bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture Care of Euro-American Women during Childbirth: Using Leininger's Theory
Authors: Finn Julianna M.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was discovery of the meanings of care/non-care as experienced by ten European-American women during childbirth. This research was conceptualized within Leininger's (1991) Theory of Culture Care. The research areas included: generic and professional nurse care/non-care, the phenomena of generic care by nurses; and the congruence of these constructs with Leininger's theory. The informant's descriptions of their lived experiences were analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenologic method. Ten childbirthing women and nine nurses were interviewed to discover the generic, professional and integrated patterns of care.

Findings included: 1) care universalities and diversities; 2) care preferences of European-American childbirthing women, and 3) professional nurse care as an integration of generic patterns into professional nurse care. These findings confirmed Leininger's theoretical position. The results of this study can guide transcultural nurses to know the differences and similarities between generic and professional care and integrate these two types of care into culturally appropriate care.
From Nurse to Nurse Anesthetist: The Relationship of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity to Professional Socialization and Career Commitment of Advanced Practice Nurses
Authors: Waugaman Wynne R. , Lu Jean
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship of culture, race, and ethnicity on professional socialization and career commitment of student registered nurse anesthetists. A 78-item, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to the United States population of student nurse anesthetists ( N = 2,008) yielding a 56% response. Demographic data and the dimensions of socialization were analyzed with chi-square and weighted least-squares linear analysis of variance. Four scales assessed the relationship of age, gender, culture/race/ethnicity, and views of culturally congruent care on the socialization process. In all dimensions of socialization, culture and race/ethnicity both correlated significantly (p < .05) for all nondominant groups compared to the dominant European American White group. Responses from Asian-Pacific Islanders were most positively correlated to all dimensions of socialization. Hispanics responded least positively to a lifetime commitment to the career in nurse anesthesia by culture (p = .003) and ethnicity (p = .009).
Developing an Instrument to Study the Tuberculosis Screening Behaviors of Mexican Migrant Farmworkers
Authors: Poss Jane E.
Published: March 2007

This article details the use of qualitative data in the construction of a Spanish-language, quantitative research instrument designed for a study of Mexican migrant farmworkers’ participation in tuberculosis screening. In the qualitative study, 19 Mexican migrant farmworkers were interviewed in Spanish to elicit their explanatory models (EMs) about tuberculosis. The Tuberculosis Interview Instrument (TII) was developed from the results of the qualitative study and concepts from a theoretical framework consisting of a combination of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). After its development, the TII was subjected to translation and back-translation procedures to insure the equivalency of the English and Spanish versions, and it was reviewed for content validity. Internal consistency reliability, based on the responses of 206 subjects, was satisfactory for all subscales. Future testing of the TII is recommended to evaluate its stability among Mexican migrant farmworkers in other parts of the United States.
The (Im) Possibility of Democratic Justice and the “Gift” of the Majority
Authors: ARRIGO BRUCE A. , WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER R.
Published: March 2007

This article conceptually explores the problem of democratic justice in the form of legislated equal rights for minority citizen groups. Following Derrida's critique of Western logic and thought, at issue is the (im)possibility of justice for under- and nonrepresented constituencies. Derrida's socioethical treatment of justice, law, hospitality, and community suggests that the majority bestows a gift (ostensible sociopolitical empowerment); however, the ruse of this gift is that the giver affirms an economy of narcissism and reifies the hegemony and power of the majority. This article concludes by speculating on the possibility of justice and equality informed by an affirmative postmodern framework. A cultural politics of difference, contingent universalities, undecidability, dialogical pedagogy, border crossings, and constitutive thought would underscore this transformative and deconstructive agenda.
A Study of Police Misconduct and Litigation: Findings and Implications
Authors: Meadows Robert J. , Trostle Lawrence C.
Published: March 2007

Police officers are entrusted with the delicate task of applying force with reasonable care. In situations where police misuse their power of force, complaints of misconduct frequently arise. There is a wealth of information on civil litigation but a lack of data concerning the conditions accompanying alleged incidents of police misconduct. This study examines plaintiffs settlements and judgments, and the conditions associated with lawsuits filed against a major Southern California law enforcement agency.
Antiterrorist Legislation: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Nelson William R.
Published: March 2007

Democratic governments have found itnecessary to enact special legislation in order to deal with the problems of contemporary terrorism. Although the laws of each country reflect the experience of that nation in dealing with particular groups and their tactics, there are common features in the antiterrorist legislation enacted in those countries that have extensive experience with terrorism. This article compares the antiterrorist laws of the Federal Republic of Germany with those of the United Kingdom. The use of non-jury Diplock courts in Northern Ireland and the variety of restrictions imposed on attorneys in Germany are examples of special laws to deal with regional problems. However, there is also considerable similarity in the antiterrorist laws of the two countries.
Crime and Criminal Justice: Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going?
Authors: Geis Gilbert
Published: March 2007

The appearance of independent academic units specializing in criminology and criminal justice stands out among the significant developments in the field during the past three decades. This review examines the standing of such units, and also discusses the demise of criminology at Berkeley, quantitative research, the anachronistic nature of grand juries and preliminary hearings, and victimless crimes and capital punishment. The article, in addition, calls for more fruitful exploration of the relationship between a nation's ethos and its level of criminal activity.
Using Inmate Labor to Produce Products for the Open Market
Authors: Sigler Robert T. , Stough Mark G.
Published: March 2007

Privatization of corrections is reemerging as an option for correctional administrations. As a part of this reemer gence, prison industries appear to be perceived as a legitimate area for privatization. In past efforts, the competitive edge provided by the use of prison labor by private businesses has produced resistance from both organized labor and competing businesses. This paper presents a proposed model for privatization of prison work programs and presents limited data addressing the extent to which correctional mid-managers would support the privatization of prison industries. The model presented here proposes that privatization of prison industry be restricted to businesses which have moved off-shore to take advantage of lower wages as a way of meeting the objections based on unfair competition. This study further indicates that there is some support for the conten tion that correctional mid-managers would support such a program.
Whistleblowing and Lawyers
Authors: Belbot Barbara A.
Published: March 2007

In recent years, a great deal of attention has been paid to whistleblowers, those heroic people who risk their jobs, friendships and health to expose their employers' illegal or unethical behavior. This article examines the difficulties faced by a corporate attorney who discovers that her client has committed a fraudulent act. A lawyer's code of professional ethics and the common law obligation to keep client confidences make it virtually impossible for an attorney to "blow the whistle" on a corporate client or employer.
Offender Organization and Victim Responses
Authors: LEVI MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

Tremblay and colleagues have advanced some important insights into the nature of credit card fraud, especially counterfeit card, markets in Canada. This study examines the international applicability of these findings and presents some data about the nature of credit card fraud in contemporary North America and the United Kingdom, showing how card issuers, merchant acquirers, and retailers seek to cope with the levels and organization of offending. Frauds can be committed by a continuum of organizational forms, from lone thieves who use the cards they have stolen to global organized crime syndicates. Barriers to entry for offenders will increase as technologically driven fraud prevention is enhanced, and involvement will depend on the availability of capital investment and technological skills (e.g., high-quality counterfeiting) and the attractiveness of such frauds compared with other criminal and noncriminal opportunities for any given individual or group.
Hate Crimes Against African Americans
Authors: TORRES SAM
Published: March 2007

This article addresses hate crime against African Americans in the United States. The author looks at the data that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has gathered from 1990 to 1996 regarding hate crime against African Americans. Based on Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data on hate crimes, African Americans are most often the victims of race-motivated crimes. The data reflect that from 1992 to 1996 there has been a 52% increase in the number of hate crimes reported against African Americans. Addressed in this article are African American hate crime victimization trends since the passage of the Hate Crime Statistics Act of 1990, the factors that contribute to hate crimes against African Americans, and some of the recommendations that have been put forth for dealing with this growing problem. The study concludes that there is a climate of increasing intolerance, and a growing acceptability of racial prejudice in the United States.
Hate Speech and the First Amendment
Authors: ISRAEL MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

A cornerstone of democracy is the First Amendment's protection of free speech. The founding fathers saw this as contributing to democratic government. Ironically, contemporary free speech protects groups such as Nazis, White and Black supremacists, pornographers, gangster rappers, TV violence, and gratuitous film profiteers; in short, these are agents of disorder, and have practically nothing of discourse value. This article argues that the harm of assaultive speech must be taken into account to define specific boundaries for what has been characterized as hate speech.
Convergence Characteristics of the Multiple Input, Multiple Output LMS Algorithm
Authors: Snyder Scott D. , Hansen Colin H. , Clark Robert L.
Published: March 2007

The convergence characteristics of the multiple input, multiple output LMS algorithm, as applied to active noise and vibration control systems, are examined. The mean square error during the convergence process, as well as the final converged value, are examined analytically and in computer simulation. It is shown that the ratio of number of error sensors to number of control sources has a significant influence upon both the converging and converged value of the mean square error. Other active control system variables, such as the inherent time delays and structural/acoustic transfer functions, are also shown to have a significant influence upon the convergence process.
The Feasibility of Embedded Electronics for Intelligent Structures
Authors: Warkentin David J. , Crawley Edward F. , Senturia Stephen D.
Published: March 2007

The signal, power, and communications provisions for the distributed con trol processing, sensing, and actuation of an intelligent structure could benefit from a method of physically embedding some electronic components. The preliminary feasibility of embedding electronic components in load-bearing intelligent composite structures is addressed. A technique for embedding integrated circuits on silicon chips within graphite/ epoxy composite structures is presented which addresses the problems of electrical, mechanical, and chemical isolation. The mechanical isolation of test articles manufac tured by this technique is tested by subjecting them to static and cyclic mechanical loads; chemical isolation is tested by subjecting them to electrical bias in a high temperature, high humidity environment. The likely failure modes under these conditions are iden tified, and suggestions for further improvements in the technique are discussed.
Diamond —A Novel Sensing Material
Authors: Vaseashta Ashok K. , Desu Seshu B.
Published: March 2007

The excellent electrical and optical properties of di amond are the driving force behind the current research in produc ing thin films of diamond. Based upon the unique properties of dia mond, enormous state-of-the-art novel electron devices and sensor configurations are possible. The synthesis of crystalline diamond in the laboratory provides tremendous opportunities to benefit from its unique properties. A critical review of the diamond depo sition process is presented. Recent NRL studies suggest deposition of good quality diamond films in a turbulent flow regime where CVD processes normally operate in local thermal equilibrium (LTE). Modifications are suggested to further enhance the deposi tion rates of diamond films. A brief account is provided of hybrid microelectronics, opto-electronic, and other novel devices realizable with the diamond material. Thermal management of electronic devices is extremely important in the design of sensors and high-speed, high-density electronic circuits with power de vices fabricated monolithically. A preliminary theoretical compu tation for comparison of the power dissipation vs. gate propagation delay for diamond, silicon, and gallium arsenide-based devices is presented. Thermal interaction of semiconductor devices on the substrates as it relates to their close proximity and spacing is ad dressed. Computations of simulated analytical expressions indicate that diamond devices can withstand higher temperatures of opera tion without any significant deterioration in electrical perfor mance.
Hydrogel Stress-Relaxation
Authors: Chiarelli Piero , De Rossi Danilo , Basser Peter
Published: March 2007

Hydrogels exhibit stress-relaxation when stretched. The decay in tensile stress can be ascribed primarily to strain-induced swelling of the polymer network. This assertion is formalized in a biphasic continuum model of the gel-solvent system. An equation of motion and a linear consti tutive law of the polymer network are solved with boundary and initial conditions appropriate for a stress-relaxation experiment The model predicts that the time constant of decay depends upon the square of the significant length of the sample (i.e., thickness of thin films, diameter of sphere or thin cylindrical fibers), a result which is confirmed by experiments. In addition, the values of the material constants ( μ, the shear modulus; k, the bulk modulus; and 1/f, the hydraulic permeability) which are estimated using a non-linear regression algorithm, agree well with measurements of the material constants made by other methods.
One-Dimensional Constitutive Behavior of Shape Memory Alloys: Thermomechanical Derivation with Non-Constant Material Functions and Redefined Martensite Internal Variable
Authors: Brinson L.C.
Published: March 2007

A one-dimensional constitutive model for the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloys is developed based on previous work by Liang and Tanaka. An internal variable ap proach is used to derive a comprehensive constitutive law for shape memory alloy materials from first principles without the assumption of constant material functions. This constitutive law is of such a form that it is well suited to further practical engineering applications and calculations.

A separation of the martensite fraction internal variable into temperature-induced and stress- induced parts is presented and justified, which then allows the derived constitutive law to accurately represent both the pseudoelastic and shape memory effects at all temperatures. Several numerical ex amples are given that illustrate the ability of the constitutive law to capture the unique thermome chanical behavior of shape memory alloys due to their internal phase transformations with stress and temperature.
The Role of Local Interaction Mechanics in Fiber Optic Smart Structures
Authors: Sirkis J.S. , Dasgupta A.
Published: March 2007

The concept of using "smart" composite materials/structures with built-in self- diagnostic capabilities for health monitoring involves embedding discrete and/or distributed sensory networks in the host composite material, along with a central and/or distributed artificial intelligence capability for signal processing, data collection, interpretation and diagnostic evaluations. This arti cle concentrates on the sensory functions in "smart" structure applications and concentrates in particular on optical fiber sensors. Specifically, we present an overview of recent research dealing with the basic mechanics of local interactions between the embedded optical fiber sensors and the surrounding host composite. The term "local" is defined by length scales on the order of several op tical fiber diameters. We examine some generic issues, such as the "calibration" and "obtrusivity" of the sensor, and the inherent damage caused by the sensor inclusions to the surrounding host and vice-versa under internal and/or external applied loads. Analytical, numerical and experimental results are presented regarding the influence of local strain concentrations caused by the sensory in clusions on sensor and host performance. The important issues examined are the local mechanistic effects of optical fiber coatings on the behavior of the sensor and the host, and mechanical sur vivability of optical fibers experiencing quasi-static and time-varying thermomechanical loading.
A Macroscopic Phenomenological Formulation for Coupled Electromechanical Effects in Piezoelectricity
Authors: Zhang X.D. , Rogers C.A.
Published: March 2007

A phenomenological formulation of polarization reversal of piezoelectric materials s proposed based on the dynamics of domain switching. This formulation provides a method to describe the hysteresis in piezoelectricity as well as in electromagnetics. It is shown that a good ap proach to describe the nonlinear induced strain-field behavior and electromechanical hysteresis in piezoelectricity is by combining the macroscopic phenomenological aspects with the microscopic naterial properties. A one-dimensional thermo-electro-mechanical constitutive model for piezo ceramics which undergo polarization reversal is presented using a continuum mechanics approach. This model is based on thermodynamic principles and reflects the essence of the electromechanical behavior of piezoceramics in a simple form. It is illustrated that this theory can describe the elec romechanical behavior of piezoceramics simply and reasonably well.
A Neural Network for Feedforward Controlled Smart Structures
Authors: Snyder Scott D. , Tanaka Nobuo
Published: March 2007

A neural network and adaptive algorithm suitable for driving non-linear feedforward control systems used with "smart" structures to actively control sound and vibration is presented. The neural network/algorithm combination can be viewed as an extension to the commonly used transversal filter/filtered-x LMS algorithm combination, in that the neural network is essentially a transversal filter with a non-linear hidden layer placed between the input delay chain and output ac cumulator. The algorithm accommodates the transfer function and time delay between the control signal output and error signal input. The arrangement is shown in simulation to be capable of sup pressing a primary distrubance, which is a non-linear function of the reference signal fed to the con trol filter, and of suppressing harmonics introduced into a system by a control actuator exhibiting non-linear performance characteristics. The results are compared to those similarly obtained using a linear adaptive control arrangement, which is incapable of providing attenuation in either case.
Active Vibration Control of Laminated Composite Plates Using Piezoelectric Devices: A Finite Element Approach
Authors: Chandrashekhara K. , Agarwal A.N.
Published: March 2007

A finite element formulation is presented for modeling the behavior of laminated composites with integrated piezoelectric sensors and actuators. This model is valid for both con tinuous and segmented piezoelectric elements that can be either surface bonded or embedded in the laminated plate. The present model takes into account the mass and the stiffness of the piezoelectric patches. The formulation is based on the first-order shear deformation theory, which is applicable for both thin and moderately thick plates. An additional feature of the present model is that it does not introduce the voltage as an additional degree of freedom. The charge/current generated by the sensor and the response of the plate to an actuator voltage can be computed independently. These features are then coupled with a constant-gain negative-velocity/positive-position feedback control algorithm to actively control the transient response of the plate in a closed loop. Numerical results are presented which indicate the increase in damping as the feedback gain is increased. The in fluence of stacking sequence and boundary conditions on the controlled transient response of the plate is examined.
Active Control of Structurally Radiated Sound from an Enclosed Finite Cylinder
Authors: Clark Robert L. , Fuller Chris R.
Published: March 2007

A long, thin aluminum cylinder was configured with two rigid end caps and in strumented with piezoceramic actuators and either microphone or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) structural sensors for narrow-band active structural acoustic control. The input disturbance to the cylinder was generated with a shaker attached by a stinger, and all tests were performed in an anechoic chamber. In the first series of tests, the cylinder was driven with a shaker attached to the end cap, exciting the "accordion mode" of the structure. Upon applying control and using PVDF sen sors, significant levels of global sound attenuation, approximately 25 dB on-resonance and 15 dB off- resonance, were observed in the acoustic field. In both the on-resonance and off-resonance test cases, three control actuators were required to achieve the stated levels of sound attenuation due to interaction between the accordion modes and the cylinder modes. In the second series of tests, the cylinder was driven radially with a shaker to excite higher order cylinder modes. Control was ap plied with six piezoelectric actuators wired to control selected circumferential modes in the first test case, and the actuators were chosen in a helical pattern about the cylinder in the second test case. In the latter case, approximately 10 dB of global sound attenuation was observed in the acoustic field when using microphone error sensors, while results obtained when implementing the PVDF error sensors yielded little sound attenuation in controlling the cylinder modes.
A Fiber Optic Sensor for Measuring Distributed Forces
Authors: Huang Shanglian  , Luo Fei  , Pan Yingjun
Published: March 2007

A fiber optic sensor system for measuring distrib uted forces is presented in this paper. A high-birefringent fiber is chosen as a sensing element. Based on the coupling effects of polarization modes in high-birefringence fibers, the distribution of the force points along the sensing fiber can be measured by detect ing mode couplings in the fiber which are caused by external force disturbance. The location and magnitude of the measured forces
Tailoring Materials for Specific Needs
Authors: Sigmund O.
Published: March 2007

This paper describes a method to design the periodic microstructure of a material to obtain specified constitutive parameters. The problem can be called an inverse homogenization problem and is formulated as an optimization problem of finding the microstructure with the lowest possible weight which fulfills the specified behavioural requirements. A full ground structure known from topology optimization of trusses is used as starting guess for the optimization algorithm, which implies that the optimal microstructure of a base cell is found from a truss structure with 120 possi ble members in the 2-dimensional case and 2016 possible members in the 3-dimensional case. The material parameters are found by a numerical homogenization method using finite elements to model the representative base cell, and the optimization problem is solved by an optimality criteria method.

Numerical examples in two and three dimensions show that it is possible to design materials with many different properties, including isotropic materials with Poisson's ratio close to — 1 and 0.5, us ing base cells modelled as truss structures. Some of the proposed base cells have been tested as macro models and methods to produce them in practice are discussed.
Conflict Management in Groups that Work in Two Different Communication Contexts
Authors: Zornoza Ana , Ripoll Pilar , Peiró José M.
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study is to test the differences in quality and frequency of conflict management behavior as a function of the interaction between task and communication medium, and practice time in continuing groups that work over two different media: computer mediated communication (CMC) and face to face communication (FTF). Conflict management behavior is studied through observed behavior and categorized by experts. Two conflict management behavior categories are differentiated: positive and negative conflict management behavior. A laboratory experiment was carried out comparing 12 groups of 4 members each, working over two communication media (6 groups FTF and 6 groups over CMC). Groups performed three types of tasks (idea-generation tasks, intellective tasks, and mixed-motive tasks) during weekly sessions over a 2-month period. Results obtained for the idea-generation task show that negative conflict management is significantly higher in CMC than in FTF. For the groups working on intellective tasks, positive conflict management is significantly higher in FTF than in CMC. Conversely, negative conflict management is significantly higher in CMC than in FTF. No significant differences appear in positive or in negative conflict management on the mixed-motive task. The effect of time on conflict management behaviors in both communication media, and for intellective tasks, does not follow the hypothesized direction. In fact, in CMC, positive conflict management decreases over time, and there are no significant differences in FTF. Implications of these results for future research and practice are discussed.
A Confirmatory Factor-Analytic and Psychometric Examination of the Team Climate Inventory
Authors: Loo Robert , Loewen Pamela
Published: March 2007

This study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the 38-item Team Climate Inventory and the 14-item short version using a sample of 72 four-person teams of management undergraduates in a Canadian university. The confirmatory factor analyses supported the five-factor correlated model that questions the validity of the original four-factor model. The confirmatory factor analyses also supported the short version. Team Climate Inventory scale and subscale scores showed no significant differences when the Team Climate Inventory was administered at two times, separated by 9 weeks, during the team projects. The Team Climate Inventory shows promise as a multidimensional measure of the team climate construct in both student and employee teams. Finally, the short version provides a useful measure when administration time is limited.
Phases in Group Development
Authors: Cissna Kenneth N.
Published: March 2007

Evidence contrary to the widely held view that groups move through discernible developmental phases is analyzed in detail. Definitional issues relating to "phases in group development " and "group types " are considered. Reviews and thirteen studies (to 1981) cited by others as not supporting the existence of developmental trends are mterpreted in this context. Methodological and conceptual problems are noted. The negative evidence as such does not seem persuasive. It ts concluded that researchers' attention should no longer be devoted to trying to provide a yes or no answer to the question "Do groups change?" but rather to identifying significant differences and similarities in group development among various groups and types of groups, and to relating variations in developmental processes to important group outcomes.
Intimate Behavior and the Assessment of Benefits in Clinical Groups
Authors: Shadish William R.
Published: March 2007

In a series of studies, three measures of clinical group benefits are developed These scales assess intimate behavior—a construct hypothesized to be central to the explication of group benefits. Intimate behavior increases awareness and knowledge of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning of self (intrapersonal intimacy) and of others, and the relationship of self to others (interpersonal intimacy). The three measures developed in this study assess performance of the behaviors in a group (or any other given setting), attitudes toward the behaviors, and performance of the behaviors in every day life. Elicitation of behavior in groups is readily accomplished, but it is constrained by person and situation variables. Attitudes toward the behaviors are volatile, changes in behavior outside the group are more difficult to effect
Simulation as a Medium for Training Group Leaders
Authors: Kaczkowski Henry R. , Fenton Mary Ociepka
Published: March 2007

This study was conducted to determine the effects of three group leadership styles on the personal and interpersonal functioning of 67 counselor trainees who participated in a required group experience in conjunction with a group experience course. The partici pants were randomly assigned to one of three group conditions: (1) structured T-group; (2) rotating leadership; or (3) Rogerian. Each of the 9 groups met approximately 20 hours over the course of the semester. Each subject completed the following instru ments : Edward's Personal Preference Schedule, Money Problem Checklist, and Reaction to Group Situation Test. Resultsfrom the pretest, posttest, and 6-8 weekfollow-up suggest that differences among the groups could be attributed in part to group leader ship styles. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Conflict in Group Therapy
Authors: Cooper Lowell , Gustafson James P. , Dawson Christopher
Published: March 2007

We present a new model for understanding how individuals manifest conflict in group psychotherapy and the major changes in technique following from this model. It is proposed that individuals make unconscious decisions to expose conflict when it is safe to do so, as opposed to traditional dynamic theory, in which conflict emerges when it erupts out of defensive control. Control-mastery theory is described and compared with traditional dynamic approaches to group therapy. An extended clinical example (not included but available on request) demonstrates technical innovations that are useful for management of group conflict and that respond to the presence of often strongly contradictory individual growth needs in the group setting.
Conformity and Creativity
Authors: Hare A. Paul , Naveh David
Published: March 2007

President Carter's description of his negotiations with President Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin of Israel at Camp David in 1978 was coded to illustrate the extent to which levels of creativity and types of pressures toward conformity were involved. One set of categories was based on the social-psychological literature on conformity, social power, and social exchange. A second set of categories was the three-dimensional SYMLOG system of Bales and Cohen. From the first perspective it is evident that Carter used different approaches in his attempts to persuade Sadat and Begin. He used more social-emotional acts with Sadat and more task-related acts with Begin. From the second perspective it was evident that Carter used more images than direct attempts to persuade with both Sadat and Begin.
Curative Factors in Offenders' Groups
Authors: MacDevitt John W. , Sanislow Charles
Published: March 2007

Curative factors were assessed among therapy groups of offenders experiencing differentially restrictive incarceration, from probation through minimum security and maximum security to a special segregation unit for behaviorally problematic prisoners. Catharsis was highly rated as in earlier studies, while interpersonal learning input was rated at varying levels. Existential awareness was rated much higher than with typical outpatient populations, while cohesiveness was rated lower. The significance of these findings is discussed.
The "Clustering Effect"
Authors: Burton Gene E.
Published: March 2007

With the growing complexity of decision making in modern social institutions, managers are finding it increasingly necessary to involve groups of experts and advisers in order to achieve effective solutions to problems. Considerable research has been devoted to the task of identifying the relative characteristics of the more popular group decision-making techniques. This experiment measures the clustering effect found during the idea-generation phase of nominal grouping.
Toward a Communication Competency Model of Group Leadership
Authors: Barge J. Kevin , Hirokawa Randy Y.
Published: March 2007

This article argues that current trait, style, situational, and functional leadership approaches pose several barriers to increasing our understanding of the relationship between leadership and group performance. An alternative conceptualization of leadership based upon communication competencies is presented. In the first section, a critique of traditional leadership approaches is offered. In the second section, a communication competency model is developed. Three situational factors that influence the need for the performance of communication competencies are proposed (1) task complexity, (2) group climate, and (3) role relationships. In the third section, a series of heuristic propositions-linking communication competencies, conversational topics, situational dimensions, and group outcomes are stated to serve as a framework for future leadership research from a communication competency perspective
A Communication Study of Possible Relationships between Psychological Sex Type and Decision-Making Effectiveness
Authors: Diliberto James-Joseph A.
Published: March 2007

This study argues that there is a relationship between a person 's psychological sex type and communicative carefulness in the small group decision-making situation. The major variables used to examine this relationship consisted of psychological sex type (independent) and vigilant communicative behavior (dependent). Specifically, four types of subjects (traditional males [TMsJ, traditional females [TFsJ, androgynous females [AFs], and androgynous males [AMs]) were rated on four communicative characteristics of vigilance (offering alternatives, suggesting goals of alternatives, supporting ideas with information, and reviewing tentative decisions). Results exposed a tendency on the part of the AFs and TMs to be more vigilant on two characteristics of vigilance: offering alternatives and providing information. No significant results were foundfor the vigilance characteristics of suggesting goals and reviewing a tentative decision.
Who Gets the Credit?
Authors: Estrada Michelle , Brown Justin , Lee Fiona
Published: March 2007

Although Hollander characterized idiosyncrasy credit as the product of perceptions group members have of one another, no one has ever captured these perceptions. We suggest that perceptions of idiosyncrasy credit are directly accessible as an empirical and measurable concept. To demonstrate this, we followed seven naturally occurring, on-going work groups and asked group members to report the level of idiosyncrasy credit-measured as latitude to deviate and seriousness of consideration-they allocated to each other. Our results indicated that perceptions of idiosyncrasy credit were internally reliable across items, across time, and across group members. Further, perceptions of idiosyncrasy credit were predictably related to leadership and socially dominant behaviors. Group performance moderated these relationships. Implications of this studyfor research on idiosyncrasy credit, leadership, and group performance were discussed.
Subgroup Influence in Decision-Making Groups
Authors: Gebhardt Lisa J. , Meyers Renee A.
Published: March 2007

The consistency of subgroup members has shown promise as a predictor of subgroup influence in previous studies. Yet past research typically has not focused on the interactive properties of this variable. This study extends these prior investigations by examining consistency from a communication perspective. A definition of consistency as a communication-based variable is proposed, 16 decision-making group discussions are coded based on that definition, and predictions forfinal group outcomes are made. Findings reveal that (a) consistentpromotion of a given position by the subgroup and consistent agreement among fellow subgroup members are particularly influential in affecting group outcomes, and (b) subgroups have the greatest chance of affecting group outcomes when they maintain consistent communication throughout the discussion.
A Meta-Analysis of Cohesion and Performance
Authors: Gully Stanley M. , Devine Dennis J. , Whitney David J.
Published: March 2007

This study extends previous work reviewing the cohesion-performance relationship by using meta-analytic techniques to assess the effects of level of analysis and task interdependence on the cohesion-performance relationship. A total of 51 effect sizesfmrom 46 empirical studies were obtainedfor the meta-analytic integration. Results suggest that level of analysis and task interdependence moderate the cohesion-performance relationship. Implications of the findingsforfuture research on group cohesion and performance are discussed
A Conceptual Framework Establishing the Relationship between Grouptiunk and Escalating Commitment Behavior
Authors: Street Marc D. , Anthony Willuim P.
Published: March 2007

This conceptual article presents three propositions designed to demonstrate a theoretical relationship between the groupthinkand escalation commitmentmodels. These propositions argue that groups exhibiting groupthink characteristics are more likely to escalate commitment to a losing course of action than are groups not exhibiting groupthink characteristics.
Inspiring Group Creativity
Authors: Sosik John J. , Avolio Bruce J. , Kahai Surinder S.
Published: March 2007

A laboratory study examined effects of group members'perceptions of behavioral components of transformational and transactional leadership on group creativity underanonymous and identified electronic brainstorming conditions. Results indicated that perceptions of transactional goal setting and inspirational leadership were each positively related to group creativity. Intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration were negatively related to group creativity. Except for the effect of intellectual stimulation on group creativity, these effects were stronger under anonymous versus identified conditions.
Is Group Cohesiveness a Double-Edged Sword?
Authors: Langfred Claus W.
Published: March 2007

The study investigates the relationship between cohesiveness and group effectiveness. The link between the two constructs is predicted to be moderated by the orientation (whether task or nontask) and strength of work group norms. Datafrom a 1995 survey of army units in the Danish military were used. Multiple regression was used to test hypotheses, and the results indicated strong supportfor the existence of a moderator
Testing Contrasting Interaction Models for Discriminating between Consensual and Dissentient Decision-Making Groups
Authors: Vanlear C. Arthur , Mabry Edward A.
Published: March 2007

This study tested three models of group interaction for their ability to discriminate between groups that reach consensus and those that do not. Fifteen mock juries (seven hung and eight conviction) constituted the sample. Model 1, a “functional action model,” successfully discriminated between consensus and hung juries based on the relative number of simple disagreements. Model 2, an “interact pattern model,” successfully discriminated between consensus and hung juries based on the sequential redundancy of interaction patterns that perpetuate or resolve ambiguity, that digress from the work at hand, and that clarify or resolve conflict. Model 3, Fisher’s four phases of development, failed to discriminate between consensus and hung juries.
The Effects of Intergroup Competition and Assigned Group Goals on Group Efficacy and Group Effectiveness
Authors: Mulvey Paul W. , Ribbens Barbara A.
Published: March 2007

Goal setting and competition are two motivation techniques that are thought to have similar effects on goal variables and performance. This study tests the proposition that assigned goals and competition are similar in their effect. The effects of intergroup competition and assigned group goals on a group’s efficacy, goals, productivity, and inefficiency were tested, using 351 undergraduate business students in 117 production work groups, in a 2x2 design. Intergroup competition increased the groups’efficacy, goals, and productivity and decreased inefficiency. Assigned goals increased group productivity. Results do not provide initial support for the proposition that assigned goals and competition have similar effects. Researchers and practitioners should be aware of the potential confounding effects of competition on the goal-setting process and goal-setting interventions.
Transparent-Box Business Simulators: An Aid to Manage the Complexity of Organizations
Authors: Machuca José A. D.
Published: March 2007

The various methods and tools most commonly used for management training at the present time are insufficient to deal with the complexity of organizations. It seems clear that the system dynamics (SD) approach would allow the treatment of complexity in a more realistic way. The possibility of relating the system’s structure to its behavior is one of the main features of SD because it helps to understand the reasons behind this behavior and should favor decision making and an understanding of the phenomena observed. This possibility is offered by transparent-box business simulators that, in this way, help to overcome the deficiencies of other education tools.
Visible Simulation in Medical Education: Notes and Discussion
Authors: Zhu Hao , Zhou Xiang , Yin Bingsheng
Published: March 2007

Boosted by computer technology, visible simulation, combining precisely digital anatomical data of the human body with updated research results of medical science, will greatly improve the efficiency of medical education, including both class teaching and clinical training. In this article, after the brief introduction of the features of medical education, we introduce the following aspects of the visible simulation system: its composition and characteristics, its application in different stages of learning, its effect on various aspects of medical education, and the question in simulation software developing. As a typical case, a simulation system of cardioelectrical activity, CardioAuto, is described, which can be used for the learning of cardiac electrophysiology and training in electrocardiogram diagnosis. The authors believe that visible simulation may bring about a new horizon in the field of medical education.
Ecology of International Business Simulation Games
Authors: Thorelli Hans B.
Published: March 2007

Human ecology deals with the interaction of human organizations as open systems and their activities in the environments that surround them. The purpose of this article is to apply an ecologic approach by emphasizing the market as the dominant business environment, excluding such broader ideas of ecological space as our natural environment and sustainable development. It is a case study describing the development of the International Operations Simulations (INTOP and INTOPIA) to illustrate the practice of management games in the past 40 years. It is not a review of the development of and experience with comparative general management games. Special attention is given to relating the design process to such environmental influences as the globalization of business, international economic relations, computer technology, and education. Integrative use of the game in multimedia pedagogy and their potential application in research on the behavioral theory of the firm are subjects briefly discussed.
Toward Greater Authenticity: A Case for Divergent Simulations
Authors: Dixon Robin J.
Published: March 2007

This article includes two examples intended for serial use, but either may be conducted singly. Example 1, YOUMAY HAVE INHERITED AN ESTATE, is a single period simulation in which students are not assigned roles but express their own opinions as jury members deciding a disputed inheritance case. It pits against each other, sometimes humorously, the natural heirs, the neighbors of the estate, the employees who are long-time residents of the estate, and the cultural issues of art and historic preservation. It introduces concepts of employee rights and employer responsibilities in an individualist society as well as civil litigation and trial by jury. Extensive reading of simulated documents and independent thinking as a jury member are required. Unrehearsed communication is induced. Writing letters to the editor may also be required if desired. Example 2, YOU HAVE INHERITED THE CONTENTS OF A WAREHOUSE, is a simulation played without roles, handout materials, or elaborate rules. Many different good outcomes are possible for either simulation.
A Q-Study of Game Player Aesthetics
Authors: Myers David
Published: March 2007

This article investigates computer-game aesthetics using Q methodology. Four criteria (fantasy, curiosity, challenge, and interactivity) useful in evaluating computer games in past research are isolated. A naturalistic Q-sample of statements based on these criteria are then rank ordered by "frequent" and "accomplished" computer gameplayers. Factor analysis ofthe Q-sort indicates those aesthetics associated with "all games, " "video games, " and "home computer game&" Further results compare video-game aesthetics with home-computer-game aesthetics. Suggestions for further research discuss the advantages of basing game evaluation and criticism on subjective elements ofplay.
On the Design and Use of Forecasting Experiments in Teaching Macroeconomics
Authors: Fischer Charles C.
Published: March 2007

This article explores the use of PC econometric forecasting experiments in teaching intermediate macroeconomics. Emphasis is placed on the methodological and pedagogical aspects of these experiments. Each experiment is designed to help students better understand difficult and challenging aspects of standard macroeconomics. It is hoped that these experiments will stimulate new thinking on how computer applications can help instructors to better teach abstract and analytical subject matter not only in economics but in all disciplines.