bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Dial as a Pre-Kindergarten Screening Instrument
Authors: Obrzut John E. , Bolocofsky David N. , Heath Charles P. , Jones Marilyn J.
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the validity of the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL) for the prediction of school success. Fifty-three kindergarten children ranging in age from 55 months to 71 months were pre-screened with the DIAL five months prior to school entrance and then administered the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT), Metropolitan Readiness Test (MRT), and a Progress Report form during the end of the academic year. Canonical correlations and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the DIAL Communications subtest was the most valid single predictor of school success as determined by the composite MRT. The DIAL Concepts subtest was the only significant predictor of Progress Report composite score. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of preschool screening programs and the use of the DIAL.
The Concurrent Validity of Self-Estimates of Abilities Relative to Criteria Provided by Standardized Test Measures of the Same Abilities for a Sample of High School Students Eligible for Participation in the Ceta Program
Authors: Briscoe Cecil D. , Muelder Wallace , Michael William B.
Published: January 2017

For a total sample of 258 high school students who were eligible for participation in the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), for the two subgroups of 108 males and 150 females, and for eight subsamples differentiated by sex and by four age levels (15, 16, 17, or 18), this investigation was concerned with determining the degree of relationship between scores on each of nine ability measures (the criterion variables) included in the standardized General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) and self-estimates by students of their level of ability in each of the same nine aptitude areas as those in the GATB. For the total sample not one of the nine concurrent validity coefficients was statistically significant, and for the subgroups of males and females, only one and two coefficients, respectively, were statistically reliable. Among the 72 validity coefficients for the eight independent subsamples of males and females differentiated by age level, only nine coefficients were statistically reliable—8 for females and 1 for males. Six of these coefficients involved measures of motor coordination, finger dexterity; and manual dexterity. With the possible exception of skills involving psychomotor coordination and precision, adolescents irrespective of age level appear unable to provide valid self-estimates of their standing in the same abilities as those provided by scores on a widely used standardized test.
A Factor Analysis of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Freed of Difficulty Factors
Authors: Dillon Ronna F. , Pohlmann John T. , Lohman David F.
Published: January 2017

The study presents a factor analysis of the 1962 revision of the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM). The analysis was conducted such that substantive factor structure interpretations were freed of the effects of differences in item difficulty. The APM test was given to 237 examinees, 16–18 years old. The data were subjected to a Guttman scale analysis to determine whether the APM could be interpreted as a one factor instrument. Then the phi/phi max inter-item correlation matrix was factored. A principal components analysis, followed by a series of varimax rotations of the principal components, was performed. The Guttman coefficients of scalability were too small to support a one factor theory of the APM. The 2-factor solution provided the most interpretable factor structure. Factor I was composed of items in which the solution was obtained by adding or subtracting patterns. Factor II was composed of items in which the solution was based on the ability to perceive the progression of a pattern. Results are discussed in terms of representative cognitive tests and tasks believed to embody the logical operations responsible for successful performance on items loading on each factor. The possibility of forming subtests of items to enhance the predictive validity of the matrices also is discussed.
Multicrossvalidation and the Jackknife in the Estimation of Shrinkage of the Multiple Coefficient of Correlation
Authors: Ayabe Carol R.
Published: January 2017

The jackknife, multicrossvalidation, and analytical formulae methods are discussed and compared with respect to the estimation of shrinkage of the multiple coefficient of correlation. The validation and comparison of the techniques are based on estimates generated from a random data set and a prestructured data set. Multicrossvalidation is demonstrated to be a preferable technique to the jackknife and analytical formulae methods.
Comparison of Four Methods for Weighting Multiple Predictors
Authors: Aamodt Michael G. , Kimbrough Wilson W.
Published: January 2017

An important issue in personnel psychology concerns the methods that are used to combine multiple criteria and/or multiple predictors into a single composite. Fralicx and Raju (1982) looked at five methods of combining multiple criteria and concluded that with the exception of canonical weights, the results obtained from four of the methods were almost identical. The present study differed from Fralicx and Raju (1982) in that it used predictors rather than criteria, was composed of a different type of sample, used different types of weighting methods, a smaller number of dimensions, and included a cross-validation procedure. In spite of these differences the conclusion drawn in both studies is similar. That is, most weighting methods are highly related. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that no weighting method was superior to another in terms of protection from validity shrinkage.
The Reliability and Validity of Ideational Originality in the Divergent Thinking of Academically Gifted and Nongifted Children
Authors: Runco Mark A. , Albert Robert S.
Published: January 2017

