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Sr. No

Title

The political ecology of war: natural resources and armed conflicts

Abstract
Throughout the 1990s, many armed groups have relied on revenues from natural resources such as oil, timber, or gems to
substitute for dwindling Cold War sponsorship. Resources not only financed, but in some cases motivated conflicts, and
shaped strategies of power based on the commercialisation of armed conflict and the territorialisation of sovereignty
around valuable resource areas and trading networks. As such, armed conflict in the post-Cold War period is increasingly
characterised by a specific political ecology closely linked to the geography and political economy of natural resources. This
paper examines theories of relationships between resources and armed conflicts and the historical processes in which they
are embedded. It stresses the vulnerability resulting from resource dependence, rather than conventional notions of
scarcity or abundance, the risks of violence linked to the conflictuality of natural resource political economies, and the
opportunities for armed insurgents resulting from the lootability of resources. Violence is expressed in the subjugation of
the rights of people to determine the use of their environment and the brutal patterns of resource extraction and predation.
Beyond demonstrating the economic agendas of belligerents, an analysis of the linkages between natural resources and
armed conflicts suggests that the criminal character of their inclusion in international primary commodity markets responds
to an exclusionary form of globalisation; with major implications for the promotion of peace.
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Working memory and language: an overview

Abstract
Working memory involves the temporary storage and manipulation of information that is assumed to be necessary for a
wide range of complex cognitive activities. In 1974, Baddeley and Hitch proposed that it could be divided into three
subsystems, one concerned with verbal and acoustic information, the phonological loop, a second, the visuospatial
sketchpad providing its visual equivalent, while both are dependent upon a third attentionally-limited control system, the
central executive. A fourth subsystem, the episodic buffer, has recently been proposed. These are described in turn, with
particular reference to implications for both the normal processing of language, and its potential disorders.

LIST OF TOP 25
ARTICLES OF
HUMAITIES
Oct-Dec 2014

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The drunk utilitarian: Blood alcohol concentration predicts utilitarian responses in moral dilemmas
Abstract
The hypothetical moral dilemma known as the trolley problem has become a methodological cornerstone in the
psychological study of moral reasoning and yet, there remains considerable debate as to the meaning of utilitarian
responding in these scenarios. It is unclear whether utilitarian responding results primarily from increased deliberative
reasoning capacity or from decreased aversion to harming others. In order to clarify this question, we conducted two field
studies to examine the effects of alcohol intoxication on utilitarian responding. Alcohol holds promise in clarifying the above
debate because it impairs both social cognition (i.e., empathy) and higher-order executive functioning. Hence, the direction
of the association between alcohol and utilitarian vs. non-utilitarian responding should inform the relative importance of
both deliberative and social processing systems in influencing utilitarian preference. In two field studies with a combined
sample of 103 men and women recruited at two bars in Grenoble, France, participants were presented with a moral
dilemma assessing their willingness to sacrifice one life to save five others. Participants blood alcohol concentrations were
found to positively correlate with utilitarian preferences (r = .31, p < .001) suggesting a stronger role for impaired social
cognition than intact deliberative reasoning in predicting utilitarian responses in the trolley dilemma. Implications for
Greenes dual-process model of moral reasoning are discussed.

Climate change, human security and violent conflict

Abstract
Climate change is increasingly been called a security problem, and there has been speculation that climate change may
increase the risk of violent conflict. This paper integrates three disparate but well-founded bodies of research on the
vulnerability of local places and social groups to climate change, on livelihoods and violent conflict, and the role of the
state in development and peacemaking, to offer new insights into the relationships between climate change, human
security, and violent conflict. It explains that climate change increasingly undermines human security in the present day,
and will increasingly do so in the future, by reducing access to, and the quality of, natural resources that are important to
sustain livelihoods. Climate change is also likely to undermine the capacity of states to provide the opportunities and
services that help people to sustain their livelihoods. We argue that in certain circumstances these direct and indirect
impacts of climate change on human security may in turn increase the risk of violent conflict. The paper then outlines the
broad contours of a research programme to guide empirical investigations into the risks climate change poses to human
security and peace.

