bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Management Purpose, Executive Engagement, and Reported Benefits among Leading Local Governments
Authors: Ammons David N. , Liston Ellen G. , Jones Jordan A.
Published: August 2013

The authors of this article examine a pair of organizational factors for their contributions to the levels of performance management success among a set of seventy-two U.S. local governments, all of which enjoy reputations for good performance management. The factors examined are, first, the purpose accorded to performance management in each organization and, second, the engagement of senior managers in reviewing the performance of operating units. The authors find that local governments that regard performance management to be their management philosophy perceive greater benefits on particular dimensions of performance than those regarding it to be a system or simply a means of upgrading performance measurement. Greater benefits are also reported by organizations whose executives routinely review the performance of operating units.
The Association of Equity, Accessibility, and Price With Primary Healthcare User’s Satisfaction
Authors: Lobo Alexandrina , Duarte Paulo , Carvalho Amâncio , Rodrigues Vitor , Monteiro Maria João , Alves Helena
Published: August 2013

The assessment of user satisfaction, and the knowledge of what factors influence satisfaction are very important for the improvement of services’ quality provided. This study aims to evaluate user satisfaction with primary healthcare services. A sample of 6,113 healthcare services users was interviewed to evaluate satisfaction and determine a global satisfaction index using a Partial Least Squares Path Model. The global user satisfaction index with healthcare centers is 58.4 points on a 100-point scale, showing that users are only moderately satisfied with the service provided. The results show that the medical care and the price of services are the main predictors of user satisfaction. Other factors such as the perception of health equity and nursing services also seem to be important contributors to satisfaction. A more disturbing result is the negative relationship between perceived accessibility and satisfaction, which requires further research.
Multiple Imputation Methods for Handling Missing Data in Cost-effectiveness Analyses That Use Data from Hierarchical Studies
Authors: Gomes Manuel , Díaz-Ordaz Karla , Grieve Richard , Kenward Michael G.
Published: August 2013

Purpose. Multiple imputation (MI) has been proposed for handling missing data in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs). In CEAs that use cluster randomized trials (CRTs), the imputation model, like the analysis model, should recognize the hierarchical structure of the data. This paper contrasts a multilevel MI approach that recognizes clustering, with single-level MI and complete case analysis (CCA) in CEAs that use CRTs. Methods. We consider a multilevel MI approach compatible with multilevel analytical models for CEAs that use CRTs. We took fully observed data from a CEA that evaluated an intervention to improve diagnosis of active labor in primiparous women using a CRT (2078 patients, 14 clusters). We generated scenarios with missing costs and outcomes that differed, for example, according to the proportion with missing data (10%–50%), the covariates that predicted missing data (individual, cluster-level), and the missingness mechanism: missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR), or missing not at random (MNAR). We estimated incremental net benefits (INBs) for each approach and compared them with the estimates from the fully observed data, the “true” INBs. Results. When costs and outcomes were assumed to be MCAR, the INBs for each approach were similar to the true estimates. When data were MAR, the point estimates from the CCA differed from the true estimates. Multilevel MI provided point estimates and standard errors closer to the true values than did single-level MI across all settings, including those in which a high proportion of observations had cost and outcome data MAR and when data were MNAR. Conclusions. Multilevel MI accommodates the multilevel structure of the data in CEAs that use cluster trials and provides accurate cost-effectiveness estimates across the range of circumstances considered.
Exploring the Validity of HPQ-Based Presenteeism Measures to Estimate Productivity Losses in the Health and Education Sectors
Authors: Scuffham Paul A. , Vecchio Nerina , Whiteford Harvey A.
Published: August 2013

Background. Illness-related presenteeism (suboptimal work performance) may be a significant factor in worker productivity. Until now, there has been no generally accepted best method of measuring presenteeism across different industries and occupations. This study sought to validate the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ)–based measure of presenteeism across occupations and industries and assess the most appropriate method for data analysis. Methods. Work performance was measured using the modified version of the HPQ conducted in workforce samples from the education and health workforce in Queensland, Australia ( N = 30,870) during 2005 and 2006. Three approaches to data analysis of presenteeism measures were assessed using absolute performance, the ratio of own performance to others’ performance, and the difference between others’ and own performance. The best measure is judged by its sensitivity to changes in health indicators. Results. The measure that best correlated to health indicators was absolute presenteeism. For example, in the health sector, correlations between physical health status and absolute presenteeism were 4 to 5 times greater than the ratio or difference approaches, and in the education sector, these correlations were twice as large. Using this approach, the estimated cost of presenteeism in 2006 was $Aus8338 and $Aus8092 per worker per annum for the health and education sectors, respectively. Conclusions. The HPQ is a valid measure of presenteeism. Transforming responses by perceived performance of peers is unnecessary as absolute presenteeism correlated best with health indicators. Absolute presenteeism was more insightful for ascertaining the cost of presenteeism.
Understanding Who Benefits at Each Step in an Internet-Based Diabetes Self-Management Program
Authors: Glasgow Russell E. , Strycker Lisa A. , King Diane K. , Toobert Deborah J.
Published: August 2013