Divergent thinking tests are probably the most commonly employed measures of creative potential and have demonstrated adequate psychometric properties with many populations. Recently, however, a partial correlation evaluation revealed that the indices drawn from divergent thinking tests are highly redundant. That is, in the nongifted population, ideational “originality” and “flexibility” were seriously confounded by ideational “fluency,” and hence were not reliable indices of divergent thinking. Because the ideation of gifted individuals is qualitatively and quantitatively different from that of nongifted individuals, the present investigation utilized partial correlation procedures in order to compare the reliability of ideational originality in academically gifted and nongifted intermediate school children ( N = 225). The results indicated that the divergent thinking interitem and intertest correlations of the gifted children were significantly larger than those of the nongifted children. Still, ideational originality was adequately reliable after fluency was controlled only in the figural (nonverbal) divergent thinking tests.
Children's Interests Inventory, Grades 4–6
Authors: Zbaracki Jacqueline U. , Clark Samuel G. , Wolins Leroy
Published: January 2017

A factored interest inventory for children was developed from interest items obtained from literature review and an open-ended questionnaire, the Preliminary Children's Interest Inventory, administered to children, parents, and teachers. These items, collapsed to form a 121 item Children's Interest Inventory, were rated on a 5-point like-dislike scale by 517 children in grades four, five, and six from Marshalltown, Iowa. Teachers rated each child's scholastic, social, and creative ability. Factor analyses showed nine boys' factors and eight girls' factors. Athletic, mechanical, science, verbal, religion, and social are interests found in the adult work and in the present work. Children's interests were not related to ability ratings, lowly related to grade, and highly related to gender.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Several Irt Based Appropriateness Measures in Detecting Unusual Response Patterns
Authors: Birenbaum Menucha
Published: January 2017

The study compared nine indices of response pattern appropriateness based on IRT with respect to their relation to the total test score and their, effectiveness in detecting unusual response patterns. Three groups of response patterns were analyzed; a group of cooperative examinees, a group of uncooperative examinees and a group of randomly generated response patterns. The comparison among the indices was based on their capability to differentiate among the three groups and on the percentages of correct and incorrect classification of examinees to their actual groups based on their score on the index.
Lambda: A Basic Program for Calculating Random Data Eigenvalues
Authors: Hays Ron
Published: January 2017

A BASIC program for the IBM Personal Computer that calculates random data eigenvalues is presented. The output of this program provides a basis for establishing an upper bound for the number of factors to rotate in exploratory factor analysis.
The Validity of the Ball Aptitude Battery (Bab): I. Relationship to High School Academic Success
Authors: Dong Hei-Ki , Sung Yong H. , Dohm Thomas E.
Published: January 2017

A recently developed standardized multiple-abilities battery—the Ball Aptitude Battery (BAB)—was administered to 1,009 high school seniors in Illinois and Texas, representing both sexes and three ethnic groups (black, Hispanic, and white). In addition to the collection of the BAB test data, criterion data—total grade point average and grades in 9 academic courses as well as ACT scores— were obtained for 801 students. Results showed that BAB tests adequately predicted academic success in 10 areas of study and ACT scores, even though certain level differences were found in mean scores on the BAB. In addition, the findings of few significant differential validities for sex and ethnic groups suggest that the same battery of ability tests can serve for different ethnic and sex groups for purposes of career planning.
The Validity of Teacher Ratings in Differentiating Between Two Subgroups of Attention Deficit Disordered Children with or Without Hyperactivity
Authors: Brown Ronald T.
Published: January 2017

A recent analysis of the intercorrelations of teacher ratings of the classroom behavior of 158 attention deficit disordered (ADD) children revealed three factors labeled Emotional Lability/Conduct, Temperament, and Attention/Concentration which in part correspond to the classifications in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III). To explore further this correspondence, 88 children were identified as those with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD-H), and 58 children were identified as those with attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD) in accordance with DSM III criteria. When the two subgroups were compared, teachers rated ADD-H children as more problematic than their ADD counterparts. Results of discriminant analysis further indicated that teacher ratings had the potential to differentiate ADD from ADD-H groups. Findings were interpreted to corroborate the distinction between ADD with and without hyperactivity as delineated in the DSM III. Discussion includes an interpretation of these results to suggest that the attention deficit disorder as exhibited in the classroom is a constellation of related attentional as well as behavioral and temperament disturbances. Recommendations were also made to support the diagnostician's use of teacher ratings in identifying ADD children.
Validity of the Attitudes Toward Bilingual Education Scale with Respect to Group Discrimination
Authors: Krus David J. , Stanley Maureen A.
Published: January 2017

