bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Statewide Analysis of Seatbelt Non‐use with Injury and Hospital Admissions: New Data, Old Problem
Authors: Allen Shane , Zhu Shankuan , Sauter Carley , Layde Peter , Hargarten Stephen
Published: March 2006

Objectives:
To investigate the association of seatbelt nonuse with injury patterns, injury severity, and in‐patient hospital admission among adults presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in a statewide, population‐based, sample of motor vehicle crashes.

Methods:
Using data from the 2002 Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) for Wisconsin, 23,920 occupants of motor vehicle crashes, aged 16 years or older, who were treated in an ED, were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds ratio of having sustained an injury to specific body regions and of being admitted to an inpatient unit in unbelted individuals compared with those who were belted.

Results:
Compared with belted occupants presenting to an ED, their unbelted counterparts were more likely to be male (56% vs. 40%) and to have used alcohol (17% vs. 4%). Unbelted occupants were younger (31 years vs. 38 years) and incurred higher ED charges ($681 vs. $509) than belted occupants. Additionally, unbelted occupants have a higher proportion of single‐vehicle crashes, such as rollovers (44% vs. 22%), and rural crashes (56% vs. 44%). Unbelted occupants comprised 20% of study patients treated in the ED and discharged, 44% of patients treated in the ED and admitted, and 68% of patients dying in the ED. Unbelted occupants were more likely to be admitted (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6) than belted individuals and were more likely to suffer severe injuries to the head, face, thorax, abdomen, spine, upper and lower extremities (OR ranging from 1.6 to 3.9).

Conclusions:
Among patients presenting to an ED after a motor vehicle crash, unbelted occupants are more likely to require inpatient admission and to have sustained a severe injury to numerous body regions than are belted occupants.
Medical Error Identification, Disclosure, and Reporting: Do Emergency Medicine Provider Groups Differ?
Authors: Hobgood Cherri , Weiner Bryan , Tamayo‐Sarver Joshua H.
Published: March 2006

Objectives:
To determine if the three types of emergency medicine providers—physicians, nurses, and out‐of‐hospital providers (emergency medical technicians [EMTs])—differ in their identification, disclosure, and reporting of medical error.

Methods:
A convenience sample of providers in an academic emergency department evaluated ten case vignettes that represented two error types (medication and cognitive) and three severity levels. For each vignette, providers were asked the following: 1) Is this an error? 2) Would you tell the patient? 3) Would you report this to a hospital committee? To assess differences in identification, disclosure, and reporting by provider type, error type, and error severity, the authors constructed three‐way tables with the nonparametric Somers' D clustered on participant. To assess the contribution of disclosure instruction and environmental variables, fixed‐effects regression stratified by provider type was used.

Results:
Of the 116 providers who were eligible, 103 (40 physicians, 26 nurses, and 35 EMTs) had complete data. Physicians were more likely to classify an event as an error (78%) than nurses (71%; p = 0.04) or EMTs (68%; p < 0.01). Nurses were less likely to disclose an error to the patient (59%) than physicians (71%; p = 0.04). Physicians were the least likely to report the error (54%) compared with nurses (68%; p = 0.02) or EMTs (78%; p < 0.01). For all provider and error types, identification, disclosure, and reporting increased with increasing severity.

Conclusions:
Improving patient safety hinges on the ability of health care providers to accurately identify, disclose, and report medical errors. Interventions must account for differences in error identification, disclosure, and reporting by provider type.
Subsequent Suicide Mortality among Emergency Department Patients Seen for Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Crandall Cameron , Fullerton‐Gleason Lynne , Aguero Roberto , LaValley Jonathon
Published: March 2006

Objectives:
To determine whether suicide mortality rates for a cohort of patients seen and subsequently discharged from the ED for a suicide‐related complaint were higher than for ED comparison groups.

Methods:
This was a nonconcurrent cohort study set at a university‐affiliated urban ED and Level 1 trauma center. All ED patients 10 years and older, with at least one ED visit between February 1994 and November 2004, were eligible. ED visit characteristics defined the cohort exposure. Patients with visits for suicide attempt or ideation, self‐harm, or overdose (exposed) were compared with patients without these visits (unexposed). Exposure classification was determined from billing diagnoses, E‐codes (E950–E959), and free‐text searching of the ED tracking system data for suicide, overdose, and spelling variants. Emergency department patient data were probabilistically linked to state mortality records. The principal outcome was suicide death. Suicide mortality rates were calculated by using person‐year (py) analyses. Relative rates (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated from Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:
Among the 218,304 patients, the average follow‐up was 6.0 years; there were 408 suicide deaths (incidence rate [IR]: 31.2 per 100,000 py). Males (IR: 48.3) had a higher rate than females (IR: 13.5; RR: 3.6; 95% CI = 2.8 to 4.6). A single ED visit for overdose (RR: 5.7; 95% CI = 4.5 to 7.4), suicidal ideation (RR: 6.7; 95% CI = 5.0 to 9.1), or self‐harm (RR: 5.8; 95% CI = 5.1 to 10.6) was strongly associated with increased suicide risk, relative to other patients.

