bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Subsurface Metallic Nanoparticles For Enhanced Carrier Generation in Silicon-based Photovoltaics
Authors: Kadakia Nirag , Huang Mengbing , Bakhru Hassaram
Published: July 2011

Due to the low absorption coefficient of silicon in the bulk of the solar spectrum, the majority of silicon-based photovoltaic cells are at least 300 micrometers thick, limiting their economic feasibility. To achieve cost parity with conventional sources of energy, silicon-based photovoltaics have begun to move towards thinner substrates, on the order of a few micrometers; such thinner cells necessitate the use of light-trapping methods to increase the optical path length. Much research has begun investigating the use of trapped electromagnetic waves, or surface plasmons, to increase light scattering and interband carrier transition rates in the surrounding material. In one scheme, plasmonic modes can be supported through polarization of metallic nanoparticles. Past research has focused on the deposition of silver nanoparticles on the surface, and has shown that light absorbance can be increased markedly for certain bandwidths. Here, the relevant mechanism is increased lateral light scattering, which tends to guide the light into directions that are then totally internally reflected. When such metallic nanoparticles are polarized by incoming radiation, in addition to increased light scattering, the electric field in the vicinity of the nanoparticle is highly magnified. Such high fields can increase the carrier transition rates, and therefore the absorbance, in the surrounding silicon by orders of magnitude. The enhancement however decreases rapidly with the radial distance and is virtually diminished by 10 nm from the nanoparticle surface. Deposition on the surface of the solar cell, therefore, cannot exploit this effect, being isolated from the silicon by the passivating layer. It has been suggested that instead, such particles might be embedded into the silicon itself. To that end, we have developed a method to create subsurface silver nanospheres, using a combination of ion implantation, thermal deposition, and subsequent thermal annealing. By tailoring the implantation parameters, we can localize the layer of nanospheres and even create various bands at various depths. Through Rutherford backscattering and secondary ion mass spectroscopy characterization, we have found that the Ag has indeed annealed into the desired location. To ensure that the Ag has agglomerated to nanoparticles, we have confirmed this with TEM images and selected area diffraction patterns that indicate that such nanoparticles are indeed bulk phase silver and have diameters of 20-35 nanometers. This method can help realize more efficient surface plasmon-enhanced Si-based photovoltaics.
Solid phase epitaxy of Germanium on Silicon substrates
Authors: Lieten R.R. , Ma Q.-B. , Guzman J. , Ager J.W. , Haller E.E. , Locquet J.-P.
Published: July 2011

We demonstrate the possibilities of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and solid phase epitaxy to obtain germanium on silicon with excellent crystalline properties, even for very thin layers (< 100 nm). Amorphous germanium layers are deposited by PECVD on silicon substrates. Deposition of an amorphous layer, without the presence of crystalline seeds, is critical. Crystalline inclusions must be avoided to obtain high crystal quality and a smooth surface after crystallization. PECVD is well suited for deposition of amorphous layers because low temperature deposition and high growth rates are possible. Additional experiments with molecular beam epitaxy show that it is not mandatory to have hydrogen present inside the germanium layer to obtain highly crystalline germanium. Atomic hydrogen plays, however, an important role during deposition by lowering the surface adatom mobility and consequently increasing the disorder of the deposited layer. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction shows no germanium diffraction, indicating that the layer does not contain crystalline seeds. Crystallization can be performed at limited temperatures: Raman measurements show crystallization between 400 and 425 °C. Another important advantage of the proposed method is the scalability: germanium layers of larger diameter can be obtained by simply using larger silicon substrates.
Isolation of yellow fever virus (YFV) from naturally infectied Haemagogus (Conopostegus) leucocelaenus (diptera, cukicudae) in São Paulo State, Brazil, 2009
Authors: Souza Renato Pereira de , Petrella Selma , Coimbra Terezinha Lisieux Moraes , Maeda Adriana Yurika , Rocco Iray Maria , Bisordi Ivani , Silveira Vivian Regina , Pereira Luiz Eloy , Suzuki Akemi , Silva Sarai Joaquim dos Santos , Silva Fernanda Gisele , Salvador Felipe Scassi , Tubaki Rosa Maria , Menezes Regiane Tironi , Pereira Mariza , Bergo Eduardo Sterlino , Hoffmann Roberto Colozza , Spinola Roberta Maria Fernandes , Tengan Cílea Hatsumi , Siciliano Melissa Mascheratti
Published: July 2011

