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Daily Archives: August 9, 2014

Differences in negativity bias underlie variations in political ideology – Research

University of Nebraska-Lincoln. (2014, July 31). Political attitudes derive from body and mind: ‘Negativity bias’ explains difference between liberals and conservatives. [fulltext. PDF] 

“Disputes between those holding differing political views are ubiquitous and deep-seated, and they often follow common,recognizable lines. The supporters of tradition and stability, sometimes referred to as conservatives, do battle with the supporters of innovation and reform, sometimes referred to as liberals. Understanding the correlates of those distinct political orientations is probably a prerequisite for managing political disputes, which are a source of social conflict that can lead to frustration and even bloodshed. A rapidly growing body of empirical evidence documents a multitude of ways in which liberals and conservatives differ from each other in purviews of life with little direct connection to politics, from tastes in art to desire for closure and from disgust sensitivity to the tendency to pursue new information, but the central theme of the differences is a matter of debate. In this article, we argue that one organizing element of the many differences between liberals and conservatives is the nature of their physiological and psychological responses to features of the environment that are negative. Compared with liberals, conservatives tend to register greater physiological responses to such stimuli and also to devote more psychological resources to them. Operating from this point of departure, we suggest approaches for refining understanding of the broad relationship between political views and response to the negative. We conclude with a discussion of normative implications, stressing that identifying differences across ideological groups is not tantamount to declaring one ideology superior to another.”

Boston Public Library System Engaged in Systemic Weeding of Collections

Boston Globe: “At the Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library, clustered volumes fill only half of many long, red shelves; the rest stand empty. In the adult nonfiction section, some shelves are completely barren. The library, in Roxbury, once brimmed with books. But officials have been steadily culling its collection the past few months as… Continue Reading

China’s Global Personality – Research Paper

Research Paper. Chatham House. Tim Summers. Asia Programme | June 2014. China’s Global Personality “China’s ‘global personality’the interaction between its identity and foreign and security policy approaches–cannot be reduced to any single overriding concept. It is complex and dynamic, and features multiple layers. It is also in a period of flux, magnified by a sense (especially among Chinese elites) of global… Continue Reading

Infographic: A Day in the Life of DHS

Nextgov: “Twelve years ago in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security was established and consolidated 22 agencies into one organization. Its goal: prevent and respond to attacks and disasters — manmade or otherwise — and safeguard citizens All 22 components have unique missions and plenty gets done in… Continue Reading

A Victory for Whales: Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC Explains Aspects of the ICJ Decision

Palmer QC, Sir Geoffrey, A Victory for Whales: Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC Explains Aspects of the ICJ Decision (May 1, 2014). New Zealand Law Journal, p. 124, May 2014. Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2477544 “In this article, Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC discusses the International Court of Justice finding against Japan in Whaling in the Antartic… Continue Reading

The Compelling Case for Stronger and More Effective Leverage Regulation in Banking

Admati, Anat R., The Compelling Case for Stronger and More Effective Leverage Regulation in Banking (June 9, 2014). Journal of Legal Studies, Forthcoming; Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University Working Paper No. 159. Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2344831 orhttp://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2344831 “Society stands to benefit substantially if banks and other financial institutions were required to rely… Continue Reading

Virginia has the fastest Internet in the US – Study

PCWorld: “If you want the fastest broadband Internet in the US, consider moving to Virginia. That’s the takeaway from a new bit of research from communications firm Broadview Networks, which ranks average broadband speeds for all 50 United States and the District of Colombia. Virginia tops the list with an average connection speed of 13.7 megabits per second… Continue Reading