Background. Efforts to predict success in chronic disease management programs have been generally unsuccessful. Objective. To identify patient subgroups associated with success at each of 6 steps in a diabetes self-management (DSM) program. Design. Using data from a randomized trial, recursive partitioning with signal detection analysis was used to identify subgroups associated with 6 sequential steps of program success: agreement to participate, completion of baseline, initial website engagement, 4-month behavior change, later engagement, and longer-term maintenance. Setting. The study was conducted in 5 primary care clinics within Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Patients. Different numbers of patients participated in each step, including 2076, 544, 270, 219, 127, and 89. All measures available were used to address success at each step. Intervention. Participants were randomized to receive either enhanced usual care or 1 of 2 Internet-based DSM programs: 1) self-administered, computer-assisted self-management and 2) the self-administered program with the addition of enhanced social support. Measurements. Two sets of potential predictor variables and 6 dichotomous outcomes were created. Results. Signal detection analysis differentiated successful and unsuccessful subgroups at all but the final step. Different patient subgroups were associated with success at these different steps. Demographic factors (education, ethnicity, income) were associated with initial participation but not with later steps, and the converse was true of health behavior variables. Limitations. Analyses were limited to one setting, and the sample sizes for some of the steps were modest. Conclusions. Signal detection and recursive partitioning methods may be useful for identifying subgroups that are more or less successful at different steps of intervention and may aid in understanding variability in outcomes.
Assessing Teamwork Skills for Assurance of Learning Using CATME Team Tools
Authors: Loughry Misty L. , Ohland Matthew W. , Woehr David J.
Published: August 2013

Colleges of business must meet assurance of learning requirements to gain or maintain AACSB accreditation under the new standards adopted April 8, 2013. Team skills are among the most important skills desired by recruiters, yet employers and scholars perceive that team skills are frequently deficient in college graduates. This article describes how a set of free web-based tools available at www.CATME.org allows colleges to collect data to determine whether their students are developing good team skills and demonstrate achievement for accreditation reviews for learning goals related to team skills. The tools, which were developed to support teamwork in college classes, allow instructors to easily collect, interpret, and share data about students and teams. We show how colleges that use the CATME system in all courses requiring teamwork could analyze the data to demonstrate that their programs develop students’ team skills. The appendix provides 13 examples of learning goals colleges could use, along with a method to demonstrate achievement for each, and a sample measurable program target. These examples relate to team skills such as working with teammates of diverse backgrounds, contributing effectively to teams, displaying good interpersonal skills, being able to evaluate teamwork, and recognizing team processes and outcomes.
An Exploratory Evaluation of the Utility of Transcriptional and Urinary Kidney Injury Biomarkers for the Prediction of Aristolochic Acid–Induced Renal Injury in Male Rats
Authors: Fuchs T. C. , Mally A. , Wool A. , Beiman M. , Hewitt P.
Published: August 2013

The predictive value of different urinary and transcriptional biomarkers was evaluated in a proof-of-principle toxicology study in rats using aristolochic acid (AA), a known nephrotoxic agent. Male Wistar rats were orally dosed with 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg for 12 days. Urine was collected on days 1, 5, and 12 over 24 hours. Gene expression analysis was also conducted using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Illumina whole-genome chips. Protein biomarkers (Kim-1, Timp-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, osteopontin, clusterin, cystatin C, calbindin D-28K, β2-microglobulin, α–glutathione S-transferase, GSTY1b, RPA-1, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) were measured in these urine samples. Treatment with AA resulted in a slight dose- and/or time-dependent increase in urinary β2-microglobulin, lipocalin 2, and osteopontin before an increase in serum creatinine or serum urea nitrogen was observed. A strong decrease in urinary calbindin D-28K was also detected. The Compugen Ltd. prediction model scored both the 1- and 10-mg/kg AA dose groups as positive for nephrotoxicity despite the absence of renal histopathological changes. In addition, several previously described transcriptional biomarkers were identified as early predictors of renal toxicity as they were detected before morphological alterations had occurred. Altogether, these findings demonstrated the predictive values of renal biomarkers approved by the Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Agency in AA-induced renal injury in rats and confirmed the utility of renal transcriptional biomarkers for detecting progression of compound-induced renal injury in rats. In addition, several transcriptional biomarkers identified in this exploratory study could present early predictors of renal tubular epithelium injury in rats.
Diagnostic Exercise
Authors: Cooper T. K. , Dumpala P. R. , Whitcomb T. L.
Published: August 2013