After detecting the death of Howlers monkeys (genus Alouatta) and isolation of yellow fever virus (YFV) in Buri county, São Paulo, Brazil, an entomological research study in the field was started. A YFV strain was isolated from newborn Swiss mice and cultured cells of Aedes albopictus - C6/36, from a pool of six Haemagogus (Conopostegus) leucocelaenus (Hg. leucocelaenus) mosquitoes (Dyar & Shannon) collected at the study site. Virus RNA fragment was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The MCC Tree generated showed that the isolated strain is related to the South American I genotype, in a monophyletic clade containing isolates from recent 2008-2010 epidemics and epizootics in Brazil. Statistical analysis commonly used were calculated to characterize the sample in relation to diversity and dominance and indicated a pattern of dominance of one or a few species. Hg. leucocelaenus was found infected in Rio Grande do Sul State as well. In São Paulo State, this is the first detection of YFV in Hg. leucocelaenus.
Affective, Behavioral, and Social-Cognitive Dysregulation as Mechanisms for Sexual Abuse Revictimization
Authors: Lutz-Zois Catherine J. , Roecker Phelps Carolyn E. , Reichle Adam C.
Published: July 2011

Using a sample of 1,117 female college students, this study examined emotional, behavioral, and social-cognitive mechanisms of sexual abuse revictimization. It was hypothesized that numbing, alexithymia, alcohol problems, mistrust, and adult attachment dimensions would mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adult sexual abuse (ASA). Aside from the close adult attachment dimension, the results indicated that all of the hypothesized mediators were associated with CSA. However, only alcohol problems and mistrust met the necessary conditions of mediation. The results with respect to mistrust are especially unique in that it is one of the first empirical demonstrations of a social-cognitive mechanism for sexual abuse revictimization. Thus, these results enhance our understanding of interpersonal mediators of the relationship between CSA and ASA and provide a new direction for future research.
Beliefs and Attributions of Partner Violence Perpetrators: The Physical and Psychological Violence of Adolescent Males
Authors: Makin-Byrd Kerry , Azar Sandra T.
Published: July 2011

Partner violence is a crime of national concern. Understanding the cognitions of adolescent males who perpetrate partner violence is critical to develop appropriate interventions. One hundred and thirty-two partnered undergraduate males were assessed on gender beliefs, relationship beliefs, and partner attributions. More than 80% of males endorsed psychological or physical violence perpetration in the past year. Adolescent males who perpetrated psychological or physical partner violence were more likely to endorse hostile beliefs about women, negative partner attributions, and unrealistic relationship beliefs, as compared with nonviolent adolescents. Further, the relationship belief that partners cannot change and hostile partner attributions significantly predicted the frequency of psychological partner violence. The relationship belief disagreement is destructive predicted the frequency of physical partner violence, controlling for the influence of psychological violence. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
In Vino Silentium? Individual, Situational, and Alcohol-Related Factors in Reporting Violence to the Police
Authors: Brennan Iain R.
Published: July 2011

This study identifies the individual, situational, and alcohol-related factors associated with reporting violent victimization to the police. Factors positively associated with reporting included older age and incident severity (the assailant’s use of a weapon, incurring injury that required attendance at an emergency department). Factors negatively associated with reporting included higher educational qualifications, assault in the nighttime economy (NTE), and drinking more than two alcoholic drinks immediately prior to victimization. It is possible that drinkers engage in “moratorium” on reporting violence in the NTE. Recognizing and reducing the acceptability of violence in the NTE may help reduce incidence of alcohol-related violence. Organizations that use police records of violence to inform practice and policy should account for uneven distributions in reporting behavior when analyzing trends in violence.
Women and Men’s Use of Coercive Control in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Robertson Kirsten , Murachver Tamar
Published: July 2011

This study examined the relationship between coercive control and intimate partner violence (IPV) for men and women and for targets and perpetrators. One hundred and seventy-two participants (85 men, 87 women) recruited from three samples reported on their own and their partner’s behavior. IPV was measured using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). Coercive control was measured using modified items from the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory (PMWI). Coercive control was associated with IPV, and this relationship was similar for men and women across the three samples. In fact, coercive control was predominantly reciprocal in nature, with women and men reporting both receiving and perpetrating controlling behaviors. Overall, coercive controlling behaviors were characteristic of individuals within violent relationships, regardless of their physical abuse status. The experience of violence, rather than gender, was the best predictor of coercive control.
Physical Violence Against Children Reported to the Police: Discrepancies Between Register-Based Data and Child Victim Survey
Authors: Kuoppamäki Sanna-Mari , Kääriäinen Juha , Ellonen Noora
Published: July 2011