Conclusions:
The suicide rate among these ED patients is higher than population‐based estimates. Rates among patients with suicidal ideation, overdose, or self‐harm are especially high, supporting policies that mandate psychiatric interventions in all cases.
The Effect of Soft‐tissue Ultrasound on the Management of Cellulitis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Tayal Vivek S. , Hasan Nael , Norton H. James , Tomaszewski Christian A.
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of diagnostic soft‐tissue ultrasound (US) on management of emergency department (ED) patients with clinical cellulitis.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study in an urban ED of adult patients with clinical soft‐tissue infection without obvious abscess. The treating physician's pretest opinions regarding the need for further drainage procedures and the probability of subcutaneous fluid collection were determined. Emergency sonologists then performed US of the infected area, and the effect on management plan was recorded.

Results: Ultrasound changed the management of patients with cellulitis in 71/126 (56%) of cases. In the pretest group that was believed not to need further drainage, US changed the management in 39/82 (48%), with 33 receiving drainage and 6 receiving further diagnostics or consultation. In the pretest group in which further drainage was believed to be needed, US changed the management in 32/44 (73%), including 16 in whom drainage was eliminated and 16 who had further diagnostic interventions. US had a management effect in all pretest probabilities for fluid from 10% to 90%.

Conclusions: Soft‐tissue US changes physician management in approximately half of patients in the ED with clinical cellulitis. US may guide management of cellulitis by detection of occult abscess, prevention of invasive procedures, and guidance for further imaging or consultation.
Intubating Conditions and Hemodynamic Effects of Etomidate for Rapid Sequence Intubation in the Emergency Department: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zed Peter J. , Abu‐Laban Riyad B. , Harrison David W.
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To describe and analyze the intubating conditions and hemodynamic effects of etomidate in patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in the emergency department.

Methods: The authors conducted a prospective observational study of all patients who received etomidate for induction of RSI over a 42‐month period in a large tertiary care teaching hospital. Intubating conditions were determined by the emergency physician for both sedation and paralysis and for technical difficulty using a five‐point Likert scale. Hemodynamic effects were evaluated before, after, and every five minutes for 15 minutes following administration of etomidate.

Results: Etomidate was used for induction of RSI in 522 patients, all of whom were included in the final efficacy analysis, while 491 were included in the analysis of hemodynamics. Lidocaine and fentanyl were used as pretreatment in 65.1% and 26.1% of patients, respectively, while succinylcholine was the paralytic in 94.3% of intubations. Sedation and paralysis were rated as excellent or good in 88.1% and 8.8% of patients, respectively, while technical difficulty was very easy or easy in 60.7% and 19.0% of patients, respectively. Mean (± SD) baseline systolic blood pressure (sBP), diastolic blood pressure (dBP), and heart rate were found to be 132.7 (± 35.4) mm Hg, 69.5 (± 21.2) mm Hg, and 96.1 (± 26.2) bpm, respectively. Overall, there was a clinically insignificant elevation in sBP (p < 0.0001), dBP (p = 0.0002), and heart rate (p < 0.0001) immediately postintubation. Elevations in sBP persisted at five minutes (p = 0.0230) and ten minutes (p = 0.0254) postintubation. Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate returned to baseline at five minutes after intubation and remained stable throughout the 15‐minute postintubation assessment period. In the subgroup of 80 patients with a preintubation sBP < 100 mm Hg, there was a 12.1–mm Hg elevation in sBP (p < 0.0001) and a 7.3–mm Hg elevation in dBP (p = 0.0001) immediately postintubation. This elevation persisted throughout the 15‐minute postintubation assessment period.

Conclusions: Etomidate appears to provide appropriate intubating conditions in a heterogeneous group of patients undergoing RSI in the emergency department. Hemodynamic stability appears to be present following administration of this agent, even in patients with low pre‐RSI blood pressure. This attribute must be weighed against potential adverse effects of this agent, including adrenal suppression.
The Probability of Pulmonary Embolism Is a Function of the Diagnoses Considered Most Likely Before Testing
Authors: Kabrhel Christopher , McAfee Andrew T. , Goldhaber Samuel Z.
Published: March 2006

Objectives:
To determine the frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis when different alternative diagnoses were considered most likely before testing, because the relationship between specific alternative diagnoses and the diagnosis of PE has not been explored.

Methods:
This study was a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective study of the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism conducted in the emergency department (ED) of an urban university hospital. Physicians were queried as to their most likely pretest diagnosis when they ordered any of the following tests to evaluate possible PE: D‐dimer, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography of the chest, ventilation–perfusion lung scan, or pulmonary angiogram. To compare the frequency of PE diagnosis across alternative diagnoses, risk ratios, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p‐values using Fisher's exact test were calculated.

