FEB 10
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“ Doing what little one can to increase the general stock of knowledge is as respectable an object of life as one can in any likelihood pursue ”
Charles Darwin
Ultrasonic Mosquito repellers.
But do they repel mosquitoes ?
Yes ! says British Airways which markets a solar powered model which “ … helps keep them at bay “. ( Curiously for an ultrasonic device, it “… emits a low buzz, inaudible to the human ear. “ )
No ! says Dr.
Bart Knols of the Liverpool School of Tropical
Medicine, who wants them banned - and is backed up by this
research, which
found no evidence of any repellent effects in 10 different
field trials.
Editor's request.
Can any readers help us out ? Why is the plural of 'mosquito' written as 'mosquitoes' while the plural of 'flamingo' is 'flamingos' ?
26 FEB 10
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Progress at ESQRU
The
government-funded Egg Safety & Quality Research Unit,
at Athens, Georgia, US, has just published the results of
its study into the
-
Physical quality and composition of retail shell eggs
Researchers focussed in particular on white eggs and brown eggs.
Are there any significant differences ( apart from the colour ) ?
The investigators measured a suite of quality attributes including shell strength, fat content, and the Haugh Unit factors
( where HU = 100 log(h-.01*5.6745(30w^.37-100)+1.9) )
of white and brown eggs from various sources.
Results :
“ . . . average values for quality attributes varied without one egg type consistently maintaining the highest or lowest values. “
25 FEB 10
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IBP-I
Viren
Swami, David A. Frederick, Toivo Aavik, Lidia Alcalay, Jüri
Allik, Donna Anderson, Sonny Andrianto, Arvind Arora, Åke
Brännström, John Cunningham, Dariusz Danel, Krystyna Doroszewicz,
Gordon B. Forbes, Adrian Furnham, Corina U. Greven, Jamin Halberstadt,
Shuang Hao, Tanja Haubner, Choon Sup Hwang, Mary Inman, Jas Laile
Jaafar, Jacob Johansson, Jaehee Jung, Askin Keser, Uta Kretzschmar,
Lance Lachenicht, Norman P. Li, Kenneth Locke, Jan-Erik Lönnqvist,
Christy Lopez, Lynn Loutzenhiser, Natalya C. Maisel, Marita P. McCabe,
Donald R. McCreary, William F. McKibbin, Alex Mussap, Félix
Neto, Carly Nowell, Liane Peña Alampay, Subash K. Pillai,
Alessandra Pokrajac-Bulian, René T. Proyer, Katinka Quintelier,
Lina A. Ricciardelli, Malgorzata Rozmus-Wrzesinska, Willibald Ruch,
Timothy Russo, Astrid Schütz, Todd K. Shackelford, Sheeba Shashidharan,
Franco Simonetti, Dhachayani Sinniah, Mira Swami, Griet Vandermassen,
Marijke van Duynslaeger, Markku Verkasalo, Martin Voracek, Curtis
K. Yee, Echo Xian Zhang, Xiaoying Zhang, and Ivanka Zivcic-Becirevic
have completed their survey of female body weight and female body dissatisfaction across 26 countries. And the results of the International Body Project – I (IBP-I) are in.
More than 5,000 test individuals were shown a modified version of the Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale ( line-drawings of nine thin and not-so-thin ladies with redacted heads ) and asked to rate them.
The broad findings were that preference for ‘thinness’ had more to do with Social Economic Status (SES) than with geographical region. ( except in Austria )
“Our results show that body dissatisfaction and desire for thinness is commonplace in high SES settings across world regions, highlighting the need for international attention to this problem. “
• The paper is published in the latest issue of the Personality
and Social Psychology Bulletin
You may also find a full copy here
24 FEB 10
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Monster Sale
• I am likely to be in or around Knightsbridge, central London, on the 24th.
• I have a few grand to spare
• I am of sturdy disposition
If you answered ‘yes’ to all three then you might want to drop in at Bonhams auction house, where you can bid for any, or all, of these, and much more . . .
• Of interest to ichthyophiles
• Attractive to volcanologists
• Suitable for post Freudians
Full catalogue was here [
now disappeared ]
Update 25th Feb.
