providing attractive content and (3) adopting modern media to attract and access adolescent subculture group; (4) marketing communication appeals should match adolescents self-images to get their identification; and (5) providing total subculture solution in integrated marketing programs.

This study has endeavored to discover the pertinent characteristics associated with sports gambling. Three variables appear to be especially prominent in the literature concerning gambling. Chasing one's losses is a gambling specific behavior that has been linked to pathological gambling (Lesieur, 1984). When gambler's chase their losses, they attempt to win back previously lost wagers with future gambles. In addition, previous research has focused on both the cognitive and decision making processes associated with gambling (Kahneman & Tversky, 1978; Langer, 1975). I have hypothesized that the manner in which cognitive processes, decision making, and chasing one's losses interact is a primary variable that contributes to pathological gambling. An additional hypothesis concerns the manner in which sports knowledge affects gambling behavior. The research described in this dissertation has attempted to examine the relevant cognitive and decision making processes associated with pathological gambling. Subjects engaged in gambling simulation over a six week period of time. This simulation replicated real-world gambling with the exception that money could not be lost. The top three winners were paid a percentage of their earnings in order to help insure internal validity. Results indicate that subjects with a high degree of sports knowledge gambled at a higher level and lost a greater amount of wagers than subjects with a low degree of sports knowledge. Implications associated with this include the possibility that individuals utilize knowledge as way to discount and distort statistical probabilities associated with gambling. In this study, cognition processes and decision making were not related to gambling outcomes. / text

The question of animals and performance defines the crossroads of the academic fields of Critical Animals Studies and Performance Studies, giving rise to the proposition of inter-species performance. But are all performances that integrate animals into the production inter-species? Or are there different manners of collaboration? In 2008 and my horse, Katrina, and I rode across Canada. Though this event was not undertaken as a performance endeavour, the production that emerged can be understood as a uniquely collaborative human/equine performance – The Ride. The Ride presented a meeting through the middle of an inter-species partnership that was performance in its foundation of physical communication and learned cooperation between a human and a horse. The Ride was an event that “became” a performance due to its active, reciprocal human/equine exchange, and the experiential interaction of a host of audience/participators throughout the course of the journey. Through embracing the positive, expansive qualities of equine alterity, and recognizing both the human and equine perspectives at play within the event, The Ride presented a performance that was fundamentally inter-species.

Submitted by Walter Gonçalves Junior (wgoncalves@gvmail.br) on 2011-09-01T19:19:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 A Atividade do Capital Estrangeiro na Bovespa.pdf: 1607963 bytes, checksum: f7faaed440311575db9ed36f64dc8427 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Isaura Hannickel (gisele.hannickel@fgv.br) on 2011-09-02T12:12:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 A Atividade do Capital Estrangeiro na Bovespa.pdf: 1607963 bytes, checksum: f7faaed440311575db9ed36f64dc8427 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Isaura Hannickel (gisele.hannickel@fgv.br) on 2011-09-02T12:15:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 A Atividade do Capital Estrangeiro na Bovespa.pdf: 1607963 bytes, checksum: f7faaed440311575db9ed36f64dc8427 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2011-09-02T12:18:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 A Atividade do Capital Estrangeiro na Bovespa.pdf: 1607963 bytes, checksum: f7faaed440311575db9ed36f64dc8427 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-08-04 / This paper discusses the recent developments and growing importance of foreign investment in the Brazilian stock market and how its presence affects and is influenced by local dynamics. As a first finding it was detected an inclination of these agents to the positive feedback trading in asset sales; investigating if this behavior can possibly favour a more volatile environment, it was found that their purchases would mitigate the effect and its sales would operate the opposite one; furthermore, only in normal market conditions the excessive foreign demand puts pressure on the foreign prices significantly. It was found also the significant importance of foreign markets, domestic and foreign interest rates, local exchange rate and spot market liquidity in promoting additional buys from these players, as well as liquidity, exchange, net foreign direct investment and country risk in explaining its additional sales. Finally, good performances of developed markets and a descending Brazilian prime interest rate showed themselves as determinants of net inflows into the local stock market; moreover, the development of Bovespa Stock Exchange and an international crisis environment would be particularly significant in the dynamics of foreign inflows in Brazil. / Este trabalho discute a recente evolução e a crescente importância do investimento estrangeiro no mercado de capitais brasileiro, observando como a sua presença afeta e é influenciada pela dinâmica local. Como primeiro achado, destaca-se a reatividade desses agentes ao mercado quanto às vendas de ativos; ao investigar se esse comportamento concorreria para um ambiente mais volátil e, em um cenário mais adverso, a própria desestabilização dos preços, constatou-se que suas compras mitigariam o efeito, mas que suas vendas operariam o oposto, sendo que em condições normais de mercado a demanda excessiva dos estrangeiros pressionaria significativamente os preços. Determinou-se também a importância dos mercados externos, das taxas básicas de juros interna e externa, da taxa de câmbio local e da liquidez do mercado à vista como fatores de estímulo a novas compras desses atores, assim como do câmbio, investimento direto líquido, risco país e liquidez para explicar as vendas adicionais. Por fim, surgiram como determinantes à entrada líquida de recursos estrangeiros na Bovespa o desempenho promissor dos mercados externos desenvolvidos e os juros locais em queda, sendo que o desenvolvimento bursátil local e um eventual cenário de crise seriam particularmente significativos na dinâmica de internalização de recursos no país.