Results:
Six hundred seven patients were enrolled, and 61 had PE. Physicians thought PE was the most likely pretest diagnosis in 162 (26.7%) patients, and 20.4% (95% CI = 14.4% to 27.4%) of these patients had PE. For four alternative diagnoses, PE was diagnosed less frequently than when PE was considered most likely: musculoskeletal pain (2.2%, 95% CI = 0.4% to 6.2%), anxiety (1.7%, 95% CI = 0.0 to 9.2%), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 10.9%), and viral syndrome (0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 14.3%).

Conclusions:
The frequency of PE is related to the most likely pretest alternative diagnosis. PE is diagnosed infrequently when anxiety, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal pain, or viral syndrome is the most likely alternative diagnosis.
Impact of Impedance Cardiography on Diagnosis and Therapy of Emergent Dyspnea: The ED‐IMPACT Trial
Authors: Peacock W. Frank , Summers Richard L. , Vogel Jody , Emerman Charles E.
Published: March 2006

Background: Dyspnea is one of the most common emergency department (ED) symptoms, but early diagnosis and treatment are challenging because of multiple potential causes. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a noninvasive method to measure hemodynamics that may assist in early ED decision making.

Objectives: To determine the rate of change in working diagnosis and initial treatment plan by adding ICG data during the course of ED clinical evaluation of elder patients presenting with dyspnea.

Methods: The authors studied a convenience sample of dyspneic patients 65 years and older who were presenting to the EDs of two urban academic centers. The attending emergency physician was initially blinded to the ICG data, which was collected by research staff not involved in patient care. At initial ED presentation, after history and physical but before central lab or radiograph data were returned, the attending ED physician completed a case report form documenting diagnosis and treatment plan. The physician then was shown the ICG data and the same information was again recorded. Pre‐ and post‐ICG differences were analyzed.

Results: Eighty‐nine patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 74.8 ± 7.0 years; 52 (58%) were African American, 42 (47%) were male. Congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the most common final diagnoses, occurring in 43 (48%), and 20 (22%), respectively. ICG data changed the working diagnosis in 12 (13%; 95% CI = 7% to 22%) and medications administered in 35 (39%; 95% CI = 29% to 50%).

Conclusions: Impedance cardiography data result in significant changes in ED physician diagnosis and therapeutic plan during the evaluation of dyspneic patients 65 years and older.
Reasons Why Patients Choose an Ambulance and Willingness to Consider Alternatives
Authors: Yarris Lalena M. , Moreno Raymond , Schmidt Terri A. , Adams Annette L. , Brooks Heather S.
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To test a hypothesis that patients would accept alternatives to transport to an emergency department (ED) by ambulance and to evaluate factors related to patient willingness to consider alternatives. Concerns about resource utilization have prompted emergency medical services (EMS) systems to explore alternatives to ambulance transport to an ED, but studies have evaluated the safety of alternatives, not patient preferences.

Methods: Trained research assistants surveyed patients transported by ambulance to a university ED. Interfacility transfers, trauma patients, and critically ill patients were excluded. The primary outcome was willingness to accept one of several presented alternatives to ambulance transport to the ED for that visit. Demographic and clinical factors were evaluated for association with willingness to consider alternatives. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by using Mantel‐Haenszel stratified methods.

Results: Three hundred fifteen subjects completed the survey. Two hundred forty‐seven (78.4%) were willing to consider at least one alternative. One hundred ninety‐four (61.6%) were willing to consider transportation by car, and 177 (56.2%) were willing to consider transportation by taxi. Factors associated with willingness to consider alternatives included the following: age 18–65 years (RR, 1.25; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.49), being unemployed (RR, 1.08; 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.33), use of the ED for routine care (RR, 1.25; 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.35), and not being admitted to the hospital (RR, 1.19; 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.40). Race, gender, health insurance status, and EMS interventions en route were not associated with willingness to consider transportation alternatives.

Conclusions: Many patients transported by ambulance to an ED would have considered an alternative, if one were offered.
Will a New Clinical Decision Rule Be Widely Used? the Case of the Canadian C‐Spine Rule
Authors: Brehaut Jamie C. , Stiell Ian G. , Graham Ian D.
Published: March 2006

Objectives: The reasons why some clinical decision rules (CDRs) become widely used and others do not are not well understood. The authors wanted to know the following: 1) To what extent is widespread use of a new, relatively complex CDR an attainable goal? 2) How do physician perceptions of the new CDR compare with those of a widely used rule? 3) To what extent do physician subgroups differ in likelihood to use a new rule?

Methods: A survey of 399 Canadian emergency physicians was conducted using Dillman's Tailored Design Method for postal surveys. The physicians were queried regarding the Canadian Cervical‐Spine Rule (C‐Spine Rule). Results were analyzed via frequency distributions, tests of association, and logistic regression.