This study examines the reporting and not reporting of child victimization to the police. The study focuses on comparing the police reports of child victimization to the Finnish Child Victim Survey (FCVS) to find out the kind of violence that is reported to the police and the kind that is not. A total number of 242 police reports of 12-year-old victims of physical violence were collected from the Finnish Police Information System. These reports were compared to the 12-year-old children’s victimization experiences in the FCVS. Discrepancies between these two data can be found in the victim’s gender, the relationship between the victim and the suspect, and the location of the assault. Physical violence against girls committed by mothers is not reported as often as physical violence against boys committed by men.
Trait Anger as a Mediator of Difficulties With Emotion Regulation and Female-Perpetrated Psychological Aggression
Authors: Shorey Ryan C. , Cornelius Tara L. , Idema Catherine
Published: July 2011

Recent research has demonstrated the devastating impact of female-perpetrated psychological aggression in intimate relationships broadly and dating relationships specifically. With the perpetration of psychological aggression in dating relationships occurring at shockingly high rates, prevention programming for dating violence should target this form of aggression. Toward this end, it is important to understand the antecedent conditions that increase one’s risk for perpetrating psychological aggression. This study sought to examine two possible risk factors for perpetrating psychological aggression among female undergraduates (N = 145), namely, emotion regulation and trait anger. Findings showed that difficulties with emotion regulation and trait anger were associated with increased psychological aggression perpetration, and trait anger mediated the link between emotion regulation and psychological aggression. Implications of these findings for prevention programming and future research are discussed.
The Efficacy of a High School Rape Prevention Program in Israel
Authors: Moor Avigail
Published: July 2011

Sexual violence against women and girls in Israel is rather prevalent. To address this problem, the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI) provides rape prevention programs for middle to high school teens. These programs have been in place for several decades, but their effectiveness has not been evaluated empirically to date. This study seeks to fill this gap by performing an evaluation of one such preventive program. Three hundred and ninety-four 11th graders completed a preintervention and postintervention questionnaire, assessing their rape-related attitudes and behaviors. Results indicate a significant improvement following the workshop in the understanding of what distinguishes rape from mutually consensual relations, along with a substantial shift in many rape-supportive attitudes. At the same time, some victim blaming still remained. Likewise, self-reported behavioral changes were minimal, possibly because of a ceiling effect. Implications for future rape prevention programs in Israel are discussed.
The Influence of Childhood Maltreatment and Self-Control on Dating Violence: A Comparison of College Students in the United States and South Korea
Authors: Gover Angela R. , Jennings Wesley G. , Tomsich Elizabeth A. , Park MiRang , Rennison Callie Marie
Published: July 2011

Various aspects of social learning and self-control theories have been applied to partner violence among multiple samples in the United States, but these theoretical approaches have been less commonly studied cross-culturally. Consequently, childhood maltreatment and low self-control have been identified as risk factors for various outcomes in primarily American samples. This study examined the relationships between childhood maltreatment, low self-control, and dating violence among college students in South Korea and the United States. Findings indicated that experiencing childhood maltreatment and having low self-control were key predictors of perpetration and victimization for both psychological and physical relationship violence. Witnessing interparental violence during childhood was less consistently predictive of one’s involvement in a violent dating relationship. Implications for theory and policy are discussed.
Using the Internet to Prescreen Participants for Research on Interpersonal Violence: Experimental Design Considerations
Authors: Cornelius Tara L. , Truba Natalie , Bell Kathryn M.
Published: July 2011

Internet-based testing has become increasingly popular in recent years due largely to the availability of computers and the Web to research participants. For researchers studying interpersonal violence, Internet-based methodologies can also be used as a prescreening device to identify a population of interest, such as individuals reporting violence in their relationships. However, several challenges exist with this approach. This article evaluates the use of an Internet-based prescreening device to identify potential participants for a study on interpersonal violence, highlighting challenges encountered with this methodology, and offers suggestions for improvement in experimental design when conducting Internet-based screenings of interpersonal violence.
Victimization in Young Urban Adults and Depressed Mood: Understanding the Interplay of Coping and Gender
Authors: Hassan Sarah , Mallozzi Laurissa , Dhingra Niti , Haden Sara Chiara
Published: July 2011

Violence exposure has a significant impact on victims’ psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between two types of violence exposures (threats and physical assaults), coping styles (emotion focused, avoidant, and problem focused), gender, and depression among 211 (147 females and 64 males) young urban adults (ages 18–24). Most participants (60%) endorsed being physically assaulted, whereas many (40%) endorsed being threatened. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted. As hypothesized, women reported using more emotion-focused coping and reported greater depression than men. Avoidant coping was a predictor for increased depression for both men and women. However, women who employed problem-focused coping after their first physical assault reported lower rates of depression. These findings have implications for designing early interventions.
Female Victimization and Intimate Partner Violence After the May 12, 2008, Sichuan Earthquake
Authors: Chan Ko Ling , Zhang Yulian
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the impact of the earthquake that occurred on May 12, 2008 in Sichuan, China on stressed families already experiencing domestic violence. We hypothesized that cumulative postdisaster stress would increase marital aggression and that the well-being of victims would deteriorate following the quake. A total of 186 women were recruited for this study. Results show that all types of family violence, including psychological aggression and physical violence between partners, increased after the earthquake. We provided preliminary evidence that psychological aggression was significantly associated with the detrimental effects on victims’ mental and physical functioning. The findings support the need for violence assessment among victims of earthquakes, and we recommend that violence prevention be considered as part of the intervention during such natural disasters.
The Mimicker is a Mirror of Myself: Impact of Mimicking on Self-Consciousness and Social Anxiety
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas
Published: July 2011