A 1.4-year-old virgin female brown-hooded fancy rat presented for abdominal distention, jaundice, and dyspnea. At physical examination, a firm mass was palpable in the caudoventral abdomen as well as multiple small nodular masses associated with the abdominal viscera. At necropsy, in addition to a large mass replacing the left ovary and myriad nodules studding the peritoneal surface, there was 31 ml of abdominal effusion. By cytology, the abdominal fluid contained numerous pleomorphic vacuolated tumor cells surrounding globular pale eosinophilic to amphophilic acellular material that was strongly periodic acid–Schiff positive. Histologically, the tumor was biphasic with abundant acellular hyaline matrix that was also periodic acid–Schiff positive.
Demodectic Mange, Dermatophilosis, and Other Parasitic and Bacterial Dermatologic Diseases in Free-Ranging White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States From 1975 to 2012
Authors: Nemeth N. M. , Ruder M. G. , Gerhold R. W. , Brown J. D. , Munk B. A. , Oesterle P. T. , Kubiski S. V. , Keel M. K.
Published: August 2013

The white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) is a common and widespread North American game species. To evaluate the incidence, clinical manifestations, demography, and pathology of bacterial and parasitic dermatologic diseases in white-tailed deer in the southeastern United States, we retrospectively evaluated white-tailed deer cases submitted to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study from 1975 to 2012. Among 2569 deer examined, bacterial or parasitic dermatologic disease was diagnosed in 88 (3.4%) individuals, with Demodex spp ( n = 37; 42.0%) and Dermatophilus congolensis ( n = 19; 21.6%) as the most common causes. Demodicosis was significantly more common in deer older than 2 years and was most often detected in the fall; no statistically significant sex predilection was identified. Affected animals had patchy to generalized alopecia, often distributed over the head, neck, limbs, and trunk; microscopic lesions included epidermal crusts and cutaneous nodules with mild perifollicular, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Dermatophilosis was most common in males younger than 1 year that were often found dead. Crusting, erythema, and alopecia occurred on the face, ears, and distal extremities. Less commonly, infectious dermatologic diseases were associated with other bacteria ( n = 13; 14.8%), fungi ( n = 5; 5.7%), ectoparasites (chiggers, lice, mites, and ticks; n = 11; 12.5%), and larval nematodes ( n = 7; 8.0%). Population-level effects of these diseases in white-tailed deer are likely minimal; however, due to their dramatic presentation, demodicosis, dermatophilosis, and other infectious skin diseases can be of concern to hunters and, in some cases, may have zoonotic potential.
Risk Factors for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Physically Active Military Population
Authors: Waterman Brian R. , Liu Jet , Newcomb Ronald , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Orr Justin D. , Belmont Philip J.
Published: August 2013

Background:

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a common source of lower extremity pain in physically active military service members. While anatomic risk factors of CECS have been proposed, there is no existing study that evaluates the correlation of demographic and occupational risk factors and the overall incidence rate of CECS in an active military population.

Hypothesis:

Young, enlisted service members in the United States (US) ground military forces would demonstrate higher incidence rates of CECS in the study population because of greater exposure to at-risk dismounted activity on the battlefield and in training.

Study Design:

Cohort study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A retrospective study of all US active military service members with diagnosed nontraumatic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower extremity (code 729.72 in the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition) between 2006 and 2011 was performed using the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database. Demographic and occupational risk factors such as sex, age, race, branch of military service, and military rank were individually subcategorized, and cumulative and subgroup incidence rates of CECS were calculated using a multivariate Poisson regression model.

Results:

A total of 4100 diagnosed cases of CECS were identified within an at-risk population of 8,320,201, which correlates to an incidence rate of 0.49 cases per 1000 person-years. The annual adjusted incidence rate of CECS increased from 0.06 cases per 1000 person-years in 2006 to 0.33 cases per 1000 person-years in 2009. Increasing chronological age, female sex, white race, junior enlisted rank, and Army service were significantly correlated with an elevated risk for CECS.