Results: Response rate was 69.2% (262/376). Most respondents (83.6%) reported having already seen the Canadian C‐Spine Rule, while 63.0% reported already using it. Of those who did not currently use the rule, 74.2% reported that they would consider using it in the future despite the fact that, compared with another widely used rule (the Ottawa Ankle Rules), the C‐Spine Rule was rated as less easy to learn (z = 6.68, p < 0.001), remember (z = 7.37, p < 0.001), and use (z = 5.90, p < 0.001). Those who had never seen the rule before were older (χ2= 5.10, p = 0.007) and more likely to work part‐time (χ2(2) = 7.31, p = 0.026). The best predictors of whether the rule would be used was whether it had first been seen during training (odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14 to 6.04), was perceived as an efficient use of time (OR, 4.44; 95% CI = 1.12 to 16.89), and was too much trouble to apply (OR, 0.25; 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.77).

Conclusions:
Widespread use of a relatively complex rule is possible. Older and part‐time physicians were less likely to have seen the Canadian C‐Spine Rule but not less likely to use it once they had seen it. Targeting hard‐to‐reach subpopulations while stressing the safety and convenience of these rules is most likely to increase use of new CDRs.
Localization of Electromagnetic Wave in 3D Periodic and Fractal Structures
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshinari , Kirihara Soshu , Takeda Mitsuo Wada
Published: March 2006

Localization or confinement of electromagnetic or optical waves is reviewed briefly in respect to the wave interaction with the specific structures of periodic, random, and fractal (self-similar) geometries, which can enhance strong interference, scattering, and resonance of waves. The localization of microwave in photonic crystals with diamond structure and in photonic fractals with Menger sponge structure of dielectric media is reported and discussed about the difference of localization behaviors. These 3D structures are fabricated easily from liquid photosensitive resins or ceramic dispersed ones by a CAD/CAM stereolithography. The localization in photonic fractals is supported with several measurements of transmission, 90° wave scattering, electric field intensity profile, and FDTD (finite-difference time-domain) simulation for localized modes. An empirical equation to predict the localization frequencies shows good agreements with measured results as well. The localization in a photonic crystal can be explained by Bragg scattering, while that in a photonic fractal by resonance in the fractal cavity.
A Facile Zn-mediated Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-Trisubstituted Alkenes from Baylis–Hillman Adducts in Water and Its Application
Authors: Das Biswanath , Chowdhury Nikhil , Banerjee Joydeep , Majhi Anjoy , Mahender Gurram
Published: March 2006

A simple and efficient stereoselective synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-trisubstituted alkenes has been accomplished by treatment of the acetyl derivatives of the Baylis–Hillman adducts with Zn in saturated aq. NH4Cl solution under reflux. The method has been utilized for the preparation of the two chiral insect pheromones, dominicalure-I and dominicalure-II, of the lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (F).
Tunable Deposition of ZnO on Al Particle Surface: From Nanoparticles to Films
Authors: Hu Peng , Yuan Fangli , Wang Xi , Li Shaohua , Li Jinlin , Chen Yunfa
Published: March 2006

ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO films deposited on surface of Al particles were successfully synthesized via esterification between zinc acetate and ethanol under different solvothermal condition. As-synthesized ZnO particles were nearly spherical with uniform size close to 100 nm and homogeneously distributed on the surface of Al particles. By changing the reaction temperature, ZnO thin films were obtained instead of individual particles.
Synthesis of Polycyclic Coumarin Derivatives by Combined Claisen Rearrangement, Ring-closing Metathesis, and Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Chattopadhyay Shital K , Biswas Titas , Neogi Kaushik
Published: March 2006

A new route to several hitherto unknown linearly and angularly architectured polycyclic coumarin derivatives has been developed involving tandem applications of three atom economic processes viz. Claisen rearrangement, ring-closing enyne metathesis, and Diels–Alder reactions.
Labeling Polymeric Nanoparticles with Copper Chlorophyll as Contrast Agent for Electron Microscopy
Authors: Sun Wangqiang , Xie Changsheng , Wang Huafang , Hu Yu , Yang Xiangliang , Xu Huibi
Published: March 2006

Copper chlorophyll (CC), the hydrophobic pigment applied in food, is employed as a contrast agent instead of Au nanoparticles (NPs) to label polymeric NPs for in vivo observation by electron microscopy. Using the nanoprecipitation method without surfactants CC is aggregated in coordinately saturated form and synchronously encapsulated in the matrix of polymeric NPs without other complex pretreatments, which may ensure the stability of CC in NPs.
Regioselectivity in Nucleophilic Addition of Siloxyalkenes to an Alkylideneallyl Cation
Authors: Fujita Morifumi , Fujiwara Koji , Okuyama Tadashi
Published: March 2006

Alkylideneallyl cation generated from Lewis acid-mediated ring-opening reaction of alkylidenecyclopropanone acetal was employed for the reaction with siloxyalkenes to give [3 + 2] cycloaddition and acyclic addition products. All the products are the result of nucleophilic addition to the sp2 center of the alkylideneallyl cation, and there is no sign of the nucleophilic addition to the sp center. The regioselectivity is independent of the electronic and steric effects of siloxyalkene nucleophiles, and is compatible with charge distribution of the allylic cation.
Catalytic Repair of a Thymine Dimer in DNA via Carbazole Nucleoside
Authors: Yoshimura Yoshinaga , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: March 2006

We report the catalytic repair of a thymine dimer incorporated in a DNA duplex via oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) containing carbazole nucleoside (K). The occurrence of an electron transfer between K and thymine dimer is evidenced by fluorescence quenching measurements. K acts as a good electron donor for the catalytic repair of a thymine dimer.
New Visible Light Active Photocatalyst, Carbon-coated W18O49
Authors: Kojin Fumi , Mori Masanobu , Morishita Takahiro , Inagaki Michio
Published: March 2006

Visible light active photocatalyst, carbon-coated W18O49, was prepared by the heat treatment of the powder mixtures of ammonium paratungstate with poly(vinyl alcohol) at a temperature of 800 °C for 1 h in Ar gas flow. From the measurements of the decomposition of methylene blue and phenol in water, carbon-coated W18O49 was shown to be active only under visible light.
Controlled Formation of Ni–B Amorphous Alloy Nanoarray via Ultrasound-assisted Reductant-infiltration Strategy
Authors: Chen Xueying , Lou Zhiying , Xie Songhai , Qiao Minghua , Yan Shirun , Zhu Yuanlong , Fan Kangnian , He Heyong
Published: March 2006

An effective and facile strategy, ultrasound-assisted reductant-infiltration, was realized in the preparation of hexagonally packed Ni–B amorphous alloy nanoarray, which exhibits superior catalytic properties to their nanoparticle counterpart in selective hydrogenation of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol.
Confined Sol–Gel Reaction Using a Neutral Glycolipid Nanotube as a Template: Aqueous Fabrication of Titania Rod Structures
Authors: Ji Qingmin , Kamiya Shoko , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: March 2006

A neutral glycolipid nanotube has been used as a template to form titania rod structures in aqueous solutions. By freezing the aqueous solution of the lipid nanotube to an iced solid state, we were able to confine the formation of titania particles on the surfaces of the lipid nanotubes. After removal of the nanotube template by heat treatment, we successfully obtained rod structures of titania.
Career education: An application of latent growth curve modelling to career information‐seeking behaviour of school pupils
Authors: Shevlin Mark. , Millar Rob.
Published: March 2006

Background. This study applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in an attempt to predict longitudinal growth of career exploratory behaviour in school pupils. The importance of information for making considered career decisions is indicated in theories of career development and choice, career education programmes, and concepts of career maturity.

Aims. The study aimed to initially model individual and group levels of career exploratory behaviour and then to identify psychological variables that predicted such behaviour.

Sample. Longitudinal data from a sample of 325 adolescents (mean age 16.4 years, SD = 0.77, 45% were male) was collected at three points in time.

Method. A latent growth curve model was specified to account for initial status and subsequent linear growth of career exploratory behaviour. Variables representing the TPB were included in the model to explain the variation in the intercept and slope factors.

Results. The latent growth curve model was found to be an acceptable description of the data, and indicated that there was significant individual variability in terms of the intercept and slope factors. Behavioural intention was found to be a significant predictor of the intercept factor, but not of the slope factor.

Conclusions. It was concluded that the TPB remains a useful theoretical framework from which to explain career information‐seeking behaviour.
The educational impact of team‐skills training: Preparing students to work in groups
Authors: Prichard Jane S. , Bizo Lewis A. , Stratford Robert J.
Published: March 2006

Background. Despite a vast literature on collaborative learning (CL), there is little research on preparing students to work collaboratively.

Aims. This two‐phase evaluation investigated whether team‐skills training could enhance the performance of collaborative groups through the introduction of a team development programme to a group‐based undergraduate key‐skills unit.

Sample. Phase 1 compared two consecutive cohorts of second‐year students, Cohort 1 (N = 94) who received no preparation, and Cohort 2 (N = 113) who received team‐skills training. Phase 2 added Cohort 3 (N = 88), who also received team‐skills training, to extend the analysis.

Method. In Phase 1, students in both Cohorts 1 and 2 worked on a series of curriculum based key‐skill tasks across two semesters. Students worked in one group in Semester 1 and were then formed into new groups for Semester 2. Effects of the training were measured by student group marks and key‐skill ratings.

Results. Marks and key‐skill ratings were significantly higher for the trained cohort in Semester 1 (p <.01). However, in Semester 2 performance reduced for the trained cohort in comparison to Semester 1. To explore this further, Phase 2 of the study evaluated Cohort 3, where after training, collaborative groups remained intact throughout the academic year. Results for Cohort 3 showed no attenuation of performance effects in Semester 2.