In this experiment, a confederate was asked to mimic the posture and movements of participants who, subsequently, completed the French version (Pelletier & Vallerand, 1990) of the Scheier and Carver (1985) Self-consciousness Scale. Results showed that mimicry was associated with
increased private and public self-consciousness and decreased social anxiety. Such data confirmed that mimicry is associated not only with changes in perception about a mimicker but also has an effect on self-perception of the person mimicked.
Time Perspective and Life Satisfaction Among Young Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Gao Yu-Jing
Published: July 2011

Profiles of time perspective were explored using a person-oriented approach, and the relationship between balanced time perspective (BTP) and life satisfaction in young Taiwanese adults was examined. A cluster group was identified that fitted the configuration of BTP as proposed by
Boniwell and Zimbardo (2004), that is, high past positive, high present hedonistic, and high future scores, combined with low past negative and low present fatalistic scores. Results showed that there were significant differences in life satisfaction between those with a BTP profile and those
without. In addition, logistic regression results showed that individuals with more past-positive or future orientations or less past-negative orientation were more likely to have a high level of life satisfaction.
Motives for, and Attitudes About, Driving-Related Anger and Aggressive Driving
Authors: Jovanovic Dragan , Stanojević Predrag , Stanojević Dragana
Published: July 2011

Aggressive driving behavior is a global phenomenon that is occurring with increasing frequency. This form of on-road behavior increases risk and, consequently, the number of traffic accidents with human victims. The main aim in this study was to determine the relationships between motivation
and attitudes, and between driving anger and aggression. The sample consisted of 137 men and 123 women. Our results showed that the prediction of driving anger was not highly dependent on motives and attitudes, and driving anger was likely due to other determinants (e.g., personality traits,
on-road frustrations). However, motives and attitudes were shown to be very important in predicting aggressive driving.
Personality and Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Salami Samuel O.
Published: July 2011

The purpose in this study was to examine the relationship between the Big Five personality factors and psychological well-being of adolescents and the moderating role of emotional intelligence in that relationship. Adolescents (N = 400) randomly selected from secondary schools
in southwestern Nigeria completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992), and emotional intelligence (Law, Wong, & Song, 2004), and psychological well-being (Ruff & Keyes, 1995) scales. It was found that personality factors and emotional intelligence had significant
correlations with psychological well-being. Emotional intelligence moderated the relationship between neuroticism, extraversion, and psychological well-being. Implications for counseling adolescents and directions for future research are suggested.
Does Mentoring Work? the Mediating Effect of Mentoring in China
Authors: Gong Rueywei , Chen Shih-Ying , Lee Shin-Lung
Published: July 2011

Researchers have found that mentoring can impact protégés' career outcomes positively or negatively. In this study we explored the mediating effect of mentoring on the relationship between personal learning and career development in Chinese enterprises. Data from 316 employees
of Chinese enterprises were collected and analyzed to measure the impact of their personal learning on career development. It was found that personal learning and mentoring had a significantly positive impact on career development. Mentoring mediated the relationship between personal learning
and career development. We, therefore, suggest that, when promoting career development benefits, enterprises should enhance the positive effects of personal learning and career development through mentoring mechanisms.
The Behavior of Wiki Users
Authors: Shu Wesley , Chuang Yu-Hao
Published: July 2011

Our survey, in which we adopted the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003) revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and user involvement have a positive effect on the intention to use
wikis. The results exemplify the current trend of users playing an increasingly important role in web-based content creation.
Erroneous or Arrhenius—Potential Impact of Oven Temperature Variations on Laboratory Aging of Tires
Authors: Altman R. , Beutler E. , Kohler J.
Published: July 2011

During the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F09.30 Tire Aging Task Group’s development of a test standard for the accelerated oven aging of tires, seemingly erroneous results were obtained from a single test method being conducted by multiple facilities. Ultimately, these differences were associated with variations in oven temperature among the sites involved. The Arrhenius Law provides a means of understanding the potential impact of oven temperature variation on thermal oxidative aging of tires and is used to draw inferences with respect to both laboratory oven aging and local ambient temperatures. Limitations of applying the Arrhenius equation, possible actions to compensate for oven-to-oven and within-an-oven temperature variation, and suggestions for potential validating experiments are also discussed.
Leadership and Change Commitment in the Life Insurance Service Context in Taiwan: The Mediating-Moderating Role of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Yang Yi-Feng
Published: July 2011