" It feels really nice " says Dr. Who fan Jonathan who bought the last item . . . video here courtesy BBC news
22 FEB 10
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Sorry - Awaiting Demystification
“After an unsatisfactory purchase, many firms are quick to apologize to customers. It is, however, not clear why they should do that.”
So begins a recent discussion paper from the Centre for Decision Research & Experimental Economics at the University of Nottingham in the UK.
The authors are pointing out that from a firm’s point of view, an apology costs next to nothing – and the customers know it – so why would they take it seriously ?
Experimenters investigated by 'manipulating' apologetic evaluations ( or lack of ) for a large sample of real-world unhappy customers who had been using the German version of eBay.
And the apologies, in general, worked.
“Our results suggest that firms apologize so much because apologies do indeed influence customers' behavior. “
But then add, frustratingly perhaps -
” The underlying reasons for why an apology works remain unclear.”
The paper, which is due to be published in a future edition of
the journal Economics Letters, can, in the meantime, be read in
full here
18 FEB 10
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Recession – the upside
“The fact that population health tends to evolve better in
recessions than in expansions was first noted decades ago
. . .
but was largely ignored until recently”
Now, an extensive research project from the University of Michigan has examined this highly counter-intuitive effect.
Investigators looked at US public health records (1920-1940) and correlated them with the country’s financial data (GDP) for the same period – finding that each time there was a recession, the health of the nation improved. “the recessions of 1921, 1930–1933, and 1938 coincided with declines in mortality and gains in life expectancy.”
And to underline the effect, the reverse was also found to be true “For most age groups, mortality tended to peak during years of strong economic expansion (such as 1923, 1926, 1929, and 1936–1937).”
There are, as yet, no explanations for the effect – though the researchers point out that the current financial crisis might be viewed ( at least from a public health point-of-view ) with some optimism.
“Although social science is not physics, regularities in the past allow us at least some confidence in forecasting the future.”
The team’s paper, due for publication in the print version
of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the
United Sates of America, can be read
in full here
U of M press release here
17 FEB 10
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This week's newly issued patent
The problem :
“Present method of obtaining edible bird's nest involves collecting and harvesting nests of wild swiftlets in their natural habitats such as mountain caves and limestone cliffs for consumption causing irreversible disruptions and damages to the dwindling populations of endemic wild swiftlets.”
The solution :
United States Patent 7,661,391S, issued February 16, 2010
Swiftlets farming for production of edible bird's nests (click to view patent)
The production facility, methods, apparatus and techniques as disclosed may be used to make available a constant supply of cheap and affordable edible bird's nest for consumers. Such that edible bird's nest may no longer remain as a rare commodity affordable to the rich and affluent but commonly available for all connoisseurs.
Background :
During the breeding season, all the species' salivary glands expand to produce the special sticky saliva for binding twigs and other detritus together for building the nest, in particular male swiftlets which uses thick saliva to construct the white shiny nest. The saliva is produced by a pair of lobed salivary glands beneath the tongue of parent birds. It is also called nest-cement. This glutinous nest-cement dries fast in contact with air.
With commercial applications -
The relatively tasteless nests are harvested and prepared for cuisine in soup mixed with chicken, spices, and other flavors as an oriental gastronomic delight with supposed aphrodisiac properties.
16 FEB 10
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Photic Sneezing in Zurich
New research, just published in PLoS One , has shed light on a poorly understood human meta-reflex : the
Autosomal Cholinergic Helio-Ophtalmologic Outburst (ACHOO) syndrome.
also known as ‘Photic Sneezing’ – and typified by ‘prickly’ or ‘tickly’ sensations in and around the nose when subjects are exposed to very bright light.
About one if four people are susceptible.
Although it has been extensively investigated over the years, it remains poorly understood. This new study, from the Psychological Institute, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland, has made some progress though - finding that it’s not just a simple ‘reflex’ in the usual sense of the word : as their EEG experiments have demonstrated :
“ The ‘photic sneeze reflex’ is therefore not a classical reflex that occurs only at a brainstem or spinal cord level but, in stark contrast to many theories, involves also specific cortical areas. “
The study can be read in full here
• Really Magazine asks : Is Photic Sneezing something
that has developed because it has some kind of evolutionary advantage
- or is it just ‘faulty wiring’ ?