Conclusion:

This study systematically evaluated the epidemiology of CECS among an idealized subset at risk for this condition. Sex, age, race, military rank, and branch of service were all important factors associated with the incidence of CECS in this physically active population.
Anatomy of the entrepreneurial university
Authors: Etzkowitz Henry
Published: August 2013

This article analyzes the evolution of the entrepreneurial university from a narrow focus on capturing the commercializable results of the ‘meandering stream of basic research’ to a broader interest in firm formation and regional economic development. No longer limited to schools like MIT, specialized for that purpose, entrepreneurial aspirations have spread to the academic mainstream. Academic involvement in (1) technology transfer, (2) firm formation and (3) regional development signifies the transition from a research to an entrepreneurial university as the academic ideal. As universities become entrepreneurial, tension arises between this new role and that of teaching and research as it has between research and teaching. Nevertheless, the university coheres as each of these new missions has fed back into and enhanced previous tasks.
Mineralization of porous hydrogels based on semi-interpenetrated networks of poly[2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid in simulated body fluid
Authors: Magalhães Joana , Crawford Aileen , Hatton Paul V , Blanco Francisco J , Román Julio San
Published: August 2013

Poly[2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid hydrogels were synthesized via free-radical polymerization of 2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate, hyaluronic acid and different crosslinkers. The ability of these hydrogels to induce apatite formation by incubating in simulated body fluid was investigated. The effect of hyaluronic acid content, crosslinkers and immersion time on mineralization behaviour and interface properties as well as the metabolic activity of different cultured cells were also determined. The bioactivity of the poly[2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid hydrogels along with cell viability data indicated their potential application in bone tissue engineering.
Preparation of collagen scaffolds with controlled pore structures and improved mechanical property for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Qin , Lu Hongxu , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: August 2013

Appropriate pore structures and mechanical properties are required for scaffolds that are used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, pre-prepared ice particulates were used as a porogen material to prepare collagen porous scaffolds with well-controlled pore structures and improved mechanical properties. Porogen ice particulates initiated the formation of interconnected large spherical pores surrounded by small pores. The large spherical pores were well compacted and increased the elastic modulus of the scaffolds. The unique pore structures facilitated cell penetration, resulting in a homogeneous cell distribution throughout the scaffolds. The excellent mechanical properties protected the scaffolds from deformation during cell culturing and implantation. The collagen porous scaffolds facilitated cartilage regeneration when bovine articular chondrocytes were cultured in these scaffolds. The use of pre-prepared ice particulates as a porogen material proved to be a useful method to control the pore structure and improve the mechanical properties of collagen-based porous scaffolds.
Thermal stability and optical properties of aromatic polyimides containing side-substituted azobenzene groups
Authors: Sava Ion , Burescu Ada , Jarzabek Bozena
Published: August 2013

Aromatic azopolyimides based on 9,9-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]fluorene dianhydride and aromatic diamines containing substituted azobenzene group have been studied regarding their thermal and photooptical properties. The thermal analysis showed that the decomposition of these polymers takes place in two or three stages. The optical properties of the investigated polymers have been analyzed by transmission and reflectivity measurements within the spectral range of 200–2500 nm. Temperature dependence of absorption coefficient has been found on the basis of “in situ” transmission measurements, during annealing of thin films up to 300°C. It turned out that this process did not change the conjugation of polymer chain but caused a slightly more, irreversible structural disorder.
Seeing the Unseen
Authors: Roy Subhojit
Published: August 2013

Axonal transport is the lifeline of axons and synapses. After synthesis in neuronal cell bodies, proteins are conveyed into axons in two distinct rate classes—fast and slow axonal transport. Whereas fast transport delivers vesicular cargoes, slow transport carries cytoskeletal and cytosolic (or soluble) proteins that have critical roles in neuronal structure and function. Although significant progress has been made in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of fast vesicle transport, mechanisms of slow axonal transport are less clear. Why is this so? Historically, conceptual advances in the axonal transport field have paralleled innovations in imaging the movement, and slow-transport cargoes are not as readily seen as motile vesicles. However, new ways of visualizing slow transport have reenergized the field, leading to fundamental insights that have changed our views on axonal transport, motor regulation, and intracellular trafficking in general. This review first summarizes classic studies that characterized axonal transport, and then discusses recent technical and conceptual advances in slow axonal transport that have provided insights into some long-standing mysteries.
Reliability-based optimal controller design for systems with probabilistic uncertain parameters using fuzzy limit state function
Authors: Jamali Ali , Ahmadi Bahman , Ghamati Mehdi , Nariman-zadeh Nader
Published: August 2013