The effects of transformational leadership and satisfaction were studied along with their interconnected effects (mediation and moderation) on commitment to change in the life insurance industry in two samples, sales managers and salespersons. A multiple mediated-moderated regression approach showed mediation and moderation to have statistically significant main effects on change commitment. Transformational leadership and satisfaction made a more important contribution to change commitment while job satisfaction had a mediating and moderating role that could enhance the relationships between leadership and change commitment. This information is of importance in building successful change commitment associations with customers.
Validation of Computer Simulations for Effects of Eye Gaze, Sex, Facial Expression, and Posture on Perceived Threat
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: July 2011

Two experiments were done to ascertain how well computer images of people communicated threat through the nonverbal cues of eye gaze, sex, facial expression, and posture. Results indicated the computer images produced valid and generalizable results. The strongest effects on threat were found for facial expression and posture. Smaller effects were found for sex and direction of eye gaze.
Relationship between Hemispatial Inattention and Performance of Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Yi-Chia , Chen Kao-Chin , Yang Yen Kuang , Chen Ya-Ling , Lin Keh-Chung
Published: July 2011

This study investigated the relation of hemispatial inattention to the performance of daily functions in 32 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and in 31 healthy controls. They were tested on the relationship between a target cancellation task and the Activities of Daily Living Rating Scale–II (ADLRS–II). According to the results of the hemispatial inattention test, the patients with schizophrenia made more omissions in the cancellation test than the controls. In addition, the results showed a significant correlation between number of omissions on the cancellation test and the ADLRS–II score in the study participants. A statistically significant relationship was observed between hemispatial inattention and the functional status of patients with schizophrenia, and suggests the need to incorporate measures of visual attention into psychiatric rehabilitation assessments.
Knowledge of Eating Disorders among Collegiate Administrators, Coaches, and Auxiliary Dancers
Authors: Torres-McGehee Toni M. , Leaver-Dunn Deidre , Green James M. , Bishop Phillip A. , Leeper James D. , Richardson Mark T.
Published: July 2011

Knowledge of eating disorders, confidence in knowledge, and attendance of eating disorder educational programs were assessed among NCAA Division I and II university administrators ( n = 61), coaches ( n = 44), and dancers ( n = 53). A questionnaire assessed knowledge in 5 domains: etiology, signs and symptoms, management and treatment, risk factors, and prevention and education. Overall, dancers' knowledge and previous attendance were significantly lower than administrators' and coaches'. There was inconsistency between participants' confidence in answers and the correctness of their answers. Education is necessary for improving knowledge and reducing risky behaviors in auxiliary dancers.
Effect of an Aerobic Training Program as Complementary Therapy in Patients with Moderate Depression
Authors: de la Cerda Pablo , Cervelló Eduardo , Cocca Armando , Viciana Jesús
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an aerobic training program as complementary therapy in patients suffering from moderate depression. 82 female patients weredivided into a group that received traditional pharmacotherapy (Fluoxetine 20 mg) and a group that received pharmacotherapy plus an aerobic training program. This program was carried out for eight consecutive weeks, three days per week, and included gymnastics, dancing, and walking. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory and the ICD–10 Guide for Depression Diagnosis, both administered before and after treatments. The results confirm the effectiveness of the aerobic training program as a complementary therapy to diminish depressive symptoms in patients suffering from moderate depression.
Exploration of Perceptual and Motor Inhibition in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Catale Corinne , Germain Sophie , Meulemans Thierry
Published: July 2011

Perceptual and motor inhibition were examined using conflict resolution tasks for 12 children with traumatic brain injury and 24 matched controls. Direct comparisons of inhibition performances between the two groups showed a specific and disproportionate impairment of motor inhibition (compared with perceptual inhibition) for the children with traumatic brain injury, which suggests that inhibition processes might be differentially impaired in children after traumatic brain injury.
Eye Movements during Mental Rotation of Nonmirrored and Mirrored Three-Dimensional Abstract Objects
Authors: Martini Markus , Furtner Marco R. , Sachse Pierre
Published: July 2011