Conclusions. Phase 1 results support the use of team‐skills training to enhance CL group performance. The findings for Phase 2 suggest that these benefits may be lost if training groups are disrupted.
Peer and teacher bullying/victimization of South Australian secondary school students: Prevalence and psychosocial profiles
Authors: Delfabbro Paul. , Winefield Tony. , Trainor Sarah. , Dollard Maureen. , Anderson Sarah. , Metzer Jacques. , Hammarstrom Anne.
Published: March 2006

This study examined the nature and prevalence of bullying/victimization by peers and teachers reported by 1,284 students (mean age = 15.2 years) drawn from a representative sample of 25 South Australian government and private schools. Students completed a self‐report survey containing questions relating to teacher and peer‐related bullying, measures of psychosocial adjustment, and personality. The results showed that students could be clearly differentiated according to the type of victimization they had experienced. Students reporting peer victimization typically showed high levels of social alienation, poorer psychological functioning, and poorer self‐esteem and self‐image. By contrast, victims of teacher victimization were more likely to be rated as less able academically, had less intention to complete school and were more likely to be engaged in high‐risk behaviours such as gambling, drug use and under‐age drinking. Most bullying was found to occur at school rather than outside school and involved verbal aggression rather than physical harm. Boys were significantly more likely to be bullied than girls, with the highest rates being observed amongst boys attending single‐sex government schools. Girls were more likely to be subject to bullying if they attended coeducational private schools. The implications of this work for enhancing school‐retention rates and addressing psychological distress amongst adolescent students are discussed.
Individual contributory factors in teacher stress: The role of achievement striving and occupational commitment
Authors: Jepson Emma. , Forrest Sarah.
Published: March 2006

Workplace stress and its impact upon retention levels are becoming an increasing concern within the teaching profession (Brown, Davis, & Johnson, 2002; Jarvis, 2002). Research has largely focused upon the effects of environmental factors, whilst noting that it is the interplay between the individual and the environment which may hold the key to understanding this problem (Cox, 1978; Parkes, 1994). Identifying individual contributory factors is essential in understanding why, under the same environmental conditions, some people suffer much greater levels of stress than others. This study examined the influence of Type A behaviour, personal achievement strivings, occupational commitment, gender and nature/experience of teaching on perceived workplace stress within the teaching profession (N = 95). It was predicted that perceived stress would be strongest amongst those reporting higher levels of these factors. A multiple regression analysis indicated that there was a positive relationship between Type A behaviour, personal achievement strivings, and perceived stress. The relationship between perceived stress and occupational commitment, however, was found to be negative. The possible explanations for these findings, and potential implications, are discussed. Future research plans are outlined for exploring the relationships between these individual contributory factors and environmental stressors.
Arab and Jewish elementary school students' perceptions of fear and school violence: Understanding the influence of school context
Authors: Astor Ron Avi , Benbenishty Rami. , Vinokur Amiram D. , Zeira Anat.
Published: March 2006

This inquiry explores variables that predict elementary school stsudents' fear of attending school due to school violence and their overall judgments of school violence as a problem. Using a nationally representative sample (Israel) of 5,472 elementary‐school‐aged children, this study tested the hypotheses that: (a) young students' personal fear of attending school due to violence, and (b) students' assessment of a school violence problem, are best understood as separate conceptual constructs. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed theoretical model for the sample as a whole and separately for across gender and for Arab and Jewish students. Student fear of attending school due to violence was related directly to experiences of personal victimization on school grounds by students and teachers. Children's judgments of their schools' overall violence problem were influenced directly by the school climate, risky peer‐group behaviours, and personal victimization. The findings provide evidence that the proposed theoretical model applies across gender groups and for both Arab and Jewish students. Implications for policy, theory, and future research are highlighted.
The belief in a negative interdependence of math and verbal abilities as determinant of academic self‐concepts
Authors: Möller Jens. , Streblow Lilian. , Pohlmann Britta.
Published: March 2006

Background. The internal/external frame of reference (I/E) model by Marsh (1986) assumes intra‐individual dimensional comparisons in which students compare their own achievements in one subject with their achievements in other subjects. These comparison processes should lead to negative paths from achievement in one subject (e.g. maths) on self‐concept in another subject (e.g. verbal domains).

Aims. Within this study, we investigated the impact of students' belief in a negative interdependence of maths and verbal abilities, that is, whether students think of maths and verbal abilities as negatively correlated or not, on the impact of dimensional comparisons.

Methods. Maths and German grades, academic self‐concepts in maths and German, and a new scale on the beliefs in a negative interdependence of maths and verbal abilities students were assessed (N = 1,443).

Results. The importance of the negative interdependence beliefs could be shown: stronger beliefs in a negative interdependence of maths and verbal ability are accompanied by more negative path coefficients from grades in one subject to academic self‐concepts in the other subject.