In this paper, a fuzzy rule-based system (FRS) has been used for optimal reliability-based robust controller design for a two-mass-spring system with probabilistic uncertainties in its parameters. In this way, a multiobjective uniform-diversity genetic algorithm (MUGA) is first used to find a Pareto front of two-mass-spring system in a deterministic approach. This paper considers a two-mass-spring system under an impulse input. Two conflicting objective functions in this model include settling time of the second mass and control effort exerted on the first mass. Consequently, such Pareto front is then obtained for a two-mass-spring system with probabilistic uncertainties in its parameters using the probabilities of failure of those objective functions through a Monte Carlo simulation approach. It is shown that the FRS system removes the difficulty of selecting suitable crisp values and obligation due to a defining limit state function. Besides, the multiobjective Pareto optimization of such robust controllers using MUGA unveils some very important and informative trade-offs among those objective functions. Consequently, some optimum robust controllers can be compromisingly chosen from the Pareto frontiers.
Numerical investigations into shift transients of a dual clutch transmission equipped powertrains with multiple nonlinearities
Authors: Walker Paul D , Zhang Nong
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate the influence of nonlinearities applied to vehicle powertrains equipped with a dual clutch transmission, including gear backlash, dual mass flywheel hysteresis, and torque pulses from the engine. To achieve this goal, a multi-body dynamic model of such a powertrain is constructed for transient vibration studies. Incorporated into this model is a combination of two nonlinear contact backlash models: for gear pairs a line-of-action force contact model is used to represent backlash in the mesh, and, for engaged synchronizer dog gears, a torsional nonlinear contact model is applied. This powertrain model is then used to study the response to shift transients under different conditions, including with and without engine torque harmonics, the variation of mesh damping and tooth clearance, and the impact of torsional vibration absorbers. Simulation results demonstrate that engine torque harmonics, mesh clearance, and external damping sources have a significant impact on duration of excitation, while the impact of mesh damping is less significant.
Fretting and plain fatigue behavior of Al 7075-T651 at elevated temperatures
Authors: Majzoobi GH , Soori M
Published: August 2013

Fretting fatigue behavior of Al 7075-T651 is investigated at temperatures of 20 ℃, 150 ℃, 250 ℃ and 350 ℃ and at different stress levels. The results show that: (a) fatigue life increases from 15% to 160% for low stresses and reduces from −20% to −40% for higher stresses and (b) fretting fatigue life increases from 155% to 290% for low stress levels and reduces from −12% to −65% for high stress levels. All life changes have been measured with respect to the lives at ambient temperature. It is believed that under low stresses, the effect of glaze oxide layer created through surface oxygen absorption prevails and gives rise to improvement of plain and fretting fatigue of material at elevated temperatures. Precipitation and solid solution hardening and good lubrication of the oxide layer are the main reasons for this improvement. For the higher stresses, 180, 200 and 280 MPa, the oxide layer breaks down and the degradation due to reduction in ultimate strength dominates the fatigue behavior of material and diminishes the fatigue lives. Fractography of specimens reveals brittle fracture mode in the fracture surface regardless of the test temperature. Optical microscopy of specimens shows more germination of precipitates at lower temperatures and shorter aging durations and more growth of precipitates for higher temperatures and longer aging durations.
Three-body abrasive wear resistance of iron matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles
Authors: Zheng Kaihong , Gao Yimin , Li Yefei , Zhao Sanmei , Wang Juan
Published: August 2013

Pure aluminum oxide (Al2O3), ZrO2 toughened Al2O3 (ZTA; 25–30% ZrO2), and ZTA (55–60% ZrO2) ceramic particles reinforced Cr25 matrix composites are successfully fabricated by the infiltration casting process. The volume fraction of ceramic particles in the composites is 47–55%. The interface structure between ceramic particles and the matrix was analyzed by digital probing microscopy and was found to be continuous mechanical bonding. The wear behavior of the composites was studied by a three-body abrasive wear tester. ZTA (55–60% ZrO2) reinforced Cr25 composite has excellent wear resistance which is approximately six times higher than that of the high chromium cast iron matrix. It is discovered that the wear mechanism of composites is micro-cutting and fatigue stripping. A correlation exists between the wear resistance of composites and the strength of ceramic particles.
Exploring preschoolers’ engagement and perceived physical competence in an autonomy-based object control skill intervention
Authors: Logan Samuel , Robinson Leah , Webster E Kipling , Barber Laura
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe children’s engagement during two (high and low) autonomy-based climates. Twenty-five preschool children participated in a nine-week object control skill intervention. Children completed the object control subscale of the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd Edition and the perceived physical competence subscale of Harter and Pike’s Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance (1984). Skill attempts were tallied by video analyses. A skill attempt was considered appropriate if the movement was consistent with the correct execution of the skill and the goal of the task. Findings indicate (a) no significant difference in appropriate skill attempts between each climate, (b) no significant difference in appropriate skill attempts of low- and high- skilled children in each climate, (c) regardless of climate, children improved in object control percentile and low-skilled children improved significantly more than high-skilled children, and (d) high-autonomy group children significantly improved in pre- to post- intervention on perceived competence compared to the low-autonomy group, regardless of skill level. High-autonomy climates provide variations of task difficulty that may promote the development of perceived physical competence of preschool children.
Longitudinal changes in physical fitness performance in youth
Authors: Wang Chee Keng John , Pyun Do Young , Liu Woon Chia , Lim Boon San Coral , Li Fuzhong
Published: August 2013