The Attitudes toward Bilingual Education (ABE) scale was validated with respect to its ability to discriminate between an explicitly defined group of proponents of bilingual education and a “persons-in-general” group of subjects. The obtained difference in measured attitudes were discussed within the framework of the societal implications of bilingual education programs.
The Construct Validity of the Science Teacher Inventory of Need: Recommendations and Modifications
Authors: Abu Bakar Kamariah Hj , Rubba Peter A.
Published: January 2017

The Science Teacher Inventory of Need (STIN) was developed specifically to assess the perceived needs of science teachers in developing nations. During that process factor analysis was completed post hoc with data from a heterogeneous population of Jordanian science teachers to provide evidence of the construct validity of the STIN. The present study was conducted to clarify further the factorial composition and construct validity of the STIN. Data collected from 1162 (78% returns from a 20% randomized, cluster sample of Malaysian secondary science teachers) were factor analyzed via the principal components method with varimax rotation. Six nontrivial factors accounting for 91.9% of the total variance were identified, with 72 of the 76 closed items found to be interpretable. Item rearrangement under the six factors is suggested. Also, confirmatory factor analysis is suggested to test the obtained factor structure. In the interim, the extant data on STIN reliability and validity warrant its continued use to assess the perceived need of science teachers.
Strategie testuali ed effetti performativi nella raccolta Giudici
Authors: Mesirca Margherita
Published: January 2017

Nella raccolta di racconti intitolata Giudici (2011) viene messo in scena – come recita la seconda di copertina – il percorso della giustizia italiana dall’Unità a oggi, attraverso le pagine più scottanti della storia del Paese: dalle origini della mafia alla strage di Bologna (1980); Giancarlo De Cataldo, Andrea Camilleri e Carlo Lucarelli costruiscono tre figure di giudici (il giudice Surra, la Bambina, il Procuratore d’Italia) accomunati dalla strenua volontà di credere che la giustizia sia possibile. Il presente contributo intende analizzare le strategie testuali attraverso le quali viene configurato il tema della giustizia nei tre racconti, soffermandosi sulle peculiarità dei singoli racconti e sulle analogie che li intersecano. Contestualmente l’intento è quello di mettere a fuoco il particolare coinvolgimento del lettore, e il sorprendente effetto risultante dall’integrazione narrativa tra i tre testi. La specificità dell’argomento e la natura sistemica della raccolta conferiscono infatti al succedersi dei testi un sottile e raffinato effetto performativo, teso cioè a produrre nel lettore una reazione non solo estetico-cognitiva, ma anche morale.
Regional Trade Agreements in a Multilateral Trade Regime
Authors: Pal Parthapratim
Published: January 2017

One of the most striking developments in the world trading system since the mid 1990s has been the surge in Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). From about 50 till 1990, the number of RTAs has crossed 250 in 2003. As trading within RTAs does not come under the purview of World Trade Organization (WTO), this explosive growth of regionalism is threatening to emerge as an alternative to the WTO led international trading system. This has initiated an intense debate among economists whether RTAs are “building blocks” or “stumbling blocks” of the multilateral trading system. In this backdrop, this paper traces the reasons behind this resurgent regionalism and surveys the literature on RTAs and its interaction with the multilateral trading system. This paper attempts to look at these issues from the perspective of a developing country.
Indian Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Authors: Singh J.P. , Goyal S. K.
Published: January 2017

Wheat, jaggery & confectionery, animal casings, dried & preserved vegetables, fresh vegetables, floriculture were the main source of export earnings during last decades. The extent of growth in value terms has been invariably higher than the amount of growth in quantity terms except in case of jaggery & confectionery, alcoholic & beverages, and milled products. Wheat topped the list both in export earnings and quantity exported with 63.10 per cent and 53.08 per cent annual growth rates, respectively. Instability indices for both export earnings and quantity exported, were highest for animal casings (183.75%) and (172.90%) indicating that animal casing was most vulnerable commodity in terms of export earnings and quantity exported. Guar gum recorded least instability (9.73%) in terms of quantity exported while export earnings instability was observed least (9.13%) in mango pulp. The instability has been by and large higher for quantity exported than the export earnings with some exceptions like guar gum, dried nuts, fresh grapes, buffalo meat, groundnuts, other cereals. In terms of value of exports, the year 2001-02 was a year of export earnings diversification as evidenced by very low value of Herfindahl (0.02), Hirschmann (0.15), and Gini-Hirschmann (0.30) measures, respectively. In terms of quantity exported, year 2000-01 observed highest diversification while 2002-03 recorded commodity concentration (reduced diversification) in quantity exported.
Stock Market Integration
Authors: Kaundal R.K. , Sharma Sanjeet
Published: January 2017