Conclusions. Dimensional comparisons seem to be of particular importance for students with negative interdependence beliefs.
An exploration of the relationship between academic and experiential learning approaches in vocational education
Authors: de Stavenga Jong Jan A. , Wierstra Ronny F. A. , Hermanussen José
Published: March 2006

Background. Research on individual learning approaches (or learning styles) is split in two traditions, one of which is biased towards academic learning, and the other towards learning from direct experience.

Aims. In the reported study, the two traditions are linked by investigating the relationships between school‐based (academic) and work‐based (experiential) learning approaches of students in vocational education programs.

Samples. Participants were 899 students of a Dutch school for secondary vocational education; 758 provided data on school‐based learning, and 407 provided data on work‐based learning, resulting in an overlap of 266 students from whom data were obtained on learning in both settings.

Methods. Learning approaches in school and work settings were measured with questionnaires. Using factor analysis and cluster analysis, items and students were grouped, both with respect to school‐ and work‐based learning.

Results. The study identified two academic learning dimensions (constructive learning and reproductive learning), and three experiential learning dimensions (analysis, initiative, and immersion). Construction and analysis were correlated positively, and reproduction and initiative negatively. Cluster analysis resulted in the identification of three school‐based learning orientations and three work‐based learning orientations. The relation between the two types of learning orientations, expressed in Cramér's V, appeared to be weak.

Conclusions. It is concluded that learning approaches are relatively context specific, which implies that neither theoretical tradition can claim general applicability.
Developmental dynamics between mathematical performance, task motivation, and teachers' goals during the transition to primary school
Authors: Aunola Kaisa. , Leskinen Esko. , Nurmi Jari‐Erik
Published: March 2006

Background. It has been suggested that children's learning motivation and interest in a particular subject play an important role in their school performance, particularly in mathematics. However, few cross‐lagged longitudinal studies have been carried out to investigate the prospective relationships between academic achievement and task motivation. Moreover, the role that the classroom context plays in this development is largely unknown.

Aims. The aim of the study was to investigate the developmental dynamics of maths‐related motivation and mathematical performance during children's transition to primary school. The role of teachers' pedagogical goals and classroom characteristics on this development was also investigated.

Sample. A total of 196 Finnish children were examined four times: (0) in October during their preschool year; (1) in October and (2) April during their first grade of primary school; and (3) in October during their second grade.

Method. Children's mathematical performance was tested at each measurement point. Task motivation was examined at measurement points 2, 3, and 4 using the Task‐value scale for children. First‐grade teachers were interviewed in November about their pedagogical goals and classroom characteristics.

Results and conclusions. The results showed that children's mathematical performance and related task motivation formed a cumulative developmental cycle: a high level of maths performance at the beginning of the first grade increased subsequent task motivation towards mathematics, which further predicted a high level of maths performance at the beginning of the second grade. The level of maths‐related task motivation increased in those classrooms where the teachers emphasized motivation or self‐concept development as their most important pedagogical goal.
Augmenting the effect of verbal persuasion on self‐efficacy to serve as a steward: Gender similarity in a union environment
Authors: Mellor Steven , Barclay Lizabeth A. , Bulger Carrie A. , Kath Lisa M.
Published: March 2006

We examined gender disparity in union leadership by studying the effects of gender similarity between union members and their stewards. We theorized and found that gender similarity augmented the effect of verbal persuasion on self‐efficacy to serve as a steward.
Refining individualized consideration: Distinguishing developmental leadershipand supportive leadership
Authors: Rafferty Alannah E. , Griffin Mark A.
Published: March 2006

This study explores the theoretical and empirical distinction between developmental leadership and supportive leadership, which are currently encompassed in a single sub dimension of transformational leadership, individualized consideration. Items were selected to assess these constructs, and hypotheses regarding the differential effects of developmental and supportive leadership were proposed. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the proposed distinction between developmental and supportive leadership, although these leadership factors were very strongly associated. Structural equation modelling and multi‐level modelling results indicated that both developmental leadership and supportive leadership displayed unique relationships with theoretically selected outcome measures. Developmental leadership displayed significantly stronger relationships with job satisfaction, career certainty, affective commitment to the organization and role breadth self‐efficacy than did supportive leadership. Results provide initial evidence in support of the discriminant validity of these two types of leadership. Discussion focuses on the need to further examine the construct of developmental leadership.
Linking employees' justice perceptions to organizational commitment and intention to leave: The mediating role of perceived organizational support
Authors: Loi Raymond , Hang‐Yue Ngo , Foley Sharon
Published: March 2006