Using a multilevel latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) approach, this study examined longitudinal change in levels of physical fitness performance over time (i.e. four years) in young adolescents aged from 12–13 years. The sample consisted of 6622 students from 138 secondary schools in Singapore. Initial analyses found between-school variation on fitness test scores with intra-class correlations ranging from 0.02–0.19. Subsequent multilevel growth curve analyses revealed a quadratic trend of the longitudinal data across five stations of performance tests, with significant within-school student variability in change over time. The result of the multilevel LGCM showed that there were strong school effects on all of the physical fitness performances, in addition to inter- and intra-individual differences.
Differences in perceived competence and physical activity levels during single-gender modified basketball game play in middle school physical education
Authors: Slingerland Menno , Haerens Leen , Cardon Greet , Borghouts Lars
Published: August 2013

Creating environments in physical education (PE) that foster perceived competence and physical activity during gender-mixed game play lessons is a challenge, especially with adolescent girls. This study is a small experiment in one PE lesson that aimed to increase the perceived competence and in-class physical activity in girls, by applying a single-gender grouping strategy within co-educational classes. A final sample of 216 students (90 girls; 42%) within 13 classes in grades 7–9 (age 11–15) played basketball in mixed-gender and in single-gender teams. The effects on participant’s perceived competence and moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA) were assessed using questionnaires and heart rate monitors, respectively. Although girls’ perceived competence was lower than that of boys, girls’ perceived competence increased during single-gender game play. Physical activity levels were high during both mixed-gender and single-gender game play. Playing invasion games (i.e. basketball, handball, soccer) in gender-specific groups could be a useful strategy for PE teachers to implement into their lessons, in order to improve girls’ perceived competence during invasion games.
Making the case for democratic assessment practices within a critical pedagogy of physical education teacher education
Authors: Lorente-Catalán Eloísa , Kirk David
Published: August 2013

There has been growing interest in alternative assessment strategies that focus on student participation within higher education over the past 20 years. At the same time, it is important to note that there is very little published research dealing with alternative forms of assessment in the field of physical education teacher education (PETE). In this paper we seek to make a case for democratic assessment practices within a critical pedagogy of PETE. We begin by outlining developments in assessment in higher education in general, before considering student participation in assessment processes. We then consider some strategies of participative assessment, and discuss their benefits, risks and difficulties. An account of the experience of the National Network of Formative and Shared Assessment in Higher Education in Spain provides us with a working example of the implementation of democratic practices in assessment in PETE. We conclude that the lack of research in physical education on democratic assessment practices raises serious questions about the extent to which our field is committed to producing teachers capable of meeting the complex social and cultural challenges they will surely meet in the schools of tomorrow.
Ritual associated with participation in physical education
Authors: Lamb Penny
Published: August 2013

Physical education (PE) is steeped in history, tradition and ritual. The accepted tradition of excuse notes allowing pupils to self-exempt from lessons is one such ritual associated with the subject in schools. This paper explores the impact of this phenomenon, focusing on participation and engagement levels within PE lessons. Data was collected over a five-year period, through the use of surveys, focus group interviews, field-notes, brief case studies and analysis of documentation including excuse notes. Participants included parents, PE teachers, trainee teachers and pupils from across 10 UK secondary schools (age range 11–18) situated in the east of England. Grounded theory methodology informed an emergent model highlighting that ritual associated with excuse notes served to facilitate non-participation in PE. The notion of power as a theoretical construct emerged as a result of constant comparison between the testimonies of the parents, pupils, teachers and trainee teachers, highlighting the seemingly ‘agreed acceptance’ of excuse notes by those key stakeholders involved in pupil participation. It is perceived that the policy of excuse notes attributes power to parents and pupils to self-exempt from participating in PE. Parents will provide an excuse note for their child if they do not believe PE holds much value. The condoning of pupil self-exemption by parents is influenced by their values towards PE, embedded by their own school experiences and dispositions. Whilst acknowledging the value of the use of a note to communicate issues associated with health and physical wellbeing, the paper suggests that one solution is to re-position the perceived authority afforded the excuse note, in order to facilitate positive attitudes towards greater participation in lessons. The adoption of an alternate policy at a micro level, that requires pupils to change into PE kit even if they have a note, can foster an inclusive learning climate in which all pupils will have the opportunity to learn to enjoy being active, whether as a performer, coach or official. A fully inclusive model of participation, supported by parental education on the types of learning opportunities within lessons, may contribute to PE becoming viewed as an inherent part of a child’s day at school and not as a subject that a pupil can easily self-exempt from participating in a lesson.
Religion and discrimination in the workplace in Turkey
Authors: Tanyeri-Erdemir Tuğba , Çitak Zana , Weitzhofer Theresa , Erdem Muharrem
Published: August 2013