Eye movements were recorded while participants ( N = 56) rotated mirrored and nonmirrored abstract, three-dimensional object pairs into different orientations to assess whether there were oculomotoric differences in fixation switches between mirrored and nonmirrored objects and how an object's plane and depth angle affected visual processing. Compared to other studies, especially depth rotation tasks were responsible for a difference in the sum of fixation switches. This difference seemed to be caused by an increase in incongruent fixation switches, while congruent ones remained stable. Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.
Differences in Decision-Making Development between Expert and Novice Invasion Game Players
Authors: del Campo David Gutierrez Diaz , Villora Sixto Gonzalez , Lopez Luis M. Garcia , Mitchell Stephen
Published: July 2011

This cross-sectional study investigated the differences between young expert soccer players' ( n = 55) and novice players' ( n = 74) decision-making ability during performance of invasion games (ages: 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, and 13–14 years). Decision-making ability was assessed in invasion games that were appropriately modified for age and expertise. Games were modified to meet the developmental needs and previous learning of the participants, so interference between motor execution and decision making was minimized. Game performance was videotaped, and measures of cognitive components were developed from observational analysis. Decision making was measured at two levels: (a) decision making restricted to the selection of the technical-tactical skills (passing, moving with the ball, getting free, marking, tackling, double teaming, and interception) and (b) decision making in the adaptation to the tactical context of the game. Expert players remained superior in decision-making ability when variation in skill execution was controlled. Decision-making differences between levels of expertise decreased with age with regard to the first level (skill selection) and increased with age in relation to the second level (tactical-context adaptation). Findings are discussed in terms of implications for instructional focus and task design.
Visuospatial Attention Lateralization in Volleyball Players and in Rowers
Authors: Giglia G. , Brighina F. , Zangla D. , Bianco A. , Chiavetta E. , Palma A. , Fierro B.
Published: July 2011

In the present study, differences in visuospatial attention lateralization were evaluated in athletes engaged in open- compared to closed-skill sports and sedentary nonathletes. 23 volleyball players (open skill; Italian national level and regional level), 10 rowers (closed skill, Italian national level), and 23 sedentary participants responded to a computerized line-length judgment task. Five lines, differing in the length of their right and left segments, were randomly presented; the respondent made a forced-choice decision about the respective length of the two segments. Volleyball players responded significantly faster; those at the higher competitive level were also more accurate, making a statistically significantly lower number of leftward errors as compared with rowers and controls. If such responses are due to training rather than self-selection of ability, then the results may suggest the possibility of changing the distribution of visuospatial attention by training in open-skill sports.
Attitude and Knowledge Changes in Collegiate Dancers following a Short-Term, Team-Centered Prevention Program on Eating Disorders
Authors: Torres-McGehee Toni M. , Green James M. , Leaver-Dunn Deidre , Leeper James D. , Bishop Phillip A. , Richardson Mark T.
Published: July 2011

Eating knowledge, nutritional knowledge, and psychological changes among female collegiate dancers were examined before and after a 4-wk. team-centered program on sport nutrition, exercise, and disordered eating consequences. Collegiate female dancers from two NCAA Division I institutions participated in a control ( n = 19; M age = 19.1 yr., SD = 1.0) or intervention ( n = 21; M age = 19.2 yr., SD = 1.2) group. Measures were administered to both groups before and after intervention to assess eating disorders, depression, and nutritional and disordered eating knowledge. There was a statistically significant increase in scores on nutritional and overall eating disorder knowledge in the intervention group compared to the control group. Mean scores on depression, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and maturity fears decreased in the intervention group.
Past Speech Therapy Experiences of Individuals Exploring a New Stuttering Treatment
Authors: Guntupalli Vijaya K. , Nanjundeswaran Chayadevie , Kalinowski Joseph , Dayalu Vikram N.
Published: July 2011

Perceptions of benefits of speech therapy, success of therapy across clinical settings, reasons for returning to therapy, client-clinician relationships, and clinicians' competency were assessed in 57 participants (47 men, 10 women; M age = 34 yr.) trying a new therapy. A majority of respondents had cumulatively five or more years in therapy and at least two stuttering therapies. Respondents rated university or hospital settings as more successful than services in public schools. 70% of the respondents noted difficulty communicating basic needs; they blamed themselves for inability to maintain posttherapeutic gains while perceiving their clinicians to be competent and attentive — although 47% of the respondents had minimal to no contact with their therapist after therapy.
Influence of Balance on Oral-Motor Control of Speech: A Pilot Investigation
Authors: Redstone Fran , Kowalski Ellen
Published: July 2011

