bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locus of Control as a Moderator for Relationship between Organisational Role Stress and Managerial Effectiveness
Authors: Srivastava Shalini
Published: August 2011

Getting the pulse of the present economic scenario, corporate are today increasingly realising the fact that their people, especially those at the managerial levels, are the only source of competitive advantage. This has resulted in a renewed focus on the HR strategies that can ensure retention, commitment, as well as reduction of stress and maximum effectiveness of managerial personnel This is only possible when personnel working in organisations are contended, motivated in their respective work areas. Managerial effectiveness is important for the survival and growth of organisations. Experts have, over the years, attempted to describe the work of all managers by a set of common behaviours or roles. One's personality plays prominent role in determining his effectiveness or ineffectiveness in dealing with day to day stress prevailing in an organisation. It was found during the course of reviewing the literature that there is a paucity of survey research from the psychological point of view on private sector managers regarding their effectiveness. The present study was done on a sample of 200 managers belonging to private sector organisations. The major objective of the study was to analyse moderating effects of Locus of Control on the relationship between organisational role stress and managerial effectiveness. Hierarchical Multiple Regression analysis was conducted to find the results. It was found that organisational role stress was negatively related to Managerial Effectiveness and Internal Locus of Control moderated organisational role stress and Managerial Effectiveness relationship.
The Effects of Equity Sensitivity, Job Stressors and Perceived Organisational Support on Psychological Contract Breach
Authors: Aggarwal Upasana , Bhargava Shivganesh
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of depositional (equity sensitivity), organisational variable, perceived organisational support (POS) and job variables (job stressors) on psychological contract breach (PCB). The paper also tests the moderating role of POS and equity sensitivity on the relationship between job stressors and PCB. Data were collected from managerial employees of two private manufacturing organisations. Analysis of 150 responses using hierarchical regression revealed the direct effects of equity sensitivity, perceived organisational support and job conflict on PCB. Based on the buffering hypothesis it was also found that POS moderates the relationship between Job conflict and PCB. Implications for managerial practice and future research are discussed.
Operational Dimension of CSR: An Empirical Assessment of BSE and NSE Listed Companies
Authors: Rana Surekha , Misra Padma
Published: August 2011

An investigation of corporate social responsibility led to categorisation under four dimensions i.e. operational, economic, environmental and social. The study focused on the operational dimension of Corporate Social Responsibility. In the existing operational dimension of “CSR frame of reference” Development of CSR policy was added. The operational dimension further comprised of supply chain responsibilities, stakeholder involvement, transparency and reporting and independent verification. Empirical analysis of 100 NSE and BSE listed companies from across four sectors i.e. primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary on the Operational Dimension was done. The Scores of individual companies was above average in all sectors but Primary and Secondary sector have better results in comparison to tertiary and quaternary sectors. More companies require the supply chain members to be socially responsible then support them to meet those standards. Although ratings in all areas need improvement, independent verification was an area were the results were not found to be as expected and greater assessment is needed.
When Sports Celebrity Doesn'T Perfrom: How Consumers React to Celebrity Endorsement?
Authors: Upadhyay Yogesh , Singh S. K.
Published: August 2011

Ubiquity of celebrity endorsements has attracted all around attention to make it more effective. This has emerged over the period as a prevalent form of advertising. Majority of celebrities made part and parcel of advertisements are either from cinema and or are the sportspersons. Youths imitate them after coming to know their lifestyles through such advertisements which portray fabulous and thrilling lifestyle of celebrities. They wonder, get fascinated and always think of emulating them. As role models, celebrities are capable to influence many facets of consumer behaviour. By virtue of magnitude and range of their impact on the consumer behaviour, these celebrities are used for multitude of marketing activities which include image building, attention grabbing, persuasion etc. Billions of dollars are committed and spent on such activities. In real life, the performance of sports celebrities may go through good and bad patches. Despite ample research on the impact of negative information concerning celebrity endorsers on consumers, little is known about the impact of poor performance of sports celebrities on the field, on consumers. The present study assesses the impact of poor performance of cricket celebrities on the perception of consumers towards them as a role model through using a pre and post quasi-experimental research design. Additionally, it also gauges the impact of poor performance on behavioural intentions of consumers. The results indicate that the poor performance of sports celebrities on field may dent their standing as a role model but fail to display significant impact of the behavioural intentions. The paper includes the implications for researchers and managers.
Managing the Network: The Case of a Micro-Enterprise
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arun , Ahmad Moid Uddin
Published: August 2011