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Mobile banking adoption: A literature review

Abstract
Electronic commerce (e-commerce) continues to have a profound impact on the global business environment, but
technologies and applications also have begun to focus more on mobile computing, the wireless Web, and mobile
commerce. Against this backdrop, mobile banking (m-banking) has emerged as an important distribution channel, with
considerable research devoted to its adoption. However, this research stream has lacked a clear roadmap or agenda.
Therefore, the present article analyzes and synthesizes existing studies of m-banking adoption and maps the major
theories that researchers have used to predict consumer intentions to adopt it. The findings indicate that the m-banking
adoption literature is fragmented, though it commonly relies on the technology acceptance model and its modifications,
revealing that compatibility (with lifestyle and device), perceived usefulness, and attitude are the most significant drivers
of intentions to adopt m-banking services in developed and developing countries. Moreover, the extant literature appears
limited by its narrow focus on SMS banking in developing countries; virtually no studies address the use of m-banking
applications via smartphones or tablets or consider the consequences of such usage. This study makes several
recommendations for continued research in the area of mobile banking.

The mass marketing of disordered eating and Eating Disorders: The social psychology of women, thinness and culture
Synopsis
Contrasting the pervasive belief that Eating Disorders are primarily psychiatric in nature, we contend that they are also
symptomatic of a social problem. Eating Disorders and disorderly eating are also culturally-induced diseases promoted
partly by economic and social institutions that profit from the cult of thinness promoted by the mass media. There is a
lucrative market associated with Eating Disorders, and the advertising, weight-loss, diet-food, fitness, and cosmetic surgery
industries are well aware of it. Yet, not all women exposed to these influences via mass media go on to develop body
dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders. To fully understand how specific women become exposed to and are impacted by the
mass marketing of beauty ideals via the mass media, it is important to take a social psychological perspective on the
problem. We explore four social psychological theoriescultivation theory, gratifications and uses theory, social
comparison theory and objectification theory, which taken together, form a nexus of influence and provide important
clues to our understanding of the pervasive influence and impact of these industries on the development of Eating
Disorders in women. We also address potential solutions to the problem. We specifically discuss how to use empowerment
education to integrate solutions including: a re-visioning of femininity, social activism, education, and media literacy.

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What prevents ESL/EFL writers from avoiding plagiarism?: Analyses of 10 North-American college websites
Abstract
While previous discussions on plagiarism in ESL/EFL contexts have served to inform researchers and educators how
differences in cultural and ideological backgrounds can influence people's understanding of textual appropriation and
literacy, little has been discussed as to how inexperienced ESL/EFL writers can be helped to avoid plagiarism. The present
study analyzes 10 North-American college websites on plagiarism, which provide a window to understanding how this issue
has been problematized and explained in Anglophone academic contexts. First this paper argues that beliefs expressed in
these websites are not unique, but resemble those expressed in previously published research, writing manuals, and
textbooks on how to help students cope with plagiarism. Particular attention is paid to two ideas that have often been
neglected when discussing anti-plagiarism measures: the difficulty of using paraphrases and heavy involvement of using
inference in writing unplagiarized work. The present study argues that though documentation and use of paraphrases are
two important countermeasures to plagiarism, there needs to be more emphasis on the role of inferential thinking in
instructing inexperienced writers to use multiple sources. It concludes that ESL/EFL instructors as well as researchers and
materials writers need to highlight this aspect of writing.

The effect of different types of corrective feedback on ESL student writing

Abstract
Debate about the value of providing corrective feedback on L2 writing has been prominent in recent years as a result of
Truscott's [Truscott, J. (1996). The case against grammar correction in L2 writing classes.Language Learning, 46, 327369]
claim that it is both ineffective and harmful and should therefore be abandoned. A growing body of empirical research is
now investigating the agenda proposed by Ferris [Ferris, D.R. (1999). The case for grammar correction in L2 writing classes.
A response to Truscott (1996).Journal of Second Language Writing, 8, 110, Ferris, D.R. (2004). The Grammar Correction
debate in L2 writing: Where are we, and where do we go from here? (and what do we do in the meantime?). Journal of
Second Language Writing, 13, 4962.]. Contributing to this research base, the study reported in this article investigated
whether the type of feedback (direct, explicit written feedback and studentresearcher 5 minute individual conferences;
direct, explicit written feedback only; no corrective feedback) given to 53 adult migrant students on three types of error
(prepositions, the past simple tense, and the definite article) resulted in improved accuracy in new pieces of writing over a
12 week period. The study found a significant effect for the combination of written and conference feedback on accuracy
levels in the use of the past simple tense and the definite article in new pieces of writing but no overall effect on accuracy
improvement for feedback types when the three error categories were considered as a single group. Significant variations

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in accuracy across the four pieces of writing support earlier SLA discoveries that L2 learners, in the process of acquiring
new linguistic forms, may perform them with accuracy on one occasion but fail to do so on other similar occasions.
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The learning styles and strategies of effective language learners

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a comparative investigation into the learning styles and strategies of effective and
ineffective language learners. Subjects for the study were one hundred and ten undergraduate university students in Hong
Kong. They were categorized as more effective or less effective learners, on the basis of their scores on a standardized
public English examination administered at the end of secondary school. Subjects completed an online questionnaire
through which data were collected on their learning strategy preferences as well as patterns of language practice and use.
The study revealed key differences in learning strategy preferences, learning styles and patterns of language use.
Implications of the study are presented and discussed.