15 FEB 10
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Rebranding in Middlesbrough
Back in 2008 the University of Teesside, UK, was facing a potentially inauspicious problem - the North East of England was undergoing a long-predicted demographic downturn – and this, in turn, was threatening to reduce the number of students. What could be done ?
The university employed a team of consultants, who recommended some radical changes. One of which was that the University of Teesside should be renamed – and called, instead, Teesside University.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson clarified the move in a press release in mid 2009.
“ Changing what we call ourselves from the University of Teesside to Teesside University reflects the name we are colloquially known by among our students and the outside world and works well with the fresh new visual identity and our ‘inspiring success’ message.”
The university now has a FAQ webpage regarding the rebranding exercise - but, oddly perhaps, Really Magazine couldn’t find any reference to the full extent of the expenses incurred - making it difficult to asses whether the changes have had a positive cost/benefit effect.
We couldn't find details of the costs in the yearly accounts either.
We probably overlooked it – if anyone can assist please get in touch.
12 FEB 10
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Cars | Cardiff | Contradictions
Turn to the latest edition of the British Journal of Psychology for a research article on the Effect of manipulated prestige-car ownership on both sex attractiveness ratings.
Investigators at the School of Health Sciences, Centre for Psychology, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK decided to investigate whether individuals would be considered more ( or less ) attractive depending whether they were seated in a Bentley Continental GT or a Ford Fiesta.
240 ( local ) participants (male/female 50:50) were shown photos of human models (male/female 50:50) posing both in a swanky Bentley and in a downmarket Fiesta. Would there be any difference in their perceived attractiveness ?
The results were clearcut, though perhaps counterintuitive, and some might even say un-PC - for the male observers were not in general affected by the car – in stark contrast however, the female observers were . . .
“In conclusion it would appear that male but not female attractiveness can indeed be enhanced by photographically presenting opposite-sex target models seated within a prestige or luxury motor-car.”
- say the researchers, ( with obvious implications for the advertising, fashion, and music-promo industries ).
“ It would appear that despite a noticeable increase in female ownership of prestige/luxury cars over recent years, males, unlike females remain oblivious to such cues in matters pertaining to opposite-sex attraction.”
Really ? What do you think ?
The research paper can be read in full via this page.
(cryptic) comment from reader Peter K
'I want to upgrade from my Vauxhall Viva, but I simply can't afford the inevitable consequences'.
An update comment, from reader Peter K
' I meant I could afford a new car, but a new girlfriend.might be pushing it.'
11 FEB 10
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Don’t hang up your mouse just yet.
Today’s press release from the American Psychiatric Association, regarding the forthcoming issue of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) informs that although there is a proposal for a new category of mental disorder to be called ‘ Behavioral Addiction ’ ( to include gambling etc ) - one controversial classification has, for the time being, been dropped.
“ While ‘internet addiction’ was considered for inclusion in this category, the work group decided there was insufficient research data to do so. They are recommending it be included in the manual’s appendix instead, with a goal of encouraging additional study.”
More details of the new DSM-5 proposals at Improbable.com
10 FEB 10 (midday edition)
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Coming soon to an appliance near you
Domestic electrical appliances are usuallly supplied with a manual.
Which no one reads.
As manufacturing giant LG explain in their new US patent, issued yesterday.
“ . . . the manual is rarely read by the consumer except when a problem occurs in the product.”
LG has a solution. The 20th century manual is replaced. By a 21st century avatar.
“ The avatar-based information transfer method not only can improve visibility of the information but also can emphasize its entertainment aspects according to the current trend of consumers.”
Problem with the wash cycle ? So ask the avatar.
If the idea really takes hold in the field of consumer tech in general, is it possible that the acronym RTFM might soon be replaced by ATFA ?