In the recent years, globalization, economic assimilation and integration among countries and their financial markets have increased interdependency among Asian stock markets. This increased interdependency among the Asian stock markets may have impact on the global investors for their assets allocation decision and on the economic policies of economies for ensuring economic stability. Hence, there is a need to study the extent of integration between the Indian stock market and Asian stock markets, which is the primary objective of this study. The study uses monthly stock price indices of the Asian countries, namely India, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This study covers the period from April 1994 to December 2009. The results obtained from the analysis by employing a wide range of statistical tools: Engle-Granger Test, Johansen Cointegration Test and Granger Causality Test. The results of the study indicate that Indian stock market is not integrated with the Asian stock markets considered in our study. It also implies that international investors can get portfolio diversification benefits in Indian market since Indian stock market is not affected by the market trends in Asian countries.
Can Food Security be Attained through International Trade of Food Grains
Authors: Choudhury Rahul Nath
Published: January 2017

The issue of food security is a major concern for most of the developing countries and so does it for India. India started giving importance to this issue from the early periods (from 1951 onwards) of Independence. This paper intends to assess the role of import of food grains as a major tool to achieve food security. The evidence from the earlier studies in favour of the argument is also taken in the paper. The paper arrives at findings such as trade liberalization of food grains can play a vital role in ensuring food availability – one of the components of food security. After the economic liberalization in 1990s, India has also opened up its markets for trading of food grains. It also suggests in its conclusive remarks that unrestricted international movement of food grains will lead to increase in the food availability and will also help to prevent rise in food prices. This will increase food security by increasing both the physical and economic access to food.
Trade Promotion in Nepal
Authors: Richter Peter
Published: January 2017

Nepal, the small poor country in the Himalayas is aiming at a full integration into the global economy. The country is a founding member of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and was the 147th member to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2004. Nevertheless, with regard to trade in goods Nepal is still facing a high and constantly growing trade deficit which reached mid-2015 a massive 32 percent of GDP, which can only be sustained through the remittances transfers from millions of migrant workers. Many emerging countries like in Asia for example Malaysia and Vietnam, also Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are following the same pattern: the trade sector propelled by foreign investment is selected as lead sector to impulse a fast catch-up development. Nepal is following this strategy; the Government adopted in 2010 the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) as its key instrument for export expansion envisaged by the Trade Policy 2009. In this context the questions is arising: Was the strategy successful or are at least steps in the right direction visible? Despite all efforts to improve export promotion performance, outward trade in goods showed already in the months before the 2015 earthquake a renewed weakened trend. Adding on the effects of the earthquake for 2014/15 a negative export growth of around 10% has shown up, which will further deepen 2015/16 caused by the on-going fuel crisis in the country. Still, principal export products –nearly unchanged since long time- are carpets, textiles and fabrics, garment and juices, all from the industrial sector. Under the conditions of a relatively weak industrial base (only 15% of GDP) and an unproductive agricultural sector (32% of GDP) it cannot surprise that export volumes achieved are not sufficient to overcome the existing trade deficit. The reasons are relatively small production volumes as well as the insufficient compliance with required international quality standards. Moreover, high transaction costs for cross-border trade and regulatory bureaucratic obstacles hinder the export-oriented trade. Other structural and institutional hindrances have to be added on. With so many bottlenecks with regard to supply side issues and the international marketing of goods, one has to come to the conclusion that the landlocked LDC Nepal will in the foreseeable future not be competitive in the international trade environment, with the exception of the cross-border trade with India. On the other hand, the export of labour services and tourism are sustaining and running the economy of the country. Therefore a radical change in the strategy of the country is indispensable and the focus has to be put on the export of services, including hydropower as the big potential sector of the future. Such a clear vision is still missing completely in Nepal.
Aerospace Simulation and Human Performance Research
Authors: Knowles William B.
Published: January 2017

The many large-scale aerospace simulation facilities now available offer considerable potential for the generation of data on human performance that can be used in systems engineering design efforts. To realize this potential requires an understanding of the methodological limitations imposed by the basic characteristics of human performance, the application of efficient organizational techniques, and the development of more efficient techniques of experiment planning, design, and execution.
Report on Automated Human Factors Task Data Handling Research
Authors: Reed Lawrence E. , Wise Fred H.
Published: January 2017