In this exploratory study, the interaction between motor coordination for balance and oral-motor control for speech was investigated in 31 typical college-aged women, ages 20 to 29 years ( M = 22.3, SD = 2.1), recruited through the local university. Since speech is dependent on the control and coordination of the subsystems of the speech production mechanism, it was hypothesized that a difficult balance task would interfere with speech motor control. Oral-motor control was measured by diadochokinesis while participants were in a nonchallenging balance position (floor standing) and a challenging balance position (balance disk on one leg). Results indicated that individuals compensated for speech rate while having to maintain their balance for the syllable repetitions. However, the number of syllables repeated was significantly fewer while on the balance disk. In addition, a correlational analysis indicated that history of speech therapy services was related to poorer balance screening score. Directions for future research are discussed.
Effects of Compliance Monitoring of Vocal Function Exercises on Voice Outcome Measures for Normal Voice
Authors: Ellis Lee W. , Beltyukova Svetlana A.
Published: July 2011

This experimental study examined the efficacy of the vocal function exercise program in improving voice production in individuals with normal voices. 20 young women ( M age = 22 yr.) with normal voices, 10 in the Monitored compliance group and 10 in the Unmonitored compliance group, received training in performing vocal function exercises followed by daily practice of the exercises for 28 consecutive days. Participants in the Monitored compliance group were required to submit audio or video recordings of their daily practice of vocal function exercises, and those in the Unmonitored compliance group were not required to record their daily practice sessions. Results indicated that while the participants in both groups significantly increased maximum phonation times and maximum phonational frequency ranges, those in the Monitored group improved significantly more than the participants in the Unmonitored group on these outcome measures.
The Role of Visual Feedback in Supervision of Grammatical Spelling
Authors: Veys Emilie , Hupet Michel
Published: July 2011

Native French speakers ( N = 24; M age = 20.1 yr.) were orally presented with sentences they were asked to write on a digitizing tablet, either with full visual feedback or with no visual feedback. The study assessed the extent to which the visual feedback contributed to supervising of verbal agreement processes, either postgraphically (detecting and revising any error that has been produced) or pregraphically (checking the graphemic plan before it is transcribed). The proportion of erroneous agreements was smaller with visual feedback (7%) than without (14%). The proportion of erroneous agreements that were spontaneously corrected was much higher with visual feedback (34%) than without (0%). There were significantly more pauses right before or within the transcription of the verbal inflection with visual feedback (8%) than without (3%).
Multidimensional Scaling of Musical Time Estimations
Authors: Cocenas-Silva Raquel , Bueno José Lino Oliveira , Molin Paul , Bigand Emmanuel
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to identify the psycho-musical factors that govern time evaluation in Western music from baroque, classic, romantic, and modern repertoires. The excerpts were previously found to represent variability in musical properties and to induce four main categories of emotions. 48 participants (musicians and nonmusicians) freely listened to 16 musical excerpts (lasting 20 sec. each) and grouped those that seemed to have the same duration. Then, participants associated each group of excerpts to one of a set of sine wave tones varying in duration from 16 to 24 sec. Multidimensional scaling analysis generated a two-dimensional solution for these time judgments. Musical excerpts with high arousal produced an overestimation of time, and affective valence had little influence on time perception. The duration was also overestimated when tempo and loudness were higher, and to a lesser extent, timbre density. In contrast, musical tension had little influence.
The Role of Attributional Bias and Visual Stress on the Improvement of Reading Speed Using Colored Filters
Authors: Vidal-López Joaquín
Published: July 2011

This study tested the predictions derived from two explanatory theoretical models of the effects of colored filters on reading speed: the theory of attributional bias and the theory of visual stress associated with reading. The experimental group consisted of 27 secondary school students (14 boys, 13 girls) diagnosed with the Meares-Irlen syndrome; the control group had 27 students paired in age and sex with the experimental group. The mean age of the sample was 12 years, 10 months ( SD = 8.9 mo.). The effects of colored filters on reading speed and accuracy were tested using a word reading test and a visual stress induction text. The presentation method tapped individuals' visual sensitivity and response criteria. The results support some predictions of the theory of attributional bias, but more research is needed to assess each theory of reading speed.
Change in Dexterity with Sensory Awareness Training: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Bitter Felicity , Hillier Susan , Civetta Lauren
Published: July 2011

The role of sensory awareness in movement control is receiving increasing interest in sports and clinical literature as a feed-forward and feedback mechanism. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and effect of training in sensory awareness on dexterity in healthy adults. 29 healthy students were randomly allocated to a single-group, sensory awareness lesson with the dominant hand, the same lesson with the nondominant hand, or to a sham control group. Dexterity measures included the Purdue Pegboard Test, a grip-lift manipulandum, and perceived changes using a questionnaire. The sensory awareness lesson with the dominant hand produced a statistically significant improvement in mean dexterity compared to the control group, but not between the other two pairs of groups. The sensory awareness training paradigm is feasible and a single session improved dexterity in healthy adults.
Use of a Standard Cane Increases Unipedal Stance Time during Static Testing
Authors: Bohannon Richard W.
Published: July 2011