Discrimination based on grounds such as gender or disability has been widely studied in recent research, but the issue of discrimination on grounds of religion or belief has proven to be far less traceable, less studied and more ideologically charged. In Turkey, a state discourse stating that 99% of the population is comprised of Muslim citizens conceals religious diversity in the country. Our contribution focuses on two main manifestations of discrimination within this framework: discrimination on the basis of wearing a headscarf in (or outside) the workplace and discrimination based on religious affiliation, specifically beliefs other than the majority Sunni-Hanefite Islam, in particular Alevis and non-Muslim minorities. Since there are a number of recent studies dealing with the issue of the headscarf, our primary focus will be on the latter topic. Our findings suggest that in the Turkish case, while the headscarf has dominated the issue of discrimination on religious grounds, a more egregious discrimination takes place against members of belief groups other than the Sunni-Hanefite majority. The issue of discrimination in the Turkish workplace on grounds of religion or belief presents interesting questions and challenges. Firstly, in a non-litigate society, discrimination on the basis of religious affiliation is hard to track and quantify. Secondly, recognition of difference does not always lead to pluralism.
Digitizing a complex urban panorama in the Renaissance: The 1500 bird’s-eye view of Venice by Jacopo de’ Barbari
Authors: Kittler Juraj , Holdsworth Deryck W
Published: August 2013

This study surveys the fundamental technical approaches adopted by Renaissance artist Jacopo de’ Barbari in drafting his 1500 bird’s-eye view of Venice, as well as the ideological and military implications that accompanied the map’s production. In doing so, the authors point out some fundamental parallels between the masterpiece of Renaissance map-making and the current computer-supported digital representations of urban spaces. The historical sources indicate that de’ Barbari’s map was a composite image stitched together from numerous partial views; such partial views were already “digitized” and consequently mechanically reproduced and manipulated into one synoptic image whose sheer size and amount of detail was able to evoke in viewers an experience of virtual reality. Ultimately, the study challenges the rhetoric of newness that dominates current media studies by emphasizing the need to separate what is genuinely new in our everyday experiences of media from what has been seen before.
Impression management and formation on Facebook: A lens model approach
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A , Pennington Natalie , Lueders Allyn
Published: August 2013

To extend research on online impression formation and warranting theory, the present investigation reports a Brunswick lens model analysis of Facebook profiles. Facebook users’ ( n = 100) personality (i.e. extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness) was self-reported. Facebook users’ profiles were then content analyzed for the presence and rate of 53 cues. Observers ( n = 35), who were strangers to profile owners, estimated profile owner personality. Results indicate that observers could accurately estimate profile owners’ extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. For all personality traits except neuroticism, unique profile cues were diagnostic warrants of personality (i.e. indicative of profile owner personality and used to estimate personality by strangers). The results are discussed in relation to warranting theory, impression formation, and lens model research.
Measuring expected interactivity: Scale development and validation
Authors: Sohn Dongyoung , Choi Sejung Marina
Published: August 2013

An implicit assumption underlying previous interactivity studies is that every time people use a communication medium (e.g., website) or device (e.g., smartphone), they perceive its interactivity through analyzing it from scratch trait-by-trait. As psychologists have long shown, however, we quite often skip such an intensive analysis, and rely on our expectations or schematic knowledge to perceive/evaluate an object. This study is designed to develop a measure of individuals’ expectation of interactivity toward a medium, called expected interactivity (EI). After specifying three conceptual dimensions underlying EI – sensory, semantic, and behavioral dimensions – scales for capturing them are developed, refined, and validated through multiple studies. Implications for future interactivity research are discussed.
Digital youth cultures in small town and rural Gujarat, India
Authors: Pathak-Shelat Manisha , DeShano Cathy
Published: August 2013

This paper examines youth digital cultures in rural/small town Gujarat, India and brings forth a perspective from the Global South in understanding the net generation. We examine how the location and dominant discourses intersect with digital technologies and re-configure aspects of daily lives, such as study, leisure, and friendship; how youth negotiate their interactions with digital media as one aspect of their larger lifeworlds; and how these negotiations influence cultural practices within structural environments. Youth in this study treat new media and technologies as one limited component of otherwise rich lives and social experiences. While new technologies promote individualistic mobility, Indian youth of small towns and rural places still live in collective social structures that shape their orientations. New media are at the periphery of their lives, as these youth have strong interpersonal connections that are rooted in geographic proximity and active school experiences.
What’s the cultural difference between the West and the East? The consumption of popular “cute” games in the Taiwanese market
Authors: Chen Lai Chi
Published: August 2013

