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Evolutionary reasoning (Kin Selection Theory) predicts less favorable behaviors directed by parents toward their unrelated children, relative to their biologically related children. By extension, it may be argued that parents should also have less favorable perceptions of the intellectual, personality and other behavioral traits of unrelated children, compared with biologically related children. However, recent work has modified this expectation, given the distinction between unrelated adopted children (who are acquired intentionally) and unrelated stepchildren (who are acquired via mating effort). The compensatory model takes into account evolved desires for parenting and the evolutionarily novel availability of unrelated children. It predicts that adopted children may be viewed as favorably, or even more favorably, than biological children due to parents' compensation for the perceived challenges and stigma linked to their exceptional family structure. In the present study, IQ, Adjective Checklist and Child Behavior Checklist scale scores were available for 135 virtual twin pairs (same-age unrelated siblings raised together). Virtual twins included 41 adopted–biological pairs and 94 adopted–adopted pairs, with a mean age of 6.14 years (SD = 3.51). These unique data allowed tests of hypotheses and predictions concerning parenting perceptions, given the matched age and placement of the biological and adoptive siblings. Consistent with prior research, the IQ scores of the biological children exceeded those of the adopted children, both between and within pairs. A between-pair analysis revealed no difference between biological children and members of adopted–adopted pairs in ratings of favorable or unfavorable traits. However, more telling within-family comparisons of adopted–biological pairs revealed higher scores for adoptees on unfavorable traits, consistent with Kin Selection Theory, but no differences between adoptive and biological children on favorable traits, consistent with the compensatory model. These findings refine our understanding of parenting genetically related and unrelated offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author discusses his portfolios of photography. He discusses his move from producing so-called social realist work to investing in a more conceptual approach to his practice. He describes his interest in French painter Henri Rousseau's idea of the fictional forest. He also discusses his effort in depicting fact and perception about Vietnam in his works.

Abstract: Walking is an important source of outdoor physical activity among elderly people. In order to devise measures aimed at encouraging walking among the elderly it is important to understand how the local environment influences the walking behaviour of elderly people. Here, a model describing the influence of environmental street characteristics on the walking route choice of elderly people is presented. Techniques adapted from the field of transportation research were employed within the model. Data concerning the walking route choice to specific destinations reported by 364 independently living elderly residents (55–80 years) from three Dutch urban districts were collected. Route choice was modelled within a ‘Geographic Information System’ (GIS) database by using ‘resistance factors’ to describe the resistance to walking of street sections (i.e. links) within the street network. These factors were optimized by minimizing the difference between the estimated and the reported number of trips along each link. This is, to the authors'' knowledge the first time that this technique has been applied within this context. The influence of link characteristics on link resistance was investigated by multivariate linear regression. The first results of the route choice model and the influence of street characteristics on route choice are reported and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Walking is important for the health of elderly people. Previous studies have found a relationship between neighbourhood characteristics, physical activity and related health aspects. The multivariate linear regression model presented here describes the relationships between the perceived attractiveness of streets for walking along and (physical) street characteristics. Two hundred and eighty-eight independently living elderly people (between 55 and 80 years old) participated in the study. Street characteristics were assessed along homogeneous street subsections defined as ‘links’. Positively related to perceived attractiveness of links were the following street characteristics: slopes and/or stairs, zebra crossings, trees along the route, front gardens, bus and tram stops, shops, business buildings, catering establishments, passing through parks or the city centre, and traffic volume. Litter on the street, high-rise buildings, and neighbourhood density of dwellings were negatively related to perceived link attractiveness. Overall, the results suggest that three main aspects affect perceived attractiveness of streets for walking, namely tidiness of the street, its scenic value and the presence of activity or other people along the street. The results are discussed within the context of these three aspects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents an opening address delivered by Jamie Graham, Chief Constable, Vancouver Police Department, at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Western Society of Criminology, in Vancouver, British Columbia in February 2003. In the speech, he discusses the drastic changes and reforms taking place in the police force and the challenges ahead.

Characteristics in online dating profiles that lead to initial contact were investigated. Across multiple dating websites/cities over rolling 7-day periods, findings revealed profile attractiveness and a casual dating status increased initial contacts for female profiles, while unique/exotic profile characteristics increased contacts for males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this current study was to assess the one-night stand phenomenon using personal interviews with individuals who recently had a single-night sexual encounter. It was expected that topographical features would be identified as well as common attributes one looks for in a sexual partner. Social Exchange Theory was used to explain the common patterns and trends of these sexual occurrences. Participants were 28 college-age students recruited from a large university in Southern California who recently had a one-night stand. Thematic qualitative analysis was performed documenting emergent themes of the precursors of one-night stands through multiple readings of interview transcripts. Themes were divided into four broad categories: behavior setting features, themes shared across gender, themes unique to males, and themes unique to females. Behavior setting features associated with hookups included the physical setting, alcohol use, and how well dressed the hookup partner was. Shared themes across gender included being recently single or unhappy in a current relationship, "flirty" touching behaviors from the partner, and being in a social setting with a group of friends. A single unique theme for males was noted; males tended to hookup with females who reacted positively to their humor. Unique themes for females included a long cultivation period by the male, the male appearing confident, the male showing extreme interest in the female, the male's exotic appearance, and the perception that the male could help with the female's career and finances. Based on Social Exchange Theory, one-night stands operate as a form of reward-cost exchange, and behavior settings can have an influence on seduction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the pair-bonding and nesting behavior of the Corn Crake Crex crex. It is noted that the birds are hard to monitor in the wild due to their shyness and the location of their breeding habitat. The author describes the mating of the birds in captivity, which allows the male bird to call to attract the female. The author discusses how the male bird makes nests for the female to inspect and choose.