The relative simplicity of early systems was such that hardware components and the accompanying human requirements (skills) were easily interchanged within and between systems. Current complex systems are accompanied by an increased need for closer consideration of the human component. The volumes of information generated and the compressed developmental schedules have led to: (1) decreased effectiveness of data on system design and development, (2) increased reliance on expertise when existing data are not known to exist or are inaccessible, (3) generation of inadvertant duplication of research effort, and (4) scattering of costly information. In 1963, the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, initiated a joint research effort to explore and, where possible, develop techniques for efficient handling and processing of human factors task data generated in support of the Personnel Subsystem program. These techniques are being developed within the context of an overall data handling system concept which would operate in an Air Force/NASA/contractor environment.
The Effects of Divided Attention on Visual Monitoring of Multi-Channel Displays
Authors: Gould John D. , Schaffer Amy
Published: January 2017

This study Investigated the effects of divided attention on monitoring multi-channel alpltamerlc displays for signals defined on the basis of the simltuaneous Values of all channels, i.e., multi-channel signals as opposed to single-channel signals. Variables Investigated Included (a) three methods of dividing attention (a short writing task, a long writting task, and blanking out the display), (b) number of channels monitored (4, 8, 12, and 16), (c) rate of display change (6 or 12 times per minute), (d) number of different signals simultaneously watched for (8 or 24), and (e) number of levels within channels (2 or 8). The main results were: (a) divided attention did not lead to a decrease in monitoring, compared to a control study without divided attention; (b) the rate of display change had the greatest effect upon performance, followed by the number of channels monitored; (c) even at the faster rate of display change, untrained subjects detected 80% or more of the signals when they monitored up to 12 channels: and (e) different methods used to divide attention affect performance differentially.
Effectiveness of Side-looking Radar in Simulated Orbit as a Function of Reference Data Support
Authors: Cahill Hugh E. , Luce Robert S.
Published: January 2017

Subjects' ability to identify ground targets through side-looking radar imagery from a simulated space orbit was evaluated. Two levels of target localization data (Precise versus General) were provided on a reference display either simultaneously with or immediately in advance of the presentation of targets on an adjacent TV monitor. Precise Target Localization Groups performed better both with respect to speed and accuracy of identification. Simultaneous and advanced presentation of reference data produced essentially equivalent accuracy results but subjects in the latter condition responded significantly faster. It was concluded that precise target localization, as may be provided by preflight intelligence or inflight information from forward looking sensors, is particularly important in supporting target identification by side-looking radar at near real time rates. Possible advantages of advanced presentation of localization cues were less clearly established.
Computer-Aided Instruction as Part of a Management Information System
Authors: Morrill Charles S.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the application of computer-aided instruction as part of a management information system. The computer presents displays which instruct the student on-line to exercise control of the computer system using a typewriter or a lightpen located at the console work station.
Human Resources Engineering: A New Challenge
Authors: Eckstrand Gordon A. , Askren William B. , Snyder Melvin T.
Published: January 2017

The concept of human resources engineering is introduced, which is the process of using human skill resources as factors in design trade-off studies. The development of the military's response to human resources needs in systems is traced from the reacting phase, through the current predicting phase, to a possible future phase involving some degree of control. The implementation of the control phase will require a human resources engineering technology. The establishing of such a technology will require research in the areas of data structuring, methods for relating data to design and life cycle costing, and computerized banks of human resources data.
The Relative Energistic Efficiencies of One-Armed and Two-Armed Work
Authors: Andrews Robert B.
Published: January 2017

The canon of work design that the two hands (arms) should work together was investigated for several levels of a dynamic task and of a static task. A comparison of one-armed and two-armed work was made in terms of the increase in energy expenditure rate required to accomplish the same external result. The findings showed that only at low levels of the dynamic task does the one-armed method possess an energistic advantage. At higher levels of the dynamic task and at all levels of static task, the increase in energy expenditure rate was lower for the two-armed method.
Abbreviated Methods for the Measurement of Oxygen Consumption in Work Physiology
Authors: Maxfield Mary E. , Smith Paul E.
Published: January 2017

The theoretical basis for the measurement of energy expenditure from the volume and composition of expired air is discussed briefly. With this as background, abbreviated methods of measurement are examined using data obtained in the authors' laboratory and from the literature. When the subject is not undergoing rapid physiological adjustment or recovery from heavy exercise, the oxygen consumption calculated from the minute volume of expired air and its concentration of oxygen will average within ±2 per cent of the true value and may be corrected if a value for the respiratory exchange ratio can be assumed. Estimation of oxygen consumption from the minute volume of expired air may be an acceptable method for industrial surveys if a regression line is pre-determined for each subject or a satisfactory series of lines, based on age and sex, can be constructed.
The Processing of Conflicting Information in a Simulated Tactical Decision-Making Task
Authors: Fleming Robert A.
Published: January 2017