Based on a model that includes three sub-circuits, i.e. technology, culture, and market, this paper shows that the Asian online gaming market has its peculiarities, which are reflected in the case study of popular “cute” games in the Taiwanese market. Asian-oriented “cute” games are based on the themes of Japanese video game culture and Manga, thus creating an Asian-style amusement, which establishes friendly gameplay and an easy-to-use environment. Two types of “cute” games: girls’ games and children’s games, are well accepted by young females in their twenties and by children in the 10 to 15 age group, who are resident in Taiwan’s urban areas. Asian “cute” games present a form of cultural hybridity, a combination of American digital entertainment and Asian urbanized culture. They have become a form of cultural flow in the regional market, established on the basis of Asian modernity and consumerism.
Experimental failure investigation for a titanium metal matrix composite with +45° and ±45° fibre orientations
Authors: Hyde TH , Punyong K , Becker AA
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the results of micromechanical failure analyses of titanium metal matrix composite shafts, under cyclic torsional loading. Two different fibre orientations were used to investigate the failure mechanisms, namely +45° and ±45° fibre orientations. The fracture surfaces, after fatigue testing, were examined using a scanning electron microscope. Evidence was found of the existence of both ductile failure which occurred in the matrix material and brittle failure which occurred in the fibres. These modes of failure both played important roles in the overall shaft failure for a +45° fibre orientation. In the case of the ±45° fibre orientation, failure of the matrix, on the plane of the +45° fibres, was the main factor which influenced the fracture of the shaft.
Experimental and finite element analysis of mechanical and fracture behavior of SiC particulate filled A356 alloy composites: Part I
Authors: Kukshal Vikas , Gangwar Swati , Patnaik Amar
Published: August 2013

In the present study, silicon carbide (SiC) filled cast aluminum (A356) alloy composites were fabricated using stir casting technique by varying SiC weight percentages from 0 wt.% to 25 wt.% at a range of 5 wt.%, respectively. The spherical shaped SiC particles of 60 µm size were uniformly mixed with the semi-solid alloy by mechanical stirrer. The physical and mechanical properties along with the fracture toughness of SiC filled A356 alloy composite were evaluated experimentally and compared with finite element analysis results for the validation purpose. It was found that the void content of A356 alloy composites varied from 1.01% to 2.69% and hardness from 21.25 HRB to 33 HRB with the increased SiC wt.% from 0% to 25%. The maximum experimental value of Young’s modulus and flexural strength at 25 wt.% SiC filled A356 alloy composite was found to be 150.55 MPa and 315.94 MPa, respectively. Impact energy of the SiC filled A356 alloy composite also increased from 3.92 J at 0 wt.% to 7.82 J at 25 wt.% SiC. It was established that the stress intensity factor for unfilled and SiC filled A356 alloy composites increases with the increased crack length for 0–25 wt.% SiC content. The tensile and flexural behavior of the composite is simulated by three-dimensional (3D) unit cell model using appropriate boundary condition in ANSYS. Finally, stress intensity factor for the crack propagation is determined using 2D simulation of single side edge cracked specimen in compact tension. The maximum percentage error for tensile strength and fracture toughness as calculated experimentally and by finite element method was found to be 5.74% and 7.69%, respectively, which is within the acceptable range.
Foreigners and immigrants in Italy’s penal and administrative detention systems
Authors: Colombo Asher
Published: August 2013

The aim of this article is to address the two strictest forms of immigration control in Italy: penal and administrative detention. The first core section of the article discusses key trends in the use of penal detention against foreigners and immigrants, whilst the second and longest core section of the article explores key trends in the administrative detention of irregular migrants. As concerns penal detention, it is shown that the significant growth of Italy’s prison population over time has been because of a rapid rise in the number of foreign prisoners, which has outpaced the decline observed in the number of their Italian counterparts. As regards administrative detention, which was first introduced in Italy in 1998 for irregular migrants who cannot immediately be deported, the article demonstrates that only a proportion of irregular migrants transit through a CIE ( Centro di Identificazione e di Espulsione, or Identification and Deportation Centre). This is because of the high selectivity that is exhibited by Italy’s administrative detention system, itself based on a range of considerations, from the availability of beds and the likelihood of repatriation for apprehended migrants to public opinion. The findings of this article also imply that there has been an impressive degree of consistency in the immigration control policies adopted by governments of different party-political orientation.