The records of 11 consecutive qualifying patients were reviewed to evaluate whether use of a cane increased unipedal balance time during static testing. Measured with a stopwatch, the maximum unipedal balance time increased significantly with use of a single-point cane, whether standing on the left ( M = 14.4 sec.) or right ( M = 16.7 sec.) lower limb. The results indicate that in clinical situations, sophisticated instruments are not needed to demonstrate the effects of a cane and that unipedal stance times obtained with a stopwatch can confirm the effectiveness of canes for increasing unipedal balance of patients and caregivers.
Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test: Usefulness for Older Patients in a Home-Care Setting
Authors: Bohannon Richard W.
Published: July 2011

The usefulness of the five-repetition sit-to-stand (FRSTS) test was assessed with older patients in a home-care setting. Records of 45 patients (≥ 65 years old) were examined for information on FRSTS test performance. 5 patients were excluded. 23 patients were unable to complete the test. For the 17 able to complete the FRSTS test, the time required was statistically significantly greater than age-stratified norms. For patients treated in a home-care setting, inability to complete the FRSTS test clearly underscores the test's limitations and the need for alternatives.
Authorship and Sampling Practice in Selected Biomechanics and Sports Science Journals
Authors: Knudson Duane V.
Published: July 2011

In some biomedical sciences, changes in patterns of collaboration and authorship have complicated the assignment of credit and responsibility for research. It is unclear if this problem of “promiscuous coauthorship” or “hyperauthorship” (defined as six or more authors) is also apparent in the applied research disciplines within sport and exercise science. This study documented the authorship and sampling of patterns of original research reports in three applied biomechanics ( Clinical Biomechanics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, and Sports Biomechanics) and five similar subdisciplinary journals within sport and exercise science ( International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, Journal of Teaching Physical Education, Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Sciences, and Motor Control). Original research reports from the 2009 volumes of these biomechanics and sport and exercise journals were reviewed. Single authorship of papers was rare (2.6%) in these journals, with the mean number of authors ranging from 2.7 to 4.5. Sample sizes and the ratio of sample to authors varied widely, and these variables tended not to be associated with number of authors. Original research reports published in these journals in 2009 tended to be published by small teams of collaborators, so currently there may be few problems with promiscuous coauthorship in these subdisciplines of sport and exercise science.
Effect of Display Size on Visual Attention
Authors: Chen I-Ping , Liao Chia-Ning , Yeh Shih-Hao
Published: July 2011

Attention plays an important role in the design of human-machine interfaces. However, current knowledge about attention is largely based on data obtained when using devices of moderate display size. With advancement in display technology comes the need for understanding attention behavior over a wider range of viewing sizes. The effect of display size on test participants' visual search performance was studied. The participants ( N = 12) performed two types of visual search tasks, that is, parallel and serial search, under three display-size conditions (16°, 32°, and 60°). Serial, but not parallel, search was affected by display size. In the serial task, mean reaction time for detecting a target increased with the display size.
Rapid Serial Visual Presentation Display on a Small Screen: Reading Chinese While Walking
Authors: Yen Chien-Cheng , Chien Yu-Hung
Published: July 2011

This study examined the effects of presentation unit (word-byword or single line) and presentation duration [171, 213, 240, and 308 msec, per character (msec./C)] on the comprehension of Chinese rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) displays read from the small screen of a mobile phone in three different contexts (seated, walking on a treadmill, and walking through an outdoor course). 30 native Chinese readers ages 19 to 26 were recruited as participants. Scores on reading comprehension showed that presentation unit and presentation duration significantly affected reading comprehension, and interactions between factors were also significant. When the presentation unit was word-by-word, no significant difference in reading comprehension was observed under different presentation durations. However, when the presentation unit was a single line, reading comprehension deteriorated with the shortest presentation duration of 171 msec./C. With regard to context, participants had a higher mean reading comprehension score in the seated context than in walking contexts, but the difference was not significant.
Illumination, Background Luminance, and Perceptual Learning in Perception of Achromatic Colors
Authors: Sanchez-Marin Francisco J.
Published: July 2011

Plateau's experiment, in which the bisection method was introduced, is recognized as the first psychophysical experiment ever done. That experiment was replicated and extended using modern imaging devices. First, participants with professional training in visual arts painted grayscales with no control on illumination. Then, the trained participants and the nontrained participants generated grayscales using a personal computer in three different conditions: a white background of a linearized monitor, a black background of that monitor, and a white background but without linearizing the monitor. Analyses showed that with artificial illumination, scales with steps more evenly spread were produced than with natural illumination. Humans do not seem to have a natural ability to use the bisection method properly. Experts seem to be able to judge the reflectance of distal stimuli, and perceptual learning played an important role in the perception of achromatic colors as found in prior literature.