In a simulated tactical situation, 40 subjects were required to decide which one of three alternative hypotheses relating to future enemy action was the most likely to occur. The decisions involved combining probabilities from three independent sources to arrive at the overall probability associated with each hypothesis. In addition to specifying the hypothesis which had the highest probability, the subject also had to give his estimate of this probability. The independent variable was the type of feedback given after each problem. Although the proper strategy for selecting the correct hypothesis was to multiply the probabilities, most subjects used an adding strategy. This strategy was particularly ineffective on the more difficult problems. There was a general tendency to underestimate high probabilities and to overestimate low probabilities. The effect of feedback on error rate was contingent upon the particular problem type, and probability feedback improved probability estimation.
Effects of Lighting and Background with Common Signal Lights on Human Peripheral Color Vision
Authors: Dudek Richard A. , Colton George M.
Published: January 2017

The research reported investigated two aspects of binocular peripheral color vision important to an industrial situation, viz., relative color fields of red, yellow, green, and blue test lights; and false color identification under independent variables of color of background, environmental light, and test position. Four male subjects with a similar peripheral vision field (within ± 2° of one another) were selected for the study. In general, blue and yellow lights used on a gray background with a low level of environmental light gives the best results for the greatest recognition distance of color and the least number of errors made. Subjects displayed large variation, indicating justification for an industrial firm to institute testing procedures to obtain workers that meet specific peripheral color vision requirements.
Detection Performance in a Simulated Real-Time Airborne Reconnaissance Mission
Authors: Bernstein Bernard R.
Published: January 2017

The ability of fifty-four subjects to find and designate tactical military targets on a cathode-ray-tube display was evaluated as a function of five experimental variables. Results indicated that probability of detection was sensitive to variations in target type, target-to-background contrast, and image rate of motion, or time available for search. False positive rate was affected only by available search time. Implications of these results for the design of real-time reconnaissance systems are discussed.
Drivers' Brake Reaction Times
Authors: Johansson Gunnar , Rumar Kåre
Published: January 2017

The object of this investigation was to determine the distribution of brake reaction times which can be expected from drivers who have to brake suddenly and completely unexpectedly in traffic situations. The experiments were carried out as follows:

1. Brake reaction time was measured on a large group of drivers (321), in an anticipated situation on the road (Brake reaction time 1). 2. A small group of drivers (5) was repeatedly tested in the same way (Brake reaction time 2). 3. The same small group was repeatedly tested in a surprise situation (Brake reaction time 3). 4. The ratio of brake reaction time 3 to brake reaction time 2 was used as a correction factor and applied to brake reaction time 1.

The corrected median of the resulting distribution was 0.9 sec.; 25% of the group was estimated to have a brake reaction time longer than 1.2 sec.
The Visual Effects of Exposure to Electroluminescent Instrument Lighting
Authors: Reynolds H. N.
Published: January 2017

This report describes two experiments with electroluminescent aircraft instrument lighting. In the first experiment, white electroluminescent, green electroluminescent, and red incandescent lighting were compared for their effects on dark-adapted, scotopic absolute and acuity thresholds, using a simulated T-38 instrument panel for light exposure. In the second experiment, white, green, and yellow electroluminescent and red incandescent light were compared in terms of legibility of a transilluminated letter-acuity chart. Exposure to red incandescent lighting at 0.05 ft.-l. produced the lowest absolute and acuity thresholds, with white and green electroluminescent producing higher thresholds in that order. Although threshold differences between lighting colors were statistically significant, the absolute differences in visual sensitivity were small for practical purposes. Luminances required for equal legibility of transilluminated letters of various sizes were about the same for red incandescent, and white, green, and yellow electroluminescent lamps. Electroluminescent lighting of aircraft instruments is discussed.
Recreational Preferences in Potential Space Crew Populations
Authors: Karnes Edward W. , Thomas J. Kirby , Loudis Leonard A.
Published: January 2017

Leisure-time preferences were surveyed in three populations which are potential sources for future space crews. A questionnaire was designed to provide rating scale measures of preferences for various spacecraft recreational equipment items, leisure-time activity categories, content within activity categories, and various kinds of snack items. The questionnaire was administered to samples from three populations: test pilots, military pilots, and aerospace engineers and scientists. Statistical analyses of the obtained data indicated that preferences for types of spacecraft leisure-time equipment were similar in the three populations. However, certain significant differences were obtained among the populations in terms of the amount of time spent in earthbound leisure-time activities. Implications for space mission off-duty concepts are discussed.
Effects of Intermittent Noise on the Performance of a Complex Psychomotor Task
Authors: Eschenbrenner A. John
Published: January 2017

Manual image-motion compensation, a complex psychomotor task involved in certain photographic activities from orbit, was investigated as a function of the temporal pattern (aperiodic, periodic, or continuous) and intensity level (50, 70, or 90 db.) of white noise. Performance was measured in terms of the total amount of time image motion was held at or below a 40-microradians/second criterion for specific blocks of trials. The results of the investigation showed that white noise had a detrimental effect on image motion compensation performance, and that the magnitude of the decrement varied as a function of both the temporal pattern and intensity level of this noise.
Vision and Driving: A Report on Research
Authors: Burg Albert
Published: January 2017

Information on vision test performance and personal and driving habits was obtained for 17,769 California drivers and was compared with their driving records, i.e., accidents and convictions for traffic citations. Of the vision tests evaluated, dynamic visual acuity is by far the one most closely related to driving record, followed by static visual acuity, visual field, and “night vision.” The results show that mileage, age, and sex are also important factors influencing driving record, and that conviction experience is a much more stable driving record variable than accident experience.
Beyond brokering: Sourcing agents, boundary work and working conditions in global supply chains
Authors: Soundararajan Vivek , Khan Zaheer , Tarba Shlomo Yedidia
Published: January 2017

The role that sourcing agents, autonomous peripheral actors located in developing economies, play in the governance of working conditions in global supply chains has been greatly underexplored in the literature. The present article reports on an in-depth qualitative study of garment supply chains that examined the boundary work of Indian sourcing agents aimed at dismantling or bridging the boundaries that affect the interaction between western buyers and local suppliers, in order to facilitate development and implementation of meaningful working conditions or social relations at work. We identify four types of boundary work that sourcing agents used to manage combinations of accommodative and non-accommodative buyers and suppliers in order to work through boundaries created by buyers’ liability of foreignness: reinforcing, flexing (type 1 and 2) and restoring. We also found four essential conditions for a sourcing agent to become an effective boundary spanner in practice: acquiring knowledge about the relevant fields and actors, gaining legitimacy in the relevant fields and in the opinion of the parties involved, effectively translating the expectations of each party to the other, and benefiting from satisfying incentives. We contribute to the literature on governance for working conditions in global supply chains, boundary theory and liability of foreignness.
Large-scale Laboratory Teaching for 1st Year EEE Undergraduates
Authors: Judge Mark
Published: January 2017

This paper details lessons learned from the implementation of a new approach to first year Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) undergraduate laboratory teaching at the University of Sheffield (UoS), UK. Having moved from traditional small group laboratory teaching to much larger group teaching, a number of issues have been identified. With the construction of a new faculty-wide engineering building came a new undergraduate practical teaching paradigm1. This paper discusses the author’s experience of implementing the model within the EEE laboratory. Details of the laboratory teaching materials and exercises are also given. An analysis is presented of the experience gained during the first academic year’s delivery. Finally, suggested improvements are discussed.
Still Elegantly Muddling Through? NICE and Uncertainty in Decision Making About the Rationing of Expensive Medicines in England
Authors: Calnan Michael , Hashem Ferhana , Brown Patrick
Published: January 2017

This article examines the “technological appraisals” carried out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as it regulates the provision of expensive new drugs within the English National Health Service on cost-effectiveness grounds. Ostensibly this is a highly rational process by which the regulatory mechanisms absorb uncertainty, but in practice, decision making remains highly complex and uncertain. This article draws on ethnographic data—interviews with a range of stakeholders and decision makers (n = 41), observations of public and closed appraisal meetings, and documentary analysis—regarding the decision-making processes involving three pharmaceutical products. The study explores the various ways in which different forms of uncertainty are perceived and tackled within these Single Technology Appraisals. Difficulties of dealing with the various levels of uncertainty were manifest and often rendered straightforward decision making problematic. Uncertainties associated with epistemology, procedures, interpersonal relations, and technicality were particularly evident. The need to exercise discretion within a more formal institutional framework shaped a pragmatic combining of strategies tactics—explicit and informal, collective and individual—to navigate through the layers of complexity and uncertainty in making decisions.
Effects of Anchoring Vignettes on Comparability and Predictive Validity of Student Self-Reports in 64 Cultures
Authors: He Jia , Buchholz Janine , Klieme Eckhard
Published: January 2017