La poursuite est une figure qui accompagne le cinéma depuis ses débuts jusqu’à en devenir, presque, la forme archétypale. Elle a constitué le principal mode de linéarisation des formes courtes du cinéma des premiers temps et reste un mode habituel de structuration des grands récits. Présence et absence de poursuites, existence sous des formes apparentées telles que la filature ou la déambulation, sont des éléments de caractérisation des films particulièrement intéressants. Leurs conditions d’élaboration et de réception sont à replacer dans leur contexte et à étudier dans une perspective d’une histoire des formes. Observer la place qui est donnée à la poursuite par quatre réalisateurs français, d’époques différentes, Louis Feuillade, René Clair, Jean-Pierre Melville et Philippe de Broca, conduit à mettre en évidence sa pérennité. L’analyse comparée de sa mise en scène chez ces cinéastes que tout, parfois, semble opposer, permet d’utiliser la poursuite comme un critère de distinction pour mettre en évidence la valeur symbolique et la signification intrinsèque de cette figure, tant comme forme esthétique que comme forme anthropologique. / The Notion of Chasing has been part of cinema life from the very beginning, so much so that it has almost become an archetypal form. It was the principal method of moving the plot forward in short films when cinema began and remained a normal method of structure for feature-films. The presence, or absence of chasing whether in a related form such as tailing someone or on foot, is an extremly interesting element of film characterisation. The condition of its elaboration and of reception must be put back into context and studied with the perspective of the history of the form. Studying the importance given to chasing by four French film directors of different eras, Louis Feuillade, René Clair, Jean-Pierre Melville et Philippe de Broca, will bring out the form’s perennity. Likewise comparing the director’s management of such scenes, especially since these four can on occasion seem like opposites, enables one to use chasing as an differentiating criteria that is particulary important when bringing out the value, both symbolic and intrinsic, of this form as an aesthetic and anthropological form.

No description available.