Building on the social exchange perspective and organizational support theory, this study examined the relationships among employees' justice perceptions, perceived organizational support (POS), organizational commitment and intention to leave. A hypothesized model was developed and tested using hierarchical regression analyses on a sample of 514 practising solicitors in Hong Kong. The results showed that both procedural and distributive justice contributed to the development of POS, and POS mediated their effects on organizational commitment and intention to leave. As expected, organizational commitment was negatively related to intention to leave. Additional analyses revealed that these relationships held for both partners and non‐partners in law firms.
Do social comparison and coping styles play a role in the development of burnout? Cross‐sectional and longitudinal findings
Authors: Carmona Carmen , Buunk Abraham P. , Peiró José M. , Rodríguez Isabel , Bravo M. Jesús
Published: March 2006

The present longitudinal research among 558 teachers focused on the role of upward comparisons (with others performing better), downward comparisons (with others performing worse), and coping styles in relation to burnout. Assessed were identification (recognizing oneself in the other) and contrast (seeing the other as a competitor) in upward and downward comparison. Cross‐sectionally, downward identification and upward contrast were positively related to burnout and negatively related to a direct coping style, whereas upward identification was negatively related to burnout and positively related to a direct coping style. Downward identification was positively related to a palliative coping style. Direct and palliative coping styles were independent predictors of burnout: those who reported using a direct coping style had lower levels of burnout and those who reported using a palliative coping style had higher levels of burnout. Longitudinally, the use of a direct coping style was associated with a decrease and downward identification with an increase of burnout over time.
The team‐level model of climate for innovation: A two‐level confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Mathisen Gro Ellen , Torsheim Torbjørn , Einarsen Ståle
Published: March 2006

The level structure of West's (1990) four‐factor model of team climate for innovation was assessed by means of multi‐level confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA). The sample consisted of 1,487 individuals (195 teams) from a wide range of professions. Results showed that a considerable portion of the variance in the data was explained on the team level with intra‐class correlations ranging from .30 to .39. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the overall measurement model fitted the data well at both the team and individual levels, while the factor loadings were slightly different across the levels with item loadings showing partial invariance. Results from confirmatory factor analyses conducted on separate levels, however, showed that the four‐factor model displayed the best fit to the data for both individual and team levels. A second‐order one‐factor model also fitted the data well on both levels. The results indicate that the team climate for innovation model can be used as a team‐level consensus model of team climate for innovation.
Saying no to being uprooted: The impact of family and gender on willingness to relocate
Authors: Baldridge David C. , Eddleston Kimberly A. , Veiga John F.
Published: March 2006

Although career research contends that women managers and professionals are less willing than men to relocate, much of the previous research has been either limited by comparative sampling issues, or has not fully accounted for the role of family. To address these issues we gathered survey data from managers and professionals in 102 large companies by identifying pairs of individuals from each firm who worked in the same division, location, and functional area, who were similar in age (± 5 years), yet differed in gender ‐ resulting in a comparatively matched sample of 333 male and 333 female respondents. To account for the role of family, we tested a model that first controlled for the impact of previous determinants of willingness to relocate, and then examined the impact of four family attributes including spouse's contribution to family income, presence of preschool‐aged children at home, and the perceived strength of spouse's and children's community ties. We also examined the moderating role of gender in explaining the impact of these attributes. Results indicate that the inclusion of family attributes increased the amount of variance explained in our regression model. Moreover, beyond substantiating a significant main effect for gender ‐ that is, women managers are less willing to relocate ‐ we also found that gender interacts with family attributes to further dampen a woman's willingness to relocate.
Self‐directed work groups and team competence
Authors: Kauffeld Simone
Published: March 2006

The study examines the impact of self‐directed group work on team competence. The sample consists of 83 production groups from 20 medium‐sized enterprises: 44 self‐directed work groups and 39 traditional work groups. Results based on process‐analytic behavioural data, collected at the group level of analysis, show that self‐directed teams are more competent than traditional work groups on seven out of 12 aspects of competence. Self‐directed teams show greater methodological competence, to some extent greater professional and self‐competence but no greater social competence when completing optimization tasks. In addition, the work characteristics participation, formal team communication, continuous improvement process, training and team‐oriented tasks were related to team competence in the subsample of self‐directed work teams.
Decision to Enter the Profession of Student Affairs
Authors: Taub Deborah J , McEwen Marylu K
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to consider factors that graduate students in master's degree programs in student affairs identify as influential to their decisions to enter the student affairs profession. A total of 300 master's students from 24 randomly selected graduate programs participated in the study. Relatively few differences were found between men and women or between traditional-age and older graduate students.
The Evolution of Institutions and Rules Governing Communal Grazing Lands in Botswana
Authors: Makepe Patricia M
Published: March 2006

This paper traces the tradition and evolution of the institutions and rules governing communal grazing lands in Botswana. It shows how the problem of resource overuse arose partly from the dismantling and delegitimization of traditional resource management institutions that occurred during the colonial period, and was later reinforced by a newly independent government, increased market activity, high population pressure and other changes. While privatization has been the most popular policy prescription to address the problem of resource overuse, this paper highlights the potential role collective action can play in addressing the problem of resource overuse as part of a community based resource management strategy in parts of the country with poor ecological conditions and high population density.