Apart from land, labour, capital and technology, any entrepreneurship venture involves efficient use of networks which may be for generating business or increasing the efficiency in business processes. The given case is one such compilation of data about an entrepreneurship venture where the protagonist uses the concept of networks in business. The business model used by him has been successful in short term but he is apprehensive of its utility in long term, especially in the light of the problems which he is currently facing. This entrepreneur operates a micro enterprise located in a backward district of India and uses his networks to start a business. The case discusses the application and utility of supply chain networks in microenterprises. The basic objective of the case is to provide for discussions to the problems this business is facing with a focus on the business and not the entrepreneur. This involves a study of the business model in practice by the protagonist as of now, the problems faced by the business and related present and future issues.
Relating Organised Retail Supply Chain Management Practices, Competitive Advantage and Organisational Performance
Authors: Singh Rajwinder , Sandhu H. S. , Metri B. A. , Kaur Rajinder
Published: August 2011

Effective supply chain management has become a potential way nowadays to improve organisational performance through matching supply chain practices and competitive advantages in the competitive world. Organisations focus on better supply chain management practices to gain competitive advantage for better organisational performance. This research conceptualises and develops five secondary constructs for supply chain practices (use of technology, SC speed, Customer satisfaction, SC integration, and Inventory management). The research also identifies four primary competitive advantage constructs (Inventory Management, Customer Satisfaction, Profitability, and Customer Base Identification) and six primary organisational performance constructs (Market Performance, SC Competencies, Stakeholder Satisfaction, and Innovation and Learning). The data for analysis was collected from top 10 non-livestock organised retail players operating in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, New Delhi and, Gurgaon in India. The relationships among supply chain practices, competitive advantage, and organisational performance, are tested in the proposed framework using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that Indian retailers know that competitive advantage has high impact on SCP but they fail in matching supply chain practices, competitive advantage and, organisational performance.
Antecedents of Individual Well-Being
Authors: Singh Rekha Padmanabhan , Arora Ashok Pratap
Published: August 2011

The main aim of this study was to further the research efforts on the construct of Well-Being. The study begins by identifying the components and the construct of Well-Being in the Indian context. Well-Being in this context has been characterised as life perceptions formed as a function of one's goals and aspirations. Well-Being has been described as the aggregation of perceived need gaps of individuals in various life domains. The “gap” has been further described as the difference between the current state and the aspired state within a domain. This “gap” has further been analysed in the context of influences on various aspects of life comprising an individual's state of Well-Being. These influences involve respondent's social fabric, past, and future expectations.

The research was conducted using both the qualitative and quantitative techniques of research conducted sequentially, among a sample of 300 respondents in India. The sample was split to gauge differences on account of gender and marital status. The study revealed that Well-Being was largely a function of respondent's evaluation of themselves in the context of their social milieu.
Do Emotionally Intelligent People do Well in all Jobs? Exploring the Moderating Role of Inter-Personal Interaction
Authors: Mulla Zubin R.
Published: August 2011

This paper studies the impact of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on job performance on a sample of 101 working executives in a pharmaceutical company in Mumbai, India. The impact of EI on job performance is studied while controlling for General Mental Ability (GMA) and the personality factor of conscientiousness. The paper also investigates the moderating effect of job characteristics (specifically, the extent of interpersonal interaction required on the job) on the relationship between EI and job performance. Analysis of the data showed that EI did not show significant impact on job performance for the entire sample. However, for individuals having high interpersonal interaction on their jobs, EI was significantly related to job performance. On the other hand, for individuals having low interpersonal interaction on their jobs, EI was not related to job performance.
A Study of Diversity in Retail Purchase Behaviour in Food and Grocery in Punjab: An Aid to Formulate Retail Strategy
Authors: Mittal K. C. , Prashar Anupama
Published: August 2011

Retailing is the most active and attractive sector of the last decade. However, there has been a dismal performance by many domestic and global players because of the Westernised formats followed blindly and then replicated without considering the profound differences in various macro and micro environmental factors. So there is a need to find out the difference in retail purchase behaviour of people with different demographics and geographic locations which is particularly important in case of Food and Grocery segment. This paper projects the variation in Retail Purchase Factors across customers with different demographics and geographic locations and suggests a way out for formulating retail strategy for the upcoming retailers.
Intrinsic Motivational Canvass in the Indian Service Sector: An Empirical Study
Authors: Mundhra Wg Cdr. D. D.
Published: August 2011

Any company would expect its employees to act for achieving goals so that it attains success in its venture. The employees must develop the belongingness which augur their desire to serve the company for longer time period. This commitment would come only through motivation which has direct effect on the performance level. There are intrinsic and extrinsic categories of motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is self-satisfying whereas extrinsic motivation is caused through the external motivators like monetary and non-monetary rewards. We have taken a survey approach based on the responses to a questionnaire to find intrinsic motivational state of the officers working in both private and public sector companies in the service sector in India. Three intrinsic motivators perceived competence, perceived autonomy and perceived relatedness have been chosen for this study. In-role performance has been taken as a measure of overall motivation of personnel. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis have been used to find the effects of intrinsic motivators on performance of employees. Effect of demographic variables like age, experience, education and background on the intrinsic motivators has also been studied. The study suggests a strong link between satisfaction of intrinsic motivators and performance of employees.
Managing Performance: The Case of an Omani Oil Company
Authors: Khan Sami A.
Published: August 2011

A good performance management system (PMS) aligned with a good HR policy framework in Omani firms has become a critical factor which may contribute towards their survival and excellence. Performance management system goes beyond the performance appraisal system and it takes into account the congruence between the business strategies and the human resource strategies. It helps in establishing structure, system and processes which foster maximum achievement of the objectives for the given inputs. But most of the Omani companies are still having a very reactive HR strategy with little emphasis on a proactive performance management system. For them, Omanisation of the workforce and adhering to the Omanisation target set by the government appears to be high on the agenda.
Status of HR Measurement in India
Authors: Srimannarayana M.
Published: August 2011

There is pressure on HR (human resource) function to measure its contribution in the increasingly competitive and cost effective environment. This study makes an attempt to assess the current status of HR measurement in India. Based on the data collected from 114 HR professionals across India, the study indicates that there are systems in place for measuring HR efforts in the organisations. HR departments have proper positioning in organisations. They monitor and measure costs of HR aspects such as absenteeism, turnover, and costs of HR programmes, but not the benefits.
Performance Comparison of Group vis-à-vis Non-Group Mergers
Authors: Mogla Monika , Singh Fulbag
Published: August 2011

This study analyzes a sample of 170 companies merged in India during the period 1993–2003. Total sample has been classified into two sub-samples, that is, group mergers (125) and non-group mergers (45). Operating performance of three pre-merger years is com-pared with three post-merger years and thereby the outcomes of mergers are discussed. Several aspects of operating performance like profitability, size, liquidity, leverage and earnings per share (EPS) are examined. Mean values of pre-merger and post-merger years are compared with the help of t-statistics. The results show that profitability has declined in the post-merger period in both group and non-group companies. However, non-group mergers have shown much greater decline in return on net worth and negative net profit margin in the post-merger period. Group mergers have attained operating efficiencies in terms of reduced cost of production to net sales in post-merger period, whereas non-group mergers have lost their edge over operational synergies. Significant decline has been observed in EPS during the post-merger period in sub-sample of non-group mergers. Thus, analysis of operating performance reveals that profitability decline is quite huge and significant in non-group mergers. The reasons for this decline are operational inefficiency and poor asset utilization by non-group merged companies. The study provides evidence that group mergers are a better choice to non-group mergers.
Development of Emotional Labour Scale in Indian Context
Authors: Gaan Niharika
Published: August 2011

This article reports the development and validation of emotional labour scale (ELS) as tested on samples of 491 respondents from B-schools of India. The ELS is a 12-item self-reporting questionnaire that measures four facets of emotional labour (EL) in the workplace, namely, emotional display, deep acting, surface acting and automatic regulation. Estimates of internal consistency for the subscales range from 0.67 to 0.89. Exploratory factor analysis results provide support to the four facets of ELS. Evidence is also provided for convergent and discriminant validity of ELS. Further the implications and future scope of the study are discussed in detail.
Software Services Industry Context and Performance Management
Authors: Singh Anupriya , Agarwala Tanuja
Published: August 2011

Performance management as a process raises several issues related to its effectiveness and contribution to organizational performance. Particularly, in context of software services industry difficulties inherent in managing employee performance seem to grow. This article discusses the research conducted in software services industry with the purpose of understanding industry context and its relationship with performance management. Results of this study indicate that software service sector was unique with respect to its nature, that is, knowledge intensive and dynamic, resulting in far greater complexity for performance management. The nature of this industry rendered uniqueness to individual performance context and underscored the role of line managers in performance management. The article also sheds light on issues regarding expatriate performance management, competency assessment and expectations of software professionals from the performance management system. Findings of this study have implications for facilitating greater alignment between software service industry context and performance management in the achievement of organizational objectives and goals.
OQT Labs: In Search of a Right Fit
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Bhatnagar Jyotsna
Published: August 2011

This case illustrates the issues faced by an organization in attracting and retaining talent. OQT Labs is operating in a specialty diagnostic industry in Indian market. It is intending to grow the top line and has plans to invest majorly in expansion of the laboratories. The dilemma faced by the MD of the organization is how to achieve the targets in view of the acute talent crunch and high manpower attrition rates. OQT Labs is facing key talent shortage, which could hamper the growth of the organization, because employees with the right skills and behaviour are not easily available externally. The supply of internal talent is equally uncertain because of retention problems.

This is a discussion-based case where the MD, the CEO and the HR head are brainstorming to find a solution to the problem of hiring the right talent and to retain the talent for a viable period of time.
Development of Cross-Cultural Management Training Products
Authors: Kirpalani V. H. Manek , Luostarinen Reijo K.
Published: August 2011

Globalization increasingly demands understanding of cultural differences worldwide. Yet many teachers and management researchers lack a deep understanding of cross-cultural and inter-cultural issues that facilitate attitude change. Further, they need to know details of how things are really done in the foreign environment. Therefore despite the presence of much literature and many suggestions, there is no generally accepted model of the most effective way to teach in such a milieu.

The paper projects difficulties faced in cross-cultural teaching owing to difference in management organisations' cultural set-up. It suggests a model comprising participant involving techniques, problem oriented approach and involvement of both faculty and participants in writing cases and company oriented projects by cross-cultural teams.
Boardroom in the 21st Century: Issues & Challenges
Authors: Singh Rajendra
Published: August 2011

Quantum advances in science and technology (telecommunication, information technology, biotechnology) have radically altered the methods of doing things and have opened limitless possibilities. Among the economic-business models, free-market capitalism has decimated all other models. Capitalism is value neutral. However, the way business is to be run does have value-implications, relative to the environment of the business. ‘Corporate wars’ cannot be allowed the ‘all is fair’ philosphy.

The need for ‘regulation’ in general governance and politics has been extended to the corporate world too in order to curb adventurism and to promote transparency and accountability The Cadbury Code, the Greenbury Code, the Hampel Committee have gone into the details of Corporate Governance in the UK. The Nolan Committee (later the Neill Committee) dealt with ‘Standards in Public Life’ and the basic principles laid down by the Committee ought to form the basis of Corporate Governance too.

In India also, CII's Committee, Rahul Bajaj Committee and Vittal Committee have addressed the issue of Corporate Governance.

The unique Indian context for business (both public and private) should be kept in mind while dealing with the issue of Corporate Governance. Corporate Governance requires a change of mindset and culture. These fundamentals are of enduring relevance and will be relevant for the 21st Century Boards.

Twenty-first century will witness dramatic changes in the locational, communicational, decisional, financial aspects of running an enterprise in the changed global-regional-national scenarios. ‘Vision-led’ Corporates and Visionary Boards will be more effective. Culture-balance and culture-sensitivity will be important areas for the Boards operating in global/multicultural context. Corporate ethos and governance will gain increasing ascendancy in an integrated business world. The Boards' performance will be under evaluation by investors and adherence to the principles of governance will be among the evaluation parameters. Entrepreneurial enthusiasm and sustainable systems/values will have to be balanced. Good governance will achieve this blend. The Indian ethos contains the essence of Corporate Governance and this remains our most potent tool.
Urban Customers' Choice of Bank in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Edo Samson E.
Published: August 2011

This paper through a field research identifies the important factors which influence customers choice of bank in urban areas of less developed countries. The findings indicate that liquidity, speed of service and secrecy are the critical factors in their choice of bank. All the identified factors point out the same influence on both individual and corporate customers, which suggests that banks should minimize discrimination in their dealings with both kinds of customers.
The Role of Top Management in R&D Effectiveness
Authors: Pati Prabhati
Published: August 2011

The role of top management in the R&D units are multifold, ranging from project selection and evaluation to creating a culture of commitment and enthusiasm to achieve results. This study explores the role of top management and assesses the extent to which their support contributes to the project team effectiveness in terms of information creation, capability development, growth and learning opportunities, time compression and overall effectiveness. An analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative data collected from the professionals of the corporate R&D of a large manufacturing company suggests that top management in the R&D set-up plays multiple roles and their commitment or lack of it, has a significant impact on the R&D effectiveness.
Relevance of Nishkama Karma Yoga in Today's Business World
Authors: Singh B. D.
Published: August 2011

Today's business world is dominated by stiff competition and survival is becoming increasingly difficult. This has also resulted in negative competitive behaviour and degeneration in value-based business practices where end has become more important than means. The Karma theory provides an operational basis for constructive achievement and is perhaps more relevant today than in the Mahabharata times. The doctrine of Karma Yoga emphasizes detachment and equanimous attitude towards success and failure and inculcating virtues like sacrifice, dedication, belief and greater good of the people as the motive for action.

The tenets of Nishkama Karma Yoga should serve as guidelines and codes for the managers of the business, if they are striving towards achieving long-lasting success and happiness.
Implementing Development Initiatives
Authors: Khan Jamal
Published: August 2011

Implementation is at the core of all development initiatives and strategies and experience has shown that there exists a gap between formulation and implementation. This paper focuses on the attempts for implementing initiatives for promoting decentralised management and increased participation in developing countries arid identifies the obstacles in the process. It is generally seen that problems of implementation cannot be entirely anticipated and planned for in advance. Also decentralisation is attempted without assessing the capacity of local management skills of local personnel/leadership.

An effective approach to implementation should include wide-reaching survey, strategic analysis and intervention and incremental sequential action, engaged planning, and lucid management procedures. This approach emphasizes a detailed survey of the environment and identification of factors crucial for successful implementation. Development initiatives cannot be implemented successfully by existing management through routine operations. Special modalities need to be set up and institutionalised.
Stock Market Efficiency-Testing of Lintner's Model of Dividend Behaviour in Sensex Firms of India
Authors: Tripathy N. P.
Published: August 2011

In a competitive market, corporate survival depends on the ability to change in accordance with the needs of both internal and external corporate environment. Generally, variations in stock prices can be largely explained by changes in the cash flow of companies and the dividend constitutes the cash flows that accrue to stock holders. Dividend policy determines the decision of earning between payment to stockholders and reinvestment in the firm. But dividend decisions during a period are taken on the basis of both current and past earnings. Therefore, the attempt made here is to justify that the Lintner's model of dividend behaviour seems suitable enough to Indian data and also to analyse the current dividend that depends on current as well as past earnings.
African American Women and Weight Loss
Authors: Mastin Teresa , Campo Shelly , Askelson Natoshia M.
Published: August 2011

In the United States, almost 80% of African American women are either overweight or obese. In this study, 46 low-income African American women struggling with weight issues participated in structured interviews using a social cognitive theory framework. Participants shared their social cognitive theory related weight loss thoughts and their perceived weight loss obstacles. Results suggest that although participants’ primary weight-related obstacles were environment-based, for example, unsafe environments in which to engage in regular exercise, they more often offered individual-based solutions. The study concludes with a discussion of media advocacy as a tool that can be used to promote environmental solutions.
Active Length Control of Shape Memory Alloy Wires Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kirkpatrick Kenton , Valasek John
Published: August 2011

Actively controlled shape memory alloy actuators are useful for a variety of applications that require accurate shape control. For shape memory alloy wires, strain is modulated with temperature, usually by an applied voltage difference across the length. Numerical simulation using reinforcement learning has previously been used for determining the temperature–strain relationship of a shape memory alloy wire and for synthesizing a limited control policy that relates applied temperature to desired strain. However, learning the voltage–strain relationship is of more practical interest in synthesizing feedback control laws for shape memory alloy wires since the control input in practical applications will be an applied voltage that modulates temperature. This article implements a Sarsa-based algorithm for determining a feedback control law in voltage–strain space and validates it experimentally. Experimental results presented in this article demonstrate the ability to control a shape memory alloy specimen from arbitrary initial strains ranging from zero to maximum, including intermediate strains, to an arbitrary intermediate strain. The results also demonstrate theability to control the specimen from similar arbitrary initial values of strain to zero strain. The voltage–strain learning algorithm developed in this article is a promising candidate for synthesizing practical shape memory alloy actuator feedback control laws.
On-board Identification and Control Performance Verification of an MR Damper Incorporated with Structure
Authors: Chen Z. H. , Ni Y. Q.
Published: August 2011

An experimental study is conducted with the intention of identifying the dynamics of a magnetorheological (MR) damper incorporated with a steel beam structure and evaluating the efficiency of the formulated forward and inverse dynamic models for online application of semiactive vibration control. A hybrid modeling method by synthesizing NARX (non-linear autoregressive with exogenous inputs) model and neural network technique within a Bayesian framework is developed to figure out the forward and inverse dynamics of the MR damper from real-time experimental data. The forward dynamic model has the ability to predict the one-step-ahead damper force, while the inverse one is able to estimate the current/voltage command for the MR damper. To evaluate the implementability of the formulated models for online application, semiactive control experiments are performed on the beam structure incorporating the MR damper. The forward model is integrated into a LQR-based semiactive controller to estimate the instant damper force limitation for the semiactive constraint decision, and the inverse model is synthesized to determine current command for the MR damper to track the desirable control force, which compensates for the intrinsic hysteresis effect of the MR damper. The experimental results demonstrate considerably accurate prediction capability and practicability of the Bayesian NARX network models for the MR damper, and the effectiveness of the semiactive controller accommodating the forward and inverse dynamics of the MR damper for structural vibration mitigation.
Development of piezohydraulic actuator driven by piezomembrane pump
Authors: Kan Junwu , Wang Shuyun , Zhang Zhonghua , Zeng Ping , Cheng Guangming , Zheng Xiaopei , Shen Huangqiao
Published: August 2011

A piezohydraulic actuator (piezopump-driven cylinder system) has the advantage over the conventional contact/non-contact piezoelectric motors in terms of achieving large thrust, high velocity, and long traveling distance. In this study, a serial-connection 5-chamber piezomembrane pump (SCCPP) was introduced and used for replacing piezostack pumps so as to decrease cost of piezohydraulic actuators. The border-upon piezomembranes work in anti-phase, a SCCPP is equivalent to several single-chamber pumps running in series. The theoretical study suggests that the performance of a SCCPP-driven actuator depends mainly on the efficiency of check valves, structural parameters of piezomembrane/pump chamber/cylinder, the number of pump chambers, and liquid bulk modulus. A piezomembrane has an optimal thickness ratio (metal to piezoelectric) for the actuator to achieve maximal power. A SCCPP-driven actuator was fabricated and tested under three/four/five chambers running. The testing results show that the thrust, velocity, power, and even optimal frequency of the piezohydraulic actuator all increase linearly with number of working chambers and driving voltage. At 180 V and 280 Hz, the achieved thrust, velocity, power, and step length from the actuator under five piezomembranes running are 75 N, 9.8 mm/s, 184.5 mW, and 35.2 µm, respectively, which are about 2.1/2.7/5.7/2.7 times than those of three piezomembranes running.
A Syndemic Analysis of Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Tourism Employees in Sosúa, Dominican Republic
Authors: Padilla Mark B. , Guilamo-Ramos Vincent , Godbole Ramona
Published: August 2011

The Dominican Republic has high rates of HIV infection and alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, little research has been focused on the broader sources of the synergy between these two health outcomes. We draw on syndemic theory to argue that alcohol consumption and sexual risk behavior are best analyzed within the context of culture and economy in Caribbean tourism spaces, which produce a synergy between apparently independent outcomes. We sampled 32 men and women working in the tourism industry at alcohol-serving establishments in Sosúa, Dominican Republic. Interviewees described alcohol consumption as an implicit requirement of tourism work, tourism industry business practices that foster alcohol consumption, and an intertwining relationship between alcohol and sexual commerce. The need to establish relationships with tourists, combined with the overconsumption of alcohol, contributed to a perceived loss of sexual control, which participants felt could impede condom use. Interventions should incorporate knowledge of the social context of tourism areas to mitigate the contextual factors that contribute to HIV infection and alcohol consumption among locals.
Preliminary Testing of an Asthma Distance Education Program (ADEP) for School Nurses in Appalachia
Authors: Putman-Casdorph Heidi , Pinto Susan
Published: August 2011

Asthma remains one of the most challenging chronic illnesses faced by school nurses both nationally and in the State of West Virginia. There is a clear need to provide ongoing continuing asthma education to school nurses. However, nurses face many barriers to receiving this education. The purpose of this pilot project was to develop and evaluate distance learning technology as a method to deliver continuing asthma education to school nurses in West Virginia. A sample of 20 school nurses from 2 counties in West Virginia participated in the study using the Wimba live classroom distance learning program. Significant modest improvements were found in both the intervention groups compared to a control group postintervention. The results of this pilot study are promising and show that distance learning technology could be a viable solution for school nurses to receive asthma continuing education.
The Evolving Role of Preoperative Testing in Vascular Surgery Patients
Authors: Verduzco Luis A. , Lighthall Geoffrey K.
Published: August 2011

It has been traditionally recommended that candidates for vascular surgery receive noninvasive stress perfusion testing risk stratification to help decide which patients may benefit from coronary artery revascularization. Recent clinical trials have contested the efficacy of revascularization in this population as well as the information yield of noninvasive testing. This article reviews a number of these studies that are likely to change our beliefs regarding testing and subsequent interventions as well as evolving role of medical therapy in patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Effects of Delayed Laboratory Processing on Platelet Serotonin Levels
Authors: Sanner Jennifer E. , Frazier Lorraine , Udtha Malini
Published: August 2011

Background:

Despite the availability of established guidelines for measuring platelet serotonin, these guidelines may be difficult to follow in a hospital setting where time to processing may vary from sample to sample.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the time to processing of human blood samples on the stability of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of platelet serotonin levels in human plasma.

Method:

Human blood samples collected from a convenience sample of eight healthy volunteers were analyzed to determine platelet serotonin levels from plasma collected in ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) tubes and stored at 4°C for 3 hr, 5 hr, 8 hr, and 12 hr.

Results:

Refrigeration storage at 4°C for 3 hr, 5 hr, 8 hr, and 12 hr altered the platelet serotonin measurement when compared to immediate processing. The bias for the samples stored at 4°C for 3 hr was 102.3 (±217.39 ng/109 platelets), for 5 hr was 200.1 (±132.76 ng/109 platelets), for 8 hr was 146.9 (±221.41 ng/109 platelets), and for 12 hr was −67.6 (±349.60 ng/109 platelets).

Discussion:

Results from this study show that accurate measurement of platelet serotonin levels is dependent on time to processing. Researchers should therefore follow a standardized laboratory guideline for obtaining immediate platelet serotonin levels after blood sample collection.
Upgrading the self: Technology and the self in the digital games perpetual innovation economy
Authors: Ashton Daniel
Published: August 2011

This article explores the upgrade and perpetual innovation economy of digital gaming as it informs understandings and practices of the ‘self’. Upgrade is situated in terms of digital gaming as a globalized techno-cultural industry. Drawing on accounts of governmentality and cultural work, research with digital games design students is drawn on to explore the overlapping twin logics of technological upgrade and work-on-the-self. The games industry-focused higher education context is examined as an environment for becoming a games designer and involving processes of upgrading the self. Having examined processes and practices of upgrading the self in terms of technological skills and personal development/enterprise, the article turns to some of the critical issues around anxiety, industry conventions and working practices.
Games are not convergence: The lost promise of digital production and convergence
Authors: O'Donnell Casey
Published: August 2011

This article critically examines the notion of ‘convergence’ as it applies to videogames and videogame development. Drawing on data from more than five years of ethnographic fieldwork amongst ‘AAA’ videogame development studios, the specific case of Spider-Man 3’s development is used as a lens for understanding the complexity of modern media production practice. This case sheds light on our understandings of cross-media development practice and the labor involved in the effect of media ‘flow’ from platform to platform. Actor-Network Theory serves as a guiding analytic framework for understanding how videogame production in this context, given the sheer number of actors, has significant implications for the kinds of cross-media products created and the labor involved in bringing these projects to fruition.
Doing gender in cyberspace: The performance of gender by female World of Warcraft players
Authors: Eklund Lina
Published: August 2011

This explorative study focuses on the performance of gender and sexuality in World of Warcraft (WoW), an online game, following Butler’s performance theory. Through interviews with female WoW players, gender and sexuality is analysed. The article argues that we cannot study gender online without also looking at sexuality. Gender performances are discussed within the framework of four themes: the avatar; strategies; sexuality, and the contextual importance of WoW. Results show that gender identity construction in WoW is an ongoing process highly dependent on the social context of play. The women interviewed created gendered and sexualized identities constrained and empowered by the rules of the game and the opportunities it offers as well as of their social relations. Although a heterosexual norm rules, there are possibilities hitherto unrecognized for queer performance within the gendered role play in WoW and the game offers the possibility of multiple and alternative performances of the self.
Digital pitchforks and virtual torches: Fan responses to the Mass Effect news debacle
Authors: Dutton Nathan , Consalvo Mia , Harper Todd
Published: August 2011

In early 2008, what started as a small report in an online conservative outlet on the Xbox 360 videogame Mass Effect was picked up by a number of news outlets and blogs. In particular, Fox News’s ‘Live Desk with Martha MacCallum’ produced a segment on the game, claiming it was fully interactive digital pornography. One of the show’s guests, pop psychologist Cooper Lawrence, argued that the game’s sexual content was harmful, but did so with no firsthand knowledge of the game, incensing fans of the game. Those fans proceeded to respond in various ways, particularly on the internet. The present research examines three distinct areas of these fan responses — forum discussions, YouTube videos, and the ‘review bombing’ of Cooper Lawrence’s books on Amazon.com. The various ways in which fans expressed their anger at, displeasure with, and opinions on the story and how the game was treated in the media present a chance not only to look into the mindset of these fans toward the various institutions involved in but also paint a picture of fan and gamer cultures in general.
Development of a Scale to Measure African American Attitudes toward Organ Donation
Authors: Resnicow Ken , Andrews Ann M. , Zhang Nanhua , Chapman Remonia , Beach Denise K. , Langford Aisha T. , Goodwin Nancy , Magee John C.
Published: August 2011

African American attitudes toward organ donation differ from other racial and ethnic groups. However, existing measures of organ donation attitudes do not adequately address ethnic identity and cultural factors. We examined the psychometric properties of a new 18-item organ donation scale among 1225 members of 21 African American churches in Southeast Michigan. We identified three factors: (1) Barriers; (2) Family/Race Benefits; and (3) Altruism. More positive donation attitudes on each subscale were observed for individuals who reported being enrolled as a donor. Among individuals not enrolled, higher scores were observed on scales two and three for those with stronger intentions to enroll.
Sex and Diabetes: A Thematic Analysis of Gay and Bisexual Men’s Accounts
Authors: Jowett Adam , Peel Elizabeth , Shaw Rachel L.
Published: August 2011

Around 50 per cent of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction. Much of the literature focuses on quality of life measures with heterosexual men in monogamous relationships. This study explores gay and bisexual men’s experiences of sex and diabetes. Thirteen interviews were analysed and three themes identified: erectile problems; other ‘physical’ problems; and disclosing diabetes to sexual partners. Findings highlight a range of sexual problems experienced by non-heterosexual men and the significance of the cultural and relational context in which they are situated. The personalized care promised by the UK government should acknowledge the diversity of sexual practices which might be affected by diabetes.
Illness perception in bulimia nervosa
Authors: DeJong Hannah , Hillcoat Jessica , Perkins Sarah , Grover Miriam , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: August 2011

The study was designed to extend our understanding of illness perceptions in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). Seventy-eight participants with BN or BN-type Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS-BN) completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) ( Moss-Morris et al., 2002 ). Clinical variables were also assessed. Participants experienced their ED as chronic, with serious consequences and high associated levels of anxiety and depression. The disorder was attributed primarily to psychological causes. The results indicate the perceived severity of BN, and high level of associated distress. These findings highlight the potential for targeting illness perceptions in treatment.
Goal commitment and alignment of personal goals predict group identification only when the goals are shared
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chiu Chi-yue
Published: August 2011

Selfish pursuits of personal goals in group contexts may conflict with the group goal. Drawing on the shared reality theory and the intersubjective consensus approach to cultural dynamics, however, we propose that commitment to personal goals would be accompanied by greater group identification when individual group members realize that their personal goals are widely shared in the group. In one experiment (Study 1), we manipulated perceived sharedness of personal goals and found that commitment to personal goals correlated positively with group identification only when participants learned that their goals were shared. Subsequent surveys that incorporated a 3-month longitudinal design (Studies 2 and 3) further confirmed that goal commitment and alignment with personal goals predicted group identification only when the goals were shared in the group.
The effect of stereotype content on anger versus contempt in “day-to-day” conflicts
Authors: Ufkes Elze G. , Otten Sabine , van der Zee Karen I. , Giebels Ellen , Dovidio John F.
Published: August 2011

Depending on how involved parties appraise day-to-day conflicts, they either may feel angry or contemptuous toward the other party, which, in turn, may result in stronger confronting or avoiding intentions. In this paper we investigated how the content of stereotypes associated with the group to which an outgroup perpetrator belongs affects appraisals, emotions, and behavior. In two experiments, we demonstrated that stereotyping an outgroup as less warm resulted in increased feelings of anger, and tendencies to react forcefully toward an outgroup party in a conflict. Specifically, this effect of low stereotype warmth was explained by increased appraisals of negative intentions. Stereotyping an outgroup as less competent in the same situation elicited increased feelings of contempt, and tendencies to avoid an outgroup party in a conflict. This effect of stereotype incompetence was due to decreased appraisals of control over the other party.
Distinguishing between the effects of stereotype priming and stereotype threat on math performance
Authors: Jamieson Jeremy P. , Harkins Stephen G.
Published: August 2011

Stereotype threat and stereotype priming have both been shown to impair test performance. Although research suggests threat-based concerns distinguish the experience of threat from priming (Marx & Stapel, 2006), it is not clear whether these psychological phenomena impact performance via similar or distinct mechanisms. The current work demonstrates that priming and threat produce distinctive patterns of performance via different mechanisms. Motivation was found to play a proximal role in the effect of stereotype threat on females’ math performance. Threatened females were motivated to disconfirm the negative stereotype, but performed more poorly because they were more likely than controls to use the incorrect, but prepotent conventional solution approach. Gender-math stereotypes do not incorporate the notion that females are motivated to disconfirm stereotypes. Instead the results are consistent with the argument that participants primed with female gender constructs performed poorly because they withdrew effort.