論文提要 改革是社會主義制度的自我完善與發展，是經濟體制和經濟增長方式根本轉變的動力，也是建立新的工資分配機制的必經之路。而工資分配格局的改革，是整個社會經濟改革的一個重要環節，關係著各方面利益關係的調整和變動，也關係著社會主義市場經濟的發展和現代企業制度的形成。研究工資改革的歷程、條件、矛盾、主要經驗和發展趨勢對於工資改革的繼續深入發展，全面運作目標的確定，理性思維能力的提高，都是必要的。工資改革的實踐是一個基礎，對這種實踐的認識、探索、合理引導是一項長期的任務。 中國大陸自改革開放以來，工資制度改革方興未艾。隨著國家經濟體制改革總體目標--建立社會主以市場經濟體制確立之後，工資分配制度的改革在新形勢下面臨的一個重大課題是：工資改革該如何運作？改革的目標是什麼？如何實現改革的目標？為此，改革須從以下三各思路著手：首先，要研究並確立工資制度改革的目標，即建立社會主義市場經濟條件下國有企業工資分配體制目標模式；第二，要分析並把握國有企業工資體制改革的現狀；第三，要根據工資體制改革目標模式的要求，立足於城鎮地區職工工資分配的現實基礎，積極創造有利的環境條件，採取相應措施，不斷推進工資改革，逐步實現工資改革向社會主義市場經濟條件下目標體制的過渡。 根據研究資料顯示，在中國大陸城鎮地區，由於工資制度改革提高了大部分職工的工資收入，隨著經濟改革的深化與經濟持續的成長，職工對工資收入提高的需求不斷膨脹，然而企業經營效益未能有效提高，工資的發放受到企業經營效益與工資總額限制地影響，當經濟成長到達某一個階段後，職工工資總額成長反而慢了下來。改革二十年來，經濟隨然維持著一定的增長速率，但是城鎮職工獲取工資收入的心態仍殘存著傳統平均分配的心態，無法良好適應市場機制中透過競爭與付出相對勞動量獲取勞動工資的方式。然而部分職工可以經由市場經濟體制獲得較高的工資收入，工資的差距就形成了工資攀比的來源。吃慣企業『大鍋飯』的職工們試圖在雙重經濟體制下，從工資攀比中擠佔企業留利、變相轉化福利補貼項目為個人收入，這也形成許多行政力量難以管制、且市場機能無法調節的灰色地帶或真空地帶，讓工資攀比行為有機可趁，混亂了整體的工資分配格局。 本文透過相關統計資料所作的因素分析，發現在城鎮職工工資總額構成中，基本工資對工資增長的影響力相對越來越小；另外，非工資收入的部分之比重則逐年上升，且普遍呈現平均發放的狀態。資料顯示基本工資的比重下降主要是因為基本工資增長缺乏正常增資晉級機制，加上雙重體制下的工資攀比因素，獲取非工資收入渠道增加，非工資收入對整體工資收入的構成就起著相當決定性的影響。要體現工資所具有的激勵、調節與分配等功能，主要是透過基本工資來反映職工勞動貢獻，而從分析中發現基本工資本身也存在平均發放的現象，職工工資收入並不能明顯反映勞動生產力的差異性，顯然職工並未從勞動過程中分配到應有的工資報酬。除了基本工資增長緩慢與平均發放的現象外，雙軌體制運行造成其它難以調控的分配渠道大量存在，加上企業普遍缺乏『硬預算約束』以及勞動力無法自由流動，也使得職工有機會獲取非工資收入，降低工資調節、分配的功能。 本文進一步利用基尼係數檢視中國大陸城鎮職工收入分配情況。研究發現，改革開放初期，中國大陸城鎮地區的基尼係數顯示出收入分配差距很小，在低工資的配給制度下，收入差距微乎其微，隨著改革開放的腳步向前邁進，中共國家統計局估計的基尼係數顯示城鎮地區基尼係數有緩步增加，但仍保持在合理區間，經濟成長似乎並未將收入差距擴大到不合理的狀況。然而工資收入中存在著許多難以估計的隱性收入部分，這部分收入並非單純透過基尼係數所能確實衡量反應的，由此可知，經濟改革的確拉大了收入差距，但收入差距也伴隨著平均主義共生。 工資制度在雙軌體制下進行改革，改變了職工的工資結構，而工資結構的變化進一步影響了工資分配的格局。照理說，工資制度的改革最主要的目的是為了提昇經濟效率，減輕平均主義衍生的職工惰性，但在實際情況中卻演變成薪平均主義與收入差距懸殊並存的現象。造成這種情形的主要原因在於工資分配機制尚未完全納入市場機能運作中，工資分配結構難以合理化、正常化。研究結果顯示，工資制度改革未能達到預期效果，除了內在因素外，有相當大的部分是源於外在的整體市場結構未健全化，體制改革不配套，導致工資改革措施難以落實。 健全發展與落實工資制度，工資的功能才能有效發揮，達到兼顧效率與公平的收入分配格局。就其內在因素來看，主要是要健全正常的工資增長晉級制度，減少工資分配格局中的無序現象；其次是要建立現代化企業制度，使企業能自主經營、自負盈虧。就外在因素來看，需建立國家宏觀調控機制，督導、促進企業工資分配制度完善化；工資制度盡可能完善化之後，再和整體經濟體制改革進行配套改革發展，以便順利過渡到市場經濟體制，維持持續的經濟成長。

Since the seminal work of Fritz Heider and Marienne Simmel (1944) the study of animacy perception, or the perception and attribution of life from the motion of simple geometrical shapes has intrigued researchers. The intrigue for psychologists and vision scientists then and today centered on the stark disconnect between the simplicity of the visual input and the universal richness of the resulting percept. Infant research in this domain has become critical in examining the ontological processes behind the formation of animated percepts. To date, little is known about how infants process these kinds of stimuli. While numerous habituation studies have shown sensitivity to animate motion in general, none to date has examined whether infants actually perceive animate displays as social interactions. The overarching goal of the present thesis is to answer this question and further augment knowledge about the mechanisms behind the formation of animated percepts in infancy. I, along with my collaborators, do so in three ways, in three separate studies. First, we examined visual attention during online observation of randomly moving geometrical shapes in adults and infants (Study I, using eye tracking). Second, we examine distribution of visual attention in infancy during online observation of non-contact causal interactions, focusing on the most ubiquitous, fitness relevant of interactions – chasing (Study II, using eye tracking). Third, we answer the question whether infants perceive social content in chasing displays by measuring the neural correlates in response to chasing (Study III, using EEG). The collective contribution of the present work is also three fold. First, it demonstrates that starting at the end of the first year of life, human visual system is sensitive to cues that efficiently predict an interaction. Second, at 5-months infants begins allocating attention differently across agents within interactions. Finally, attention to specific objects is not due to low-level saliency but the social nature of the interaction. Subsequently, I present the case that perception of social agents is fast, direct, and reflects the workings of a specialized learning mechanisms whose function is the detection of heat-seeking animates in motion.