10 FEB 10
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Cats ( and Dogs )
Back in 2005, the UK's first feline epidemiologist was appointed
by Bristol University ( press
release here )
Now the university’s Department of Clinical Veterinary Science has published some of their epidemiological findings - regarding the ‘Number and ownership profiles of cats and dogs in the UK ‘
( note : media attention largely focussing on the 'ownership profiles' aspects )
09 FEB 10
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The 2010 Ig Nobel Tour of the U.K.
Likely to be in or around Dundee, Portsmouth, Bebington or London between or during March 12-21, 2010 ?
If so, why not drop in at the 2010 Ig Nobel Tour of the U.K. ?
Where you will experience, see, and hear about, for example, brassiere-based gasmasks, the medical aspects of sword-swallowing and much, much more material of the kind which first makes people LAUGH, and then makes them THINK.
All tickets are free.
08 FEB 10
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Macroeconomic social theory in a nutshell
The enquiry into fraudulent expenses claims by UK Members of Parliament
. . . is finally nearing a foregone conclusion.
A total of £1.2 Million was falsely claimed for items such as trouser presses, decorative trees, tea-towels, gardening manure, massage chairs, etc etc – all funded ( unknowingly ) by the UK taxpayers.
As a result of the official inquiry - backed up in some cases by police investigations - it is likely that the bulk of the cash will now be repaid by the 350 politicians involved.
The inquiry cost £1.1 Million – and
was funded by . . . the UK taxpayers.
05 FEB 10
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Wargames in Washington
If you happen to be in or around Washington DC on the 22
- 24 March 2010, ( and you have ‘ secret ‘ security
clearance – or above ) why not drop in at the Ronald
Reagan Building for the 8th Annual U.S. Missile
Defense Conference and Exhibit organised
by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). (Program
here)
And this year there is a special feature !
The ‘ Conference Interactive War Game ‘ ! (secret/U.S. Only)
' This classified Wargame will introduce delegate participants to the complexity of executing global, active missile defense; demonstrate nominal regional, inter-regional, homeland defense command, and decision timelines; employ selected features of a nominal concept of operations; examine representative information that could be used to support situation awareness and engagement execution; and observe situations which may provide context to current draft global BMD policy guidance. Players will use the MDIOC’s BMD International-Simulation operator-in-the-loop simulation tool in this computer-aided Wargame. The Wargame schedule consists of 10 two-hour Wargame sessions (two on Monday, four on Tuesday, and four on Wednesday.).'
Notes :
• Dress code is ‘ business ‘ ( or the military equivalent )
• A ‘ no-note-taking ‘ and ‘ not-for-attribution ‘ policy applies at all times.
• Sponsored by Raytheon – makers of the Lunar Penguin
• The
most recent $150 million test (
31st jan) by the Missile Defense Agency would
have been classified as 100% successful if had worked.
03 FEB 10
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This week’s US patents - issued today . . .
• Unusual patent of the week - “ A three dimensional, hyperbolic shape that takes and holds certain architectural shapes when wrapped in different ways around the wearer” The Architectural Scarf
• Unlikely patent of the week - “ A large number of individuals have mammalian pets in their homes. These are typically dogs or cats. When the pet owners are away at work they often would like to communicate with their pets. Similarly, the pets often would like to communicate with their owner.” Now they can – via the Domestic Animal Telephone
Reader Marc A. kindly points us towards a previous patent by the same inventor - the Self Defense Cellular Telephone
• Unfortunately titled patent of the week
02 FEB 10 (late edition)
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Fat tax – but will it work ?
According to new research just published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics probably not – at least not in France.
Researchers at INRA-ALISS, UR1303, F-94205 Ivry-sur-Seine, France, MODAL’X, Université Paris X and CREST-LS undertook an extensive study which determined that although such a tax would generate substantial revenue - the effect on diet would be ‘ small and ambiguous ‘.
They propose an alternative strategy -
“ . . . the threat of imposing a fat tax may well be more beneficial for French consumers than the actual imposition of one; “
But curiously, the study - the biggest and most comprehensive research project on the subject ever undertaken in France - only looked at one range of price increase - 10%
But surely the effectiveness of such a tax would depend on how big it was ?
Read the full paper here
02 FEB 10
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