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Climate change-induced migration and violent conflict

Abstract
In a world of rising sea levels and melting glaciers, climate change is most likely occurring but with uncertain overall
effects. I argue that we can predict the effects of climate change on migration by exploring the effects of environmental
problems on migration in recent decades. People can adapt to these problems by staying in place and doing nothing,
staying in place and mitigating the problems, or leaving the affected areas. The choice between these options will depend
on the extent of problems and mitigation capabilities. People living in lesser developed countries may be more likely to
leave affected areas, which may cause conflict in receiving areas. My findings support this theory, and suggest certain
policy implications for climate change.

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What about the children? arguments against lesbian and gay parenting
Abstract
In this article, I explore arguments commonly used to support the claim that lesbians and gay men should not be parents.
Thematic analysis of recent media representations of lesbian and gay parenting and six focus groups with university
students highlighted the repeated use of a number of arguments to oppose lesbian and gay parenting. I critically discuss
the six most prevalent in this article. These are: (1) The bible tells me that lesbian and gay parenting is a sin; (2) Lesbian
and gay parenting is unnatural; (3) Lesbian and gay parents are selfish because they ignore the best interests of the

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child; (4) Children in lesbian and gay families lack appropriate role models; (5) Children in lesbian and gay families grow
up lesbian and gay; and (6) Children in lesbian and gay families get bullied. I examine these themes in relation to other
debates about lesbian and gay and women's rights, and highlight the ways in which they reinforce a heterosexual norm.
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Zipfian frequency distributions facilitate word segmentation in context

Abstract
Word frequencies in natural language follow a highly skewed Zipfian distribution, but the consequences of this distribution
for language acquisition are only beginning to be understood. Typically, learning experiments that are meant to simulate
language acquisition use uniform word frequency distributions. We examine the effects of Zipfian distributions using two
artificial language paradigmsa standard forced-choice task and a new orthographic segmentation task in which
participants click on the boundaries between words in contexts. Our data show that learners can identify word forms
robustly across widely varying frequency distributions. In addition, although performance in recognizing individual words is
predicted best by their frequency, a Zipfian distribution facilitates word segmentation in context: The presence of highfrequency words creates more chances for learners to apply their knowledge in processing new sentences. We find that
computational models that implement chunking are more effective than transition finding models at reproducing this
pattern of performance.

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Mixed-effects modeling with crossed random effects for subjects and items
Abstract
This paper provides an introduction to mixed-effects models for the analysis of repeated measurement data with subjects
and items as crossed random effects. A worked-out example of how to use recent software for mixed-effects modeling is
provided. Simulation studies illustrate the advantages offered by mixed-effects analyses compared to traditional analyses
based on quasi-F tests, by-subjects analyses, combined by-subjects and by-items analyses, and random regression.
Applications and possibilities across a range of domains of inquiry are discussed.

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The efficacy of the cycles approach: A multiple baseline design

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Cycles Phonological Remediation Approach as an intervention
for children with speech sound disorders (SSD). A multiple baseline design across behaviors was used to examine
intervention effects. Three children (ages 4;3 to 5;3) with moderate-severe to severe SSDs participated in two cycles of