Anchoring vignettes are item batteries especially designed for correcting responses that might be affected by incomparability. This article investigates the effects of anchoring vignettes on the validity of student self-report data in 64 cultures. Using secondary data analysis from the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), we checked the validity of ratings on vignette questions, and investigated how rescaled item responses of two student scales, Teacher Support and Classroom Management, enhanced comparability and predictive validity. The main findings include that (a) responses to vignette questions represent valid individual and cultural differences; in particular, violations in these responses (i.e., misorderings) are related to low socioeconomic status and low cognitive sophistication; (b) the rescaled responses tend to show higher levels of comparability; and (c) the associations of rescaled Teacher Support and Classroom Management with math achievement, Student-Oriented Instruction, and Teacher-Directed Instruction are slightly different from raw scores of the two target constructs, and the associations with rescaled scores seem to be more in line with the literature. Namely, the associations among all self-report Likert-type scales are weaker with rescaled scores, presumably reducing common method variance, and both rescaled scale scores are more positively related to math achievement. The country ranking also changes substantially; in particular, Asian cultures top the ranking on Teacher Support after rescaling. However, anchoring vignettes are not a cure-all in solving measurement bias in cross-cultural surveys; we discuss the technicality and directions for further research on this technique.
The Issue Correlates of War Territorial Claims Data, 1816–20011
Authors: Frederick Bryan A , Hensel Paul R , Macaulay Christopher
Published: January 2017

This article describes the first complete release of the Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) Territorial Claims dataset, which covers all interstate territorial claims between 1816 and 2001. Territory can have substantial tangible and intangible value for states, and competing claims for control of territory represent one of the leading sources of interstate conflict. The dataset identifies 843 territorial claims and includes measures of the salience of the claimed territory, as well as details of the militarization and ending of each claim. Beyond a discussion of the structure and contents of the dataset and the coding procedures that were used to generate it, this article also presents descriptive analyses of the dataset. These analyses highlight important patterns across time and space, including changes in the prevalence, frequency of initiation, salience, militarization, and resolution of territorial claims. Notable patterns include recent declines in the frequency with which claims tend to become militarized and a lower prevalence of tangible salience measures such as natural resources. The regional distribution of claims has also shifted markedly over time, from a historical concentration in Europe towards Asia, where by 2001 claims were far more prevalent than in any other region. The article concludes with suggestions for future research.
Coup risk, coup-proofing and leader survival
Authors: Sudduth Jun Koga
Published: January 2017

Under what conditions do political leaders enact ‘coup-proofing’ strategies? There is a broad consensus in the literature that political leaders who face a higher risk of a coup will employ coup-proofing strategies that reduce the military’s capabilities to organize a coup. A closer look at the theory and empirical analyses of earlier studies, however, suggests that the presumed relationship between coup risk and coup-proofing should be re-examined. Drawing on insights from formal studies of authoritarian power-sharing, this article proposes that political leaders become less likely to initiate coup-proofing efforts as the coup risk increases. The reason is that leaders’ coup-proofing actions in themselves could prompt the military to launch a coup and thus political leaders will hesitate to offend officers when they face a high risk of a coup. The statistical models in this article estimate a latent coup risk by aggregating multiple indicators that capture the military’s willingness and ability to organize a coup. The empirical results strongly support the proposition that coup-proofing efforts taken by leaders decrease as coup risk increases.
Altering the Trajectory of the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Authors: López Francesca A.
Published: January 2017

Prior research has contributed to our understanding about the ways teachers communicate their expectations to students, how students perceive differential teacher behaviors, and their effect on students’ own perceptions of ability and achievement. Despite more than half a century of this work, historically marginalized students continue to be underrepresented in a vast array of achievement outcomes. Scholars have argued that asset-based pedagogy is essential to effective teaching, but reviews of research repeatedly point to a need for empirical evidence. This article describes a study wherein asset-based practices are applied to a classroom dynamics framework to examine how teachers’ asset-based pedagogy beliefs and behaviors are associated with Latino students’ ethnic and reading achievement identity. Analyses revealed that teachers’ critical awareness moderates their expectancy, resulting in higher achievement; and teachers’ critical awareness and expectancy beliefs were found to be directly associated with teachers’ behaviors, which were in turn related to students’ ethnic and achievement identities. Implications for teacher education are discussed.
A novel method for intratracheal injection of infectious agents into mice
Authors: Cheng Yong , Liepert Lucas D , Waller Justin , Leevy W Matthew , Schorey Jeff S
Published: January 2017

Intratracheal injection is a traditional technique used in small animal studies of highly contagious airborne pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, current techniques of intratracheal injection generally involve procedures that pose a risk of incident injury and infection for researchers, and may also cause collateral damage to experimental animals during the installation process. Here we describe an intratracheal injection method that was enabled by a three dimensional printing of a custom platform. This updated technique improved the overall ergonomics of intratracheal injection in mice, minimizing the risk of human injury and implementing the 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement) principle in mouse infection studies.