bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locus of Control, Locus of Control Differences, and Quality of Relationship in Married Dyads
Authors: Sabatelli Ronald M.
Published: September 2011

This study represents a replication and extension of the work focusing on the relationship between spouses' locus of control expectancies and their level of marital complaints. In the present study, spouses' locus of control orientations were examined with reference to their own and their partners' marital complaints. It was predicted that internality would be positively correlated with one's own marital satisfaction and the satisfaction experienced by one's partner. In addition, it was expected that personality complementarity of a particular type, an external wife/internal husband configuration, would be associated with more complaints. The most consistent result of the study suggests the tendency for wives to have more complaints when paired with a relatively external husband. In addition, the analysis did not support the presence of a personality match or mismatch effect on marital complaints. Noting some of the inconsistencies in the limited data amassed on the role of locus of control in the domain of intimate interpersonal relationships, additional research is indicated before further conclusions are advanced.
Estimating WAIS IQ of Neuropsychiatric Patients at Three Educational Levels
Authors: Schear James M. , Harrison William R. , Sherman Crystal J.
Published: September 2011

In this study the relative accuracy of the WAIS Vocabulary subtest and the Shipley Scale subtests, Conceptual Quotient (CQ), and Shipley Total Score to predict WAIS Full Scale IQ in three groups of 48 each mixed male neuropsychiatric patients with different educational achievement (grammar school, high school, and college) was examined. These patients were matched on age case by case. Discharge diagnoses across the three groups were similar. The WAIS Vocabulary was a better estimate of over-all intelligence than the individual Shipley subtests and the CQ, although the Shipley Total Score seems to compare as well as WAIS Vocabulary. Observed differences in the correlations across educational groups are probably associated with the variances within each group. No evidence supports a differential prediction for Full Scale IQ based on educational achievement. These data generally support the work which suggests that WAIS Vocabulary and the Shipley Total Score can be used to obtain a brief but accurate estimate of IQ, although the role of educational achievement does not appear important enough to include in currently available formulae for predicting WAIS IQ.
Further Evidence for Unidimensionality of Measures of Counseling Performance
Authors: Scott Thomas B. , Fuqua Dale R. , Newman Jody L.
Published: September 2011

A number of previous studies have indicated that measures of counseling performance reduce to a unidimensional structure, based on the examination of relationships among measures from only a few instruments. That finding has persisted in spite of multidimensional theory and training. This study of the relationships among 12 commonly used measures of counseling performance provides further evidence of this unidimensional structure of “good-therapist” factor underlying performance. Implications for training are discussed.
Assessing Belief in Lunar Effects: Known-Groups Validation
Authors: Rotton James , Kelly I. W. , Elortegui Patricia
Published: September 2011

It was hypothesized that police officers and psychiatric professionals would endorse more items indicative of belief in lunar effects than members of the general public. This hypothesis was tested by having 36 psychiatric personnel, 33 police officers, and 60 pedestrians indicate agreement with each of the 9 items on the Belief in Lunar Effects (BILE) scale. Results provided partial confirmation of this hypothesis. Police officers evidenced more belief in lunar effects than either psychiatric personnel or pedestrians, whose degree of belief did not differ.
Lifestyle Characteristics during Medical School: A Four-Year Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wolf Thomas M. , Kissling Grace E. , Burgess Lisa A.
Published: September 2011

A comprehensive questionnaire on lifestyle was completed by 58 of 184 freshmen, 104 of 181 sophomores, 108 of 183 juniors, and 40 of 183 seniors about midway through the fall semester. Generally, seniors exercised most frequently, slept more hours per night, consumed fewer drinks containing caffeine, wore seat belts a higher percentage of the time, and had a greater number of friends they felt close to than did other students. The level of stress was rated higher by preclinical students. Freshmen spent fewer hours on recreational activities. Generally, the freshmen enjoyed medical school more, found medical school to be more challenging, and felt more competent as medical students than did the other students. Over-all, the frequency of dental and medical checkups decreased from the freshman to the senior year.
Relation between Involvement in an Issue and Quality of the Argument
Authors: Pentony Joseph F.
Published: September 2011

Previous research has indicated that good arguments are more effective than bad ones under high but not low involvement. However, there has been some question whether subjects were actually highly involved; the present study got subjects (47 male and female undergraduates) highly involved by allowing them to vote on their final examination questions. Good arguments were significantly more effective than bad ones under both high and low involvement on all dependent variables. Introduction of a responsibility factor may eliminate the effect of involvement in an issue.
Interpersonal Behavior, Range of Ratings, and Personal Security
Authors: Hurley John R.
Published: September 2011

This work concerns personality correlates of the range individuals used when rating interpersonal behavior within 23 small groups. After both 22 and 45 hours of interaction participants rated own and peers' conