bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development and Construct Validation of a Portuguese Version of an Academic Self-Concept Scale
Authors: Villar Irene De Aquino , Michael William B. , Gribbons Barry
Published: March 2007

For a sample of 159 female students and for a sample of 236 male students enrolled in a chemical engineering school at a state university in Brazil, the major purpose of this investigation was to obtain evidence of the construct validity of a parallel Portuguese version of the Dimensions of Self Concept Scale Form H. From both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, promising evidence of the construct validity was obtained for each of the five subscales (Level of Aspiration, Anxiety, Academic Interest and Satisfaction, Leadership and Initiative, and Identification vs. Alienation), the titles of which corresponded to the hypothesized constructs. Internal consistency estimates of the reliability of all five 16-item subscales for the two samples varied between .80 and .86.
Using SAS/PC for Higher Order Factoring
Authors: Johnson William L. , Johnson Annabel M.
Published: March 2007

Many researchers do not run higher order factoring because they must exit the traditional statistical packages to complete the necessary analyses, or because they do not know the procedures for the analyses. This article describes the procedures for higher order factoring and provides the SAS/PC program for the final solution.
An Investigation of Procedures for Computerized Adaptive Testing Using the Successive Intervals Rasch Model
Authors: Koch William R. , Dodd Barbara G.
Published: March 2007

The major objective of the present study was to evaluate basic procedures for performing computerized adaptive testing (CAT) based on the successive intervals (SI) Rasch model. The SI model is designed for measuring attitudes based on Thurstone's successive intervals concept. The SI model was applied to both simulated and real attitude data sets for which the item response data were polytomous. Using simulated data, such variables as item pool size, method of item selection, and sizes of item dispersion parameters were studied. The results indicated that the CAT procedures performed very well using item pools of either 30 or 61 items; there was excellent recovery of the known attitude trait levels of the simulees, with only about 17 items administered on average during the CATs. For the real data set, the CAT procedures also performed very well in terms of number of items administered and accuracy of trait estimation.
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Examination of Reverse Coding Effects in Meyer and Allen's Affective and Continuance Commitment Scales
Authors: Magazine Sherry L. , Williams Larry J. , Williams Margaret L.
Published: March 2007

Examination of Meyer and Allen's Affective and Continuance Commitment Scales using confirmatory factor analysis with LISREL 7 provided strong support across multiple diagnostics for the existence of a reverse coding method factor defined by the six negatively worded items in the scales.
Construct Validity and Classification Stability of the Revised Learning Style Inventory (LSI-1985)
Authors: Loo Robert
Published: March 2007

This study of about 200 undergraduates examined the construct validity and classification stability over an academic semester of the revised Learning Style Inventory (LSI-1985).The psychometric and factor analyses at two points in time revealed limited support for the construct validity of the LSI-1985. One major problem was the cross-loading of Concrete Experience (CE) items on the two- and four-factor solutions. This problem also carries over to the psychometric (e.g., item-total correlations) analyses. When stability of the four learning styles was examined over a 10-week period, between 42.8% and 50% of subjects remained in the same category. Overall, the revised LSI has not resolved the psychometric problems raised against the original version.
Psychometric Characteristics of the Atiitudes toward Mathematics and its Teaching (ATMAT) Scale
Authors: Ludlow Larry H. , Bell Karen N.
Published: March 2007

This article reports on one aspect of a multifaceted inquiry into the attitudes and anxieties that prospective elmentary teachers may have toward teaching mathematics. At the beginning, midterm, and end of one semester, students were asked to respond to an Attitudes Towards Mathematics and its Teaching (ATMAT) scale. The students were from two sections taught by the same instructor. One important aspect of this attitude scale was that it was used to elicit responses concerning prior experiences related to mathematics. This article specifically addresses the characteristics of the scale. Two psychometric models were employed: classical true-score theory and the one-parameter Rasch item response theory. These models provided data supporting the ATMAT scale's reliability, its content and construct validity, and its invariance over three time points.
Discriminant Analysis Via Statistical Packages
Authors: Huberty Carl J , Lowman Laureen L.
Published: March 2007

The two aspects of discriminant analysis are briefly reviewed: predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) and descriptive discriminant analysis (DDA). Use of three popular statistical packages (BMDP, SAS, and SPSS) to obtain computational results for a PDA and for a DDA is generally reviewed. Results yielded by two BMDP procedures (7M and SM) are discussed, as are four SAS procedures (DISCRIM, STEPDISC, CANDISC, and GLM), and two SPSS procedures (DISCRIMINANT and MANOVA). It is pointed out which procedures are used to obtain PDAresults and which are used for PDAresults. Examples of printout information are given. Some of these examples pertain to misleading information-one to incorrect information, and some, of course, to very useful information. The need for nonpackage analyses to generate specific PDA and DDA information is also mentioned.
Development and Validation of the Attitude toward Educational Measurement Inventory
Authors: Bryant Namok C. , Barnes Laura L. B.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to report on the development of a new instrument, the Attitude Toward Educational Measurement Inventory (ATEMI). Undergraduate teacher education majors (N= 331) from a research university in the Midwest completed the ATEMI. Results showed scores for the subscales had high internal consistency reliability (alphas ranged from .88 to .92) and moderate stability reliability (test-retest correlations ranged from .60 to .72). Interscale correlations indicated the three scales represent related, yet unique, aspects of students' attitudes toward measurement.
How Well Do Researchers Report their Measures? an Evaluation of Measurementin Published Educational Research
Authors: Whhtington Dale
Published: March 2007

The present study describes how much and in what ways the authors of articles fail to include adequate information about data collection. The instrumentation reported in 220 articles from 22 randomly selected journals was coded and tabulated using a scheme based on criteria from current research textbooks that are consistent with American Educational Research Association/American Psychological Association/National Council on Measurement in Education (AERA/APA/NCME) standards. Results suggest that the quality of measurement reporting continues to be a problem. Eight of the most common reporting failures are identified. It is recommended that journal editors and referees more thoughtfully consider the quality of measurement reporting when reviewing and editing submitted articles.
Taking the Strain Out of Negative Affectivity: Development and Initial Validation of Scores on a Strain-Free Measure of Negative Affectivity
Authors: Fortunato Vincent J. , Stone-Romero Eugene F.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to validate a measure of negative affectivity (NA) that does not contain strain content: The Strain-Free Negative Affectivity (SFNA) scale. A 33-item Likert-type scale was developed based on the negative emotional reactivity component of Watson and Clark’s constitutive definition of NA and was administered to two separate samples ( ns = 225 and 281, respectively) of college students (ages 18 to 46), along with several extant measures of NA. Five items eventually were removed from the scale. Results from both studies support the construct validity of the SFNA scores, indicating support for the SFNA as a worthy alternative to extant measures of NA, especially in research examining stressor-strain relations.
Effects of Indoor Lighting, Gender, and Age on Mood and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Knez Igor , Kers Christina
Published: March 2007

The impact of indoor lighting, gender, and age on mood and cognitive performance was examined in a between-subject experiment. It was hypothesized that indoor lighting is an affective source that may convey emotional meanings differentiated by gender, age, or both. A two-way interaction between type of lamp and age on negative mood showed that younger adults (about 23 years old) best preserved a negative mood in the “warm” (more reddish) white lighting while working with a battery of cognitive tasks for 90 minutes; for the older adults (about 65 years old), “cool” (more bluish) white lighting accounted for the identical effect. The younger females were shown to preserve the positive mood as well as the negative mood better than the younger males, and a main effect of age in all cognitive tasks revealed the superiority of younger to older adults in cognitive performance.
The City and Self-Identity
Authors: Proshansky Harold M.
Published: March 2007

It is suggested that for each of the role-related identities of an individual, there are physical dimensions and characteristics that help to define and are subsumed by that identity. In addition, there is a general place-identity for each individual which reflects his or her unique socialization in the physical world. This paper argues that it is important to conceptualize place-identity as a specific component (subidentity) of each individual's self-identity. Place-identity is defined as those dimensions of self that define the individual's personal identity in relation to the physical environment by means of a complex pattern of conscious and unconscious ideas, feelings, values, goals, preferences, skills, and behavioral tendencies relevant to a specific environment.
Citizen Preferences for Housing as Community Social Indicators
Authors: Hempel Donald J. , Tucker Lewis R.
Published: March 2007

The emerging demand for policy-relevant social information represents an exciting multidisciplinary challenge to develop a system of empirically derived social indicators. A review of the social indicators literature suggests that while much of the research has been directed at deriving aggregate, objective measures, there is a need for studies that focus on both objective and subjective measures at the community level. Three community field studies are presented that operationalize the social indicator dimension of housing quality through an empirical analysis of the home-buying process. The results were analyzed by principal-component analysis and chi-square tests. The findings indicate that significant differences exist between husbands and wives on a number of perceived housing quality attributes within each sample. Comparisons across samples show that measures of salience also differ on factors such as lot size, distance to churches, similarity of neighbors, and appearance and value of nearby homes. Information on perceived housing quality and other social indicators dimensions at the local level creates an opportunity for both private and public decision makers to better respond to social change.
Measuring Overall Architectural Quality
Authors: Marans Robert W. , Spreckelmeyer Kent F.
Published: March 2007

Using data from a post-occupancy evaluation of an award-winning federal office building, asthetic or architectural quality and the factors associated with it are considered. Various measures of quality are derived from responses to questionnaires administered to three user groups: the office workers, public visitors, and the community at large. Findings show that, on average, the public is likely to agree the building is worthy of its architectural awards. The office workers on the other hand, tend to rate the architectural quality of the building poorly. The analysis demonstrates that views on architectural quality are significantly related to the way workers assess the building as a place to work and the general ambience of their particular agency. Agency ambience is seen as having both asthetic components and functional components such as noise levels, temperature, and people movement. It is suggested that linkages exist in the minds of occupants between the quality of the workplace including its nonaesthetic components and assessments of overall architectural quality.
Knowing How to Behave under the Threat of Disaster
Authors: Sorensen John H.
Published: March 2007

The widely held premise that providing people with information and education on emergencies, such as natural disasters, will reduce losses is examined in this article. The results of an empirical study to ascertain the relationship between information, education, and knowledge about adaptive responses in a threatening situation are presented. These results indicate a poor statistical relationship between knowledge and a number of explanatory factors suggested by previous research. The study indicates that the process of acquiring information on hazards is variable among individuals and poorly understood. Overall, the ways in which people learn about hazards appear to be as fragmented as existing policies to disseminate hazard information.
"I Think They're All Caught up"
Authors: Lamson Cynthia
Published: March 2007

In the twentieth century, government involvement in the Newfoundland fishery has taken two discrete forms: management (over fish and fishermen) and development (of industry on behalf of the province and its citizens). Despite vast capital expenditures on fishery research and development to mitigate the uncertainties associated with fishing as an occupation and industry, fishermen-individually and collectively-remain highly vulnerable to both the physical, oceanographic environment, as well as to their sociopolitical environment. The failure to reduce the hazardousness of fishing may be attributed to shortsighted and exclusively sector-based planning or it may be accounted for by assessment procedures and decision processes that misrepresent fishermen's problems to policymakers. To inform policymakers of the range and extent of perceived occupational hazard, the present article summarizes the results of a research project conducted among Newfoundland inshore fishermen in 1980-1981.
The Purposive Evaluation of Places
Authors: Canter David
Published: March 2007

A multivariate, purposive model of the experience of places is offered as a theoretical basis for place evaluation. This model suggests a structure to the evaluation of places that may be generalizable across most settings. The structure derives from the definition of place evaluation as the degree to which a person sees a place as helping to achieve that person's goals at various levels of interaction with that place. In order to test empirically this framework, use is made of the facet approach to theory specification and hypothesis testing. Smallest Space analyses of two large scale questionnaire surveys, one of housing satisfaction and the other of hospital ward design, provide strong support for the purposive model. Implications of this multivariate model for future evaluations are discussed, together with the value of harnessing the facet approach to aid the development of evaluation theory.
Stalking the Urban Pedestrian
Authors: Hill Michael R.
Published: March 2007

Behavioral mapping in unrestricted, outdoor environments raises methodological challenges which have led several environmental behavior researchers to employ questionnaires rather than behavioral observation as the usual method of data collection. This study provides an empirically-grounded comparison of both techniques for recovering data on routes selected by pedestrians as they engage in unrestricted travel from place to place in an urban environment. Mid-trip interception tracking provides expensive but accurate data on partial trips whereas questionnaires provide more easily obtainable data on complete trips but with a lesser degree of accuracy. The reduced level of accuracy for questionnaire data is mild, however, and may be tolerable given the specific aims and resources of a particular investigation.
In Search of the Primitive-Urban Continuum
Authors: Williams Daniel R. , Knopf Richard C.
Published: March 2007

A primitive-urban continuum has been a dominant feature of the psychological representation of large-scale environments and the basis of land classification systems for outdoor recreation planning. The ubiquity of the primitive-urban continuum is examined with respect to experiential (as opposed to perceptual) variation in outdoor recreation settings. A multidimensional scaling analysis of 42 rivers was conducted using reported recreation experiences as proximity measures. Two interpretable dimensions were revealed. Waterflow intensity (whitewater) and trip duration were more strongly associated with experiential variation across river settings than the primitive-urban continuum.
Attitudes toward Nuclear Energy
Authors: Van Der Pligt Joop , Eiser J. Richard , Spears Russell
Published: March 2007

This study examined attitudes toward the building of a nuclear power station in one's locality. In a survey of 719 residents of four small rural communities that were selected as possible locations for a new nuclear power station in southwest England, we examined the effects of having lived near a nuclear power station on perceptions of the various possible consequences associated with this technology. Results showed a more favorable attitude in the community located near the existing nuclear power stations than in the three remaining communities. Experience of having lived near a nuclear power station affected not only respondents' perceptions of the various potential costs and benefits of the building and operation of a nuclear power station in one's locality, but also the importance respondents attached to the various consequences. Results indicated marked differences in perceptions of economic benefits and health and environmental risks. Furthermore, present findings suggest that psychological risks play a crucial role in local acceptance of a nuclear power station. Attitudinal differences were most closely related to anxiety factors, and the present research serves as a reminder of the importance of these factors in attitude formation for those most directly affected by the building and operation of a nuclear power station.
Personal and Environmental Correlates of Territoriality and Use of Space
Authors: Kinney Jennifer M. , Stephens Mary Ann Parris , Brockmann Ann McNeer
Published: March 2007

Using Altman's conceptualization, this research investigated territorial and spatial behavior of elderly residents of congregate housing. Respondents reported tendencies to demonstrate possession, control and defense, and patterns of daily activities, in primary, secondary, and public spaces of the facility. Results indicated that personal competence mediated the relationship between architecturally defined territories and residents' responses to these spaces. Hypotheses that residents varying in behavioral independence would respond differently toward their private spaces and that residents varying in mental alertness would respond differently toward the public space were supported for territorial, but not spatial, behavior. Findings lend support to theories of territoriality and person-environment relations for older adults in congregate housing.
The African Rock Kopje Exhibit
Authors: Derwin Claudia W. , Piper Joan B.
Published: March 2007

A six-month postoccupancy evaluation was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of interpretive elements of the African Rock Kopje exhibit at the San Diego Zoo. Visitor observations were conducted and visitor surveys administered to test the cognitive and affective objectives associated with the exhibit. Data analysis indicated that an average of approximately 500 visitors per hour visited the kopje exhibit. For a subsample of 70 visitors, tracking data indicated the average length of stay in the exhibit was approximately 6.8 minutes. Overall, the visitors reported enjoying the exhibit. They were unable to answer cognitive questions about the exhibit if they had not read the interpretive signs. In total, 91% of the visitors looked at or read at least one panel, and 30% read 3 or more signs-more than previous studies have shown to be typical. A noteworthy 79% touched or used at least one interactive exhibit element. The interactive elements significantly helped cognitive recall when compared to information presented without interaction. There was a strong correlation between the length of time spent in the exhibit, the number of panels read, and the number of elements explored. However, an individual's level of education showed only a small correlation with the number of signs read. On the average, younger visitors were more likely to use the interpretive elements than to read panels, while older visitors were more likely to read the panels than to use the interactive elements.
Effects of Setting on Window Preferences and Factors Associated with Those Preferences
Authors: Butler Darrell L. , Biner Paul M.
Published: March 2007

Window preference research on a few settings has found that windows are generally preferred and that larger windows are preferred over smaller ones. No theoretical model of window preferences, however, has been proposed. The present experiment was designed to investigate window preferences across a large variety of common spaces and to examine reasons orfactors that may underlie these preferences with the ultimate goal of predicting them. Window preferences, in terms of size, number, and degree of transparency were made for 14 common spaces. Subjects then indicated the factors underlying their specific preferences from a list of 18 potential factors. Results showed that both window preferences and factors vary more widely than previous research would indicate. More important, however, it was demonstrated that the amount of windows desired in a space can be reliably predicted by knowing how important specific factors (e.g., having a view or good ventilation) are to individuals in that space.
A Crime of Convenience
Authors: D'Alessio Stewart , StolzenBerg Lisa
Published: March 2007

The role of the physical and social environment as a catalyst for criminal activity has become prominent in recent years as an issue deserving scholarly attention. More specifically, several scholars have investigated the relationship between environmental factors and convenience store robbery. This study adds a dimension to previous empirical research by assessing, through multivariate statistical methods, whether the physical features and surrounding demographics of 30 randomly sampled convenience stores in Leon County, Florida, significantly affect the vulnerability of those stores to robbery. Results show that environmental factors are not important predictors of whether a convenience store is robbed, but parking lot size, degree of social disorganization surrounding the store, number of hours open, and whether gasoline service is provided are significant in determining the severity of robbery. These findings suggest that offenders may not be uniform in their determination of what constitutes vulnerability. The implications of these findings for primary prevention strategies are discussed.
The Spatial Distribution of Agitation in Agitated Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Cohen-Mansfield Jiska , Werner Perla , Marx Marcia S.
Published: March 2007

Trained observers recorded both the physical location and the specific agitated behaviors manifested by 24 highly agitated and cognitively impaired nursing home residents for 3 months. Results showed that agitation was observed frequently at a variety of locations on the unit, including the toilet, corridor, nurses' station, and another resident's room. Although these residents spent a great deal of time in their own rooms, agitation was not observed most frequently at this locale. Additionally, the type of agitation was found to be directly related to locations in the nursing home. Pacing was frequently observed at many locations (in particular, the corridor, nurses' station, another resident's room), while verbally agitated behaviors and aggressive behaviors were observed primarily at locations in which the residents might be in need of help (e.g., the toilet).
Moderating Effects of Social Assistance on Verbal Interventions to Promote Safety Belt Use
Authors: Berry Thomas D. , Geller E. Scott , Calef Richard S. , Calef Ruth A.
Published: March 2007

Research was conducted to examine the effectiveness of posting a written sign (e.g., "Please Buckle Up, I Care") to prompt the safety belt use of drivers exiting a university parking lot. In addition, the moderating effects of an intervention agent holding the written sign was evaluated (i.e., a socially assisted intervention). The results showed the effectiveness of a socially assisted written sign was greater than presenting a written sign alone. The results and interventions, in general, are discussed within a rule-governed and verbal-intervention framework.
The Relationships between Privacy and Different Components of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Duvall-Early Kimberly , Benedict James O.
Published: March 2007

The level of workspace architectural privacy has previously been found to relate to overall job satisfaction. It was hypothesized that because privacy may serve particular functions, only particular facets of job satisfaction will be related to it, both in the short term (less than 1 year) and in the long term (more than 1 year). One hundred thirty professional secretaries assessed their level of privacy and their level of job satisfaction as measured by the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. The results supported the hypotheses and showed that the environment in which one works affects some but not all facets of job satisfaction.
Multigenerational Households of Caregiving Families
Authors: Pruchno Rachel A. , Dempsey Norah P. , Carder Paula , Koropeckyj-Cox Tanya
Published: March 2007

Data were collected from 54 primary caregivers, their husbands, and adult children who were members of multigenerational households that included a disabled person over age 65. Household characteristics were examined in relationship to perceptions of household space, burden, and satisfaction. Household characteristics did not predict either burden or satisfaction. Household conversion decreased perceptions of household space for women and for their husbands. In addition, for husbands, the more time an elder spent in shared living space, the more negative the perceptions of household space. For teenage children in the household, sharing amenities with elders resulted in more negative perceptions of household space. Results are interpreted in terms of caregiving stress and suggestions are made for home adaptations.
Advocacy Membership, Design Guidelines, and Predicting Preferences for Residential Infill Designs
Authors: Stamps Arthur , Miller Sandra
Published: March 2007

Because advocacy planning and use of design guidelines are so prevalent, it is becoming important to ascertain how well each method can predict environmental quality. This article describes two experiments, covering 59 respondents and 76 environmental scenes, in which preferences of neighborhood groups and an architect's group were compared to each other, to responses of a random sample of a city's population, and to predictions based on design attributes of entourage, building interest, and building dominance. Results from both studies indicated that the attributes of building interest predicted the most preference variation. These findings suggest that the design guidelines' approach to visual amenity might be more efficacious than the advocacy approach.
Factors Influencing Individual Recycling Behavior in Office Settings
Authors: Lee Yung-Jaan , De Young Raymond , Marans Robert W.
Published: March 2007

This study explores office recycling behavior and its antecedents through a survey administered to 1,788 workers in Taipei, Taiwan. The instrument measured household and office recycling behavior, commitment to and motives for recycling, and the convenience of carrying out recycling in their office settings. Prior experience was shown to be an excellent predictor of office-based conservation behavior. However, to be effective, prior experience must be of the same specificity as the office behavior being predicted. Thus prior experience with general household recycling was effective at predicting general office recycling behavior, but was unable to predict more specific recycling behavior. Likewise, prior experience with a particular material—In this instance paper—predicted office conservation behavior with respect to that material alone. Organizational commitment and individual commitment were found to be modest predictors of office-based conservation behavior, although economic motivation was not found to be a particularly effective predictor of such behavior. Implications for office-based recycling programs are discussed.
Values and their Effect on Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Karp David Gutierrez
Published: March 2007

Environmental protection may be described as a social dilemma. That is, collectively, we are better off If the environment Is protected, but rational self-interest often dictates environmental exploitation. The role of personal values in influencing pro-environmental behavior Is gaining Increasing attention relative to other solutions, such as monetary incentives and punitive sanctions. Using Schwartzks measure of values, I examine the influence of values on environmental behavior. Based on Schwartz s theory, values found to have a positive influence on environmental behavior are self-transcenden Vopenness to change and universalisn/blospheric. Values found to have a negative influence Include self-enhancement conservation.
Exogenous Factors and Visitor Behavior
Authors: Johnston Robert J.
Published: March 2007

This study provides quantitative conclusions regarding the impact of specific exogenous factors on exhibit viewing time in zoological parks and discusses implications for exhibit design. Three features distinguish this analysis from previous research concerning viewing time: (a) Data collection was preceded by extensive field work, to identify more than 50 variables with potential effects on viewing time; (b) the results of ethnographic interview techniques were combined with on-site observation and objective data to quantify and scale relevant variables; and (c) multiple regression techniques were used to quantify and test unique quantitative effects of independent variables on observed viewing time. The analysis compares recorded viewing times of 501 individuals across 10 exhibits at six zoological parks.
Green Common Spaces and the Social Integration of Inner-City Older Adults
Authors: Kweon Byoung-Suk , Sullivan William C. , Wiley Angela R.
Published: March 2007

For older adults, social integration and the strength of social ties are profoundly important predictors of well-being and longevity. Can the physical environment be designed to promote older adults' social integration with their neighbors? We examined this possibility by testing the relationships between varying amount of exposure to green outdoor common spaces and the strength of ties among neighbors. Results of interviews with 91 older adults (between the ages of 64 and 91 years) from one inner-city neighborhood show that the use of green outdoor common spaces predicted both the strength of neighborhood social ties and sense of community. Although the strength of these relationships were modest, the findings suggest that the characteristics of outdoor common spaces can play a role in the formation and maintenance of social ties among older adult residents of inner-city neighborhoods. The results have implications for designers, managers, and residents of housing developments.
Secret Diplomacy in the Television Age
Authors: Gilboa Eytan
Published: March 2007

The article offers three conceptual models to explore various interactions between media and diplomacy within various secret settings. In the secret diplomacy model, the media and the public are totally excluded from negotiations, while in closed-door diplomacy they are partially excluded. In secret media-broker diplomacy, a journalist assumes the role of a diplomat and is secretly engaged in mediation. The models help to investigate fundamental professional and ethical implications of secret diplomacy for government officials, journalists and public opinion. The article demonstrates the analytical usefulness of the conceptual models by applications to several case studies of contemporary secret diplomacy, including the breakthroughs in American-Chinese and Arab-Israeli relations.
Directions in the field of mental retardation in the 1990s: an Asian perspective
Authors: Tse John W. L.
Published: March 2007

Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say: 'Why not?' (Robert Kennedy, 1925-68)
Measuring Social Capital in Five Communities
Authors: Onyx Jenny , Bullen Paul
Published: March 2007

This article develops an empirically grounded definition of social capital. Drawing on the work of Coleman and Putnam and others, the article discusses social capital in terms of participation in networks, reciprocity, trust, social norms, the commons, and social agency. Potential items to measure these elements were developed in an empirical study. A questionnaire containing 68 potential items was administered to approximately 1,200 adults in five Australian communities: two rural communities, two outer metropolitan areas, and one inner-city area of Sydney. The responses were subjected to extensive statistical analysis involving a hierarchical factor analysis, which identified a single general underlying factor and eight orthogonal specific factors, accounting for 49% of the variance. Three of the specific factors identified were community participation, agency, and trust. The five communities differed significantly in terms of the general and specific factors.
Changing Employee Attitudes
Authors: Coyle-Shapiro Jacqueline A-M.
Published: March 2007

This research examines the independent effects of two change interventions on employee attitudes. The first studyevaluates the impact of a total qualitymanagement (TQM) intervention, while the second explores the effect of profit sharing on a core outcome of TQM: continuous improvement orientation at the individual level. The research design involved an employee survey with two measurement occasions: 9 and 32 months after the commencement of a TQM intervention ( n = 118) and 10 months before and 20 months after the introduction of a profit sharing program ( n = 141). The findings of Study1 indicate that participation in a TQM intervention can enhance the development of employees’orientation to continuous improvement, explaining 5% additional variance in the dependent variable. The results of Study2 suggest that perceived fairness of profit sharing and perceived abilityto contribute to the profitabilityof a site are significantly associated with continuous improvement orientation, explaining 6% additional variance. The implications of these findings for organizational change are discussed.
Entrepreneurial Risk and Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Busenitz Lowell W.
Published: March 2007

Risk taking has long been a central theme of the entrepreneurship literature. However, research on the risk propensity of entrepreneurs has met with virtually no empirical support even though entrepreneurs consistently engage in risky events. This article attempts to resolve this paradox by examining entrepreneurial risk through the lens of cognitive psychology and decision making. The author proposes that entrepreneurial risk may be explained by recognizing that entrepreneurs use biases and heuristics more, which is likely to lead them to perceive less risk in a given decision situation. The data indicate that entrepreneurs do indeed use representativeness more in their decision making and are more overconfident than managers in large organizations. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding how entrepreneurs deal with the inordinate amount of risk associated with starting new ventures.
Mechanical Properties of Nitrided Boron-Aluminum Composites
Authors: Ryder C.G. , Vidoz A.E. , Crossman F.W. , Camahort J.L.
Published: March 2007

The development of a submicron boron nitride coating for boron filaments has made possible the production of boron-aluminum com posites by a continuous casting technique. The tensile properties of aluminized boron filaments, as well as composite modules and tapes, fabricated by this liquid infiltration process are evaluated in this investigation. Tensile strengths up to 297 ksi were obtained for 65 volume percent nitrided boron-6061 aluminum alloy composite modules. Thermomechanical treatment in air of early 16-filament modules showed no degradation in strength after one hour at 1050°F, or 1000 hours at 570°F. Seven inches square panels, fabricated by diffusion bonding 20 mil diameter modules, exhibited longitudinal tensile strengths as high as 187 ksi and transverse strengths up to 15 ksi for fiber volume fractions of approximately 50 percent. The use of Ti cladding on aluminum-boron panel surfaces increased the trans verse strength to 33 ksi.
Hugoniot Analysis of Composite Materials
Authors: Garg S.K. , Kirsch J.W.
Published: March 2007

A generalized set of conservation equations (i.e., the Hugoniot relations) across a disturbance propagating through a composite material with a steady velocity are derived within the framework of the Theory of Inter acting Continua. By providing a rational basis for comparison, the analysis clarifies the differences between the earlier studies in this field. In addition, the present development of the material interactions simplifies the Hugo niot analysis and corrects some misconceptions about the interaction terms. The materials are treated as discrete immiscible fluids with zero strength. The theory is directly applicable to homogenized mixtures or composites laminated in the direction of wave propagation. Binary mixtures have been employed to demonstrate certain aspects of the present formulation. Some numerical calculations are included which illustrate the significance of different constitutive assumptions on the nature of the interaction
On the Off-Axis Strength Test for Anisotropic Materials1
Authors: Pipes R. Byron , Cole B.W.
Published: March 2007

Difficulty in the experimental determination of the interaction com ponent of strength tensor of boron-epoxy composites by off axis tests is discussed. Although off axis data agree well with the prediction of the strength tensor theory, the uniaxial data cannot be used to back calculate the interaction term. The data also showed that responses due to normal and shear stresses can be uncoupled in the linear as well as nonlinear regions.
Moisture in Composites: The Effect of Supersonic Service on Diffusion
Authors: McKague E.L. , Halkias J.E. , Reynolds J.D.
Published: March 2007

Tests were conducted to determine whether aircraft flight conditions change moisture absorption behavior in graphite-epoxy composites. Flight temperature profiles were simulated for a subsonic mission, -65°F (-54°C) for 90 minutes, and for a flight involving a subsonic segment with a supersonic dash. The simulated dash involved rapid heating to a peak of 300°F (149°C) followed by rapid cooling. These simulated dashes or thermal spikes caused small, temporary drying effects. However, they also caused permanent changes in the subsequent moisture diffusion behavior of the graphite-epoxy. Both the amount and rate of moisture absorption were significantly increased. Subsonic temperatures, however, caused no detectable change in diffusion behavior.
Progress in the Development of Graphite- Aluminum Composites Using Liquid Infiltration Technology
Authors: Amateau M.F.
Published: March 2007

The most successful techniques for producing graphite-aluminum com posites have been those that utilize liquid-metal infiltration of graphite yarn. Almost all grades and types of graphite yarn can be infiltrated; how ever, a fiber coating is required, which results in wetting and provides a diffusion barrier to inhibit aluminum carbide formation. Two fiber coating methods are discussed in detail, including the sodium pretreatment method that results in intermetallic compound formation on the fiber and a chem ical vapor deposition method that applies a titanium-boron codeposit.
Environmental Effects on the Elastic Moduli of Composite Materials
Authors: Shen Chi-Hung , Springer George S.
Published: March 2007

The buckling moduli of Thornel 300/Fiberite 1034 graphite epoxy composites were measured at temperatures ranging from 105 K to 422 K and at moisture contents ranging from 0% (dry) to 1.5% (fully saturated). The measurements were made using 0°, 90° and π/4 laminates. A survey was also made of the existing data showing the effects of temperature and moisture content on the tensile modulus and the compressive modulus of different composite materials.
Estimation of Electrical Conductivity and Electromagnetic Shielding Characteristics of Graphite/Epoxy Laminates
Authors: Volpe Vincent
Published: March 2007

The low electrical conductivity of advanced composites relative to metals presents the design engineer with potential problems when utilizing composites in the construction of primary aircraft components. This con ductivity is the key material property that governs the vulnerability of sensitive circuitry inside an aircraft when exposed to electromagnetic inter ference due to lightning, nuclear detonations or powerful transmitters.

This paper presents experimentally verified analytical expression to esti mate the basic electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding charac teristics of bare and protected graphite/epoxy laminates. These expressions can be used to compare the electrical performance of various configura tions of graphite/epoxy laminates and candidate protective coatings that will improve the shielding characteristics.
Interlaminar Stresses at a Hole in a Composite Member Subjected to In-Plane Loading
Authors: Carlsson Leif
Published: March 2007

This paper presents results from a numerical and experimental study of interlaminar stresses and damage in a 28-ply graphite/epoxy composite member with a 6 mm cir cular hole subjected to in-plane loading. The free span length and width of the specimen investigated were both 24 mm.

The numerical results of a three-dimensional finite element analysis show that high interlaminar stress gradients occur at the intersections of the ply interfaces and the free edge. The largest positive value of the interlaminar normal stress, which is about 0.3 times the mean in-plane compressive stress, occurs perpendicularly to the loading direction at the hole boundary between the second and third plies.

The experimental part of this study concerned damage detection for structural members subjected to compression fatique loading. Tetrabromoethane (TBE)-enhanced X-Ray techniques combined with sectioning of the samples showed that the damage consisted of transverse matrix cracks in the 0° plies at a tangent to the hole boundary and delamination at the hole boundary perpendicular to the loading direction. The transverse matrix cracks are attributed to the high in-plane shear stresses which must balance the axial stress concentration. The observed delamination damage is located in regions with the highest calculated positive interlaminar normal stress.
Microwave Curing of Composites
Authors: Woo Il Lee  , Springer George S.
Published: March 2007

A model was developed which describes the microwave curing process of continuous fiber reinforced organic matrix composites. On the basis of the model, a computer code was developed which provides the temperature distribution, the resin viscosity, the degree of cure of the resin, and the resin contents of the composite and the bleeder during microwave curing of flat plate composites. In addition, the computer code gives the void sizes and the residual stresses after the cure. Tests were conducted using a microwave oven measuring the temperature distribution inside Fiberite S2/9134B glass epoxy composites, and the temperature distribution inside and resin flow out of Hercules AS/3501-6 graphite epoxy composites. The data were compared with results calculated with the computer code for the conditions employed in the tests, and good agreements were found between the data and the numerical results. Parametric studies were also performed to illustrate how the model and associated computer code can be used to determine the appropriate microwave cure cycle which results in a composite that is cured uniformly and in the shortest amount of time.
Compressive Stability of Delaminated Random Short-Fiber Composites, Part II—Experimental and Analytical Results
Authors: Wang S.S. , Zahlan N.M. , Suemasu H.
Published: March 2007

The basic mechanics and mechanisms of compressive stability of delaminated random short-fiber composites are studied. An experimental program, employing an SMC-R50 composite with built-in delaminations, is conducted to evaluate the validity of the mechanistic model and to demonstrate further the accuracy of the methods of analysis developed in the associate paper [1]. Excellent agreement between experimen tal results and analytical solutions is observed. Based on the analytical development, the fundamental compressive stability behavior of delaminated short-fiber composites is investigated by a comprehensive parametric study. The influence of delamination length, crack position, number of delaminations, and composite plate length on the critical compressive stress and buckling modes is analyzed in detail. Possible crack growth in the delaminated composite subjected to in-plane compression is also studied.
Development and Testing of Bamboo-Fibres Reinforced Plastic Composites
Authors: Jindal U.C.
Published: March 2007

Many researchers in the past have developed composites with natural fibres such as of sisal, henequen, jute and palm; but the work on the bamboo-fibre reinforced com posites is not available in the literature published so far.

In the present work, an effort has been made to develop bamboo-fibre reinforced plastic (BFRP) composites using a simple casting technique. These composites have been tested for tensile strength, impact strength and Young's modulus of elasticity. It has been observed that these composites possess high strength and ductility and are useful for many structural applications. The ultimate tensile strength of some BFRP composites is more or less equal to the ultimate tensile strength of mild steel, while their density is approximately one eighth of the density of mild steel. The mechanical behaviour of these composites is similar to other commonly used composites such as Glass fibre reinforced plastics.