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therapy. Three phonological patterns were targeted for each child. Generalization probes were administered during
baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases to assess generalization and maintenance of learned skills. Two of the three
participants exhibited statistically and clinically significant gains by the end of the intervention phase and these effects
were maintained at follow-up. The third participant exhibited significant gains at follow-up. Phonologically known target
patterns showed greater generalization than unknown target patterns across all phases. Individual differences in
performance were examined at the participant level and the target pattern level.
Religious credence is not factual belief
Abstract
I argue that psychology and epistemology should posit distinct cognitive attitudes of religious credence and factual belief,
which have different etiologies and different cognitive and behavioral effects. I support this claim by presenting a range of
empirical evidence that religious cognitive attitudes tend to lack properties characteristic of factual belief, just as attitudes
like hypothesis, fictional imagining, and assumption for the sake of argument generally lack such properties. Furthermore,
religious credences have distinctive properties of their own. To summarize: factual beliefs (i) are practical setting
independent, (ii) cognitively govern other attitudes, and (iii) are evidentially vulnerable. By way of contrast, religious
credences (a) have perceived normative orientation, (b) are susceptible to free elaboration, and (c) are vulnerable to
special authority. This theory provides a framework for future research in the epistemology and psychology of religious
credence.
The use of social media in travel information search
Abstract
When faced with new technology for tourism purposes, travelers often use information searches in the Internet and, in
addition, gain valuable travel information from various sources. This paper examines the travel information searches using
social media as a new search behavior from a value perspective. By adopting the value-based adoption model (VAM) based
on the prospect theory and mental accounting theory from the perspectives of value maximization of benefits versus
sacrifices for a new technology, our findings revealed that the travelers perception of the value of social media is a
primary determinant of the travelers social media usage. We test our research model using empirical data collected
(n = 695) in a survey and run a structural equation modeling. These results are mediated by perceived value. Thus, the
users of new social media, especially for travel information searches, are influenced by both benefits (information
reliability, enjoyment) and sacrifices (complexity, perceived effort). However, only enjoyment makes an impact directly on
social media usage. Thus, this paper discusses both the theoretical and practical implications of VAM in the context of

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social media on the subject of tourism.

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Does the autistic child have a "theory of mind" ?

Abstract
We use a new model of metarepresentational development to predict a cognitive deficit which could explain a crucial
component of the social impairment in childhood autism. One of the manifestations of a basic metarepresentational
capacity is a theory of mind. We have reason to believe that autistic children lack such a theory. If this were so, then
they would be unable to impute beliefs to others and to predict their behaviour. This hypothesis was tested using Wimmer
and Perner's puppet play paradigm. Normal children and those with Down's syndrome were used as controls for a group of
autistic children. Even though the mental age of the autistic children was higher than that of the controls, they alone failed
to impute beliefs to others. Thus the dysfunction we have postulated and demonstrated is independent of mental
retardation and specific to autism.

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An analysis of young people's use of and attitudes toward cell phones

Abstract
Cell phones are a pervasive new communication technology, especially among college students. This paper examines
college students cell phone usage from a behavioral and psychological perspective. Utilizing both qualitative (focus
groups) and quantitative (survey) approaches, the study suggests these individuals use the devices for a variety of
purposes: to help them feel safe, for financial benefits, to manage time efficiently, to keep in touch with friends and family
members, et al. The degree to which the individuals are dependent on the cell phones and what they view as the negatives
of their utilization are also examined. The findings suggest people have various feelings and attitudes toward cell phone
usage. This study serves as a foundation on which future studies will be built.

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Graduates'gratitude: the generic structure of dissertation acknowledgements

Abstract
The neglect of acknowledgements in the EAP literature is perhaps surprising given their importance in the scholarly
communication process. While unrelated to the important academic goals of establishing claims and reputations, the
significance of this optional genre is confirmed by its widespread use and the role it plays in the academic practice of
reciprocal gift giving. Acknowledgements are almost universal in dissertation writing where they provide writers with a

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unique rhetorical opportunity not only to convey their genuine gratitude for the intellectual and personal assistance they
have received in completing their research, but also to promote a competent scholarly identity by displaying their
immersion in scholarly networks, their active disciplinary membership, and their observance of the valued academic ideals
of modesty, gratitude and appropriate self-effacement. This paper discusses the importance of this genre and examines the
generic structure of the acknowledgements accompanying 240 PhD and MA dissertations written by non-native speakers of
English in a variety of disciplines at five Hong Kong universities.
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What's magic about magic numbers? Chunking and data compression in short-term memory
Abstract
Short term memory is famously limited in capacity to Millers (1956) magic number 7 2or, in many more recent studies,
about 4 1 chunks of information. But the definition of chunk in this context has never been clear, referring only to a
set of items that are treated collectively as a single unit. We propose a new more quantitatively precise conception of
chunk derived from the notion of Kolmogorov complexity and compressibility: a chunk is a unit in a maximally
compressed code. We present a series of experiments in which we manipulated the compressibility of stimulus sequences
by introducing sequential patterns of variable length. Our subjects measured digit span (raw short term memory capacity)
consistently depended on the length of the pattern after compression, that is, the number of distinct sequences it
contained. The true limit appears to be about 3 or 4 distinct chunks, consistent with many modern studies, but also
equivalent to about 7 uncompressed items of typical compressibility, consistent with Millers famous magical number.
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Is there a causal link from phonological awareness to success in learning to read?

Abstract
In this review, we re-assess the evidence that phonological awareness represents a skill specific to spoken language that
precedes and directly influences the process of reading acquisition. Longitudinal and experimental training studies are
examined in detail, as these are considered most appropriate for exploring a causal hypothesis of this nature. A particular
focus of our analysis is the degree to which studies to date have controlled for existing literacy skills in their participants
and the influence that these skills might have on performance on phonological awareness tasks. We conclude that no study
has provided unequivocal evidence that there is a causal link from competence in phonological awareness to success in
reading and spelling acquisition. However, we believe that such a study is possible and outline some ideas for its design
and implementation.

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Analysis of users and non-users of smartphone applications

Abstract
Purpose
Smartphones facilitate the potential adoption of new mobile applications. The purpose of this research is to study users and
non-users of three selected mobile applications, and find out what really drives the intention to use these applications
across users and non-users.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors measured actual usage of mobile applications in a panel study of 579 Finnish smartphone users, using indevice measurements as an objective way to identify users and non-users. A web-based survey was used in collecting data
to test an extended TAM model in explaining intention to use.
Findings
Perceived technological barriers negatively affect behavioural control, reflecting peoples assessment of themselves being
capable of using the services without trouble. Behavioural control is directly linked to perceived usefulness (except for
games) and perceived enjoyment, as hypothesized. Perceived enjoyment and usefulness were generically found to explain
intention to use applications for both users and for non-users.
Research limitations/implications
With regards to the impact of social norms, the study finds that further research needs to be done in exploring its impact
more thoroughly. The dataset of the research, consisting purely of male-dominated, young smartphone users, make the
generalization of results difficult.

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Social media usage and organizational performance: Reflections of Malaysian social media managers
Abstract
Social media usage among organizations is growing tremendously. Organizations are now building and maintaining social
media public pages to improve their social network salience, enhance interest in their organizations, and build relationships
with the online public. The majority of the studies on social media usage are based on the individual perspective while
some are from the organizational perspective. However, not many studies have investigated the actual impact of social
media usage on organizational performance. Therefore, using the qualitative approach, this study investigates the various
purposes of social media usage and its impact on organizational performance. This study however, focuses only on the
social media managers views. The senior managers of six organizations that are using social media are interviewed from

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which we find that social media is used for various purposes in organizations, such as advertising and promotion, branding,
information search, building customer relations and many more. The results also show that social media has a greater
impact on the performance of organizations in terms of enhancement in customer relations and customer service activities,
improvement in information accessibility and cost reduction in terms of marketing and customer service.
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Independent effects of bilingualism and socioeconomic status on language ability and executive functioning
Abstract
One hundred and seventy-five children who were 6-years old were assigned to one of four groups that differed in
socioeconomic status (SES; working class or middle class) and language background (monolingual or bilingual). The
children completed tests of nonverbal intelligence, language tests assessing receptive vocabulary and attention based on
picture naming, and two tests of executive functioning. All children performed equivalently on the basic intelligence tests,
but performance on the language and executive functioning tasks was influenced by both SES and bilingualism. Middleclass children outperformed working-class children on all measures, and bilingual children obtained lower scores than
monolingual children on language tests but higher scores than monolingual children on the executive functioning tasks.
There were no interactions with either group factors or task factors. Thus, each of SES and bilingualism contribute
significantly and independently to childrens development irrespective of the childs level on the other factor.

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Genre pedagogy: Language, literacy and L2 writing instruction

Abstract
For teacher educators, genre-based pedagogies offer a valuable resource for assisting both pre- and in-service writing
instructors to assist their students to produce effective and relevant texts. Instead of focusing on the process of
composition, the content of texts, or the abstract prescriptions of disembodied grammars, genre pedagogies enable
teachers to ground their courses in the texts that students will have to write in their target contexts, thereby supporting
learners to participate effectively in the world outside the ESL classroom. Genre theory and research thus give teacher
educators a more central role in preparing individuals to teach second language writing and to confidently advise them on
the development of curriculum materials and activities for writing classes. In this paper, I will briefly introduce the
principles of genre-based language instruction and sketch some broad classroom models, looking at ESP and SFL
approaches. I then explore what it means to implement genre teaching in more practical terms, setting out some key ways
in which teachers can plan, sequence, support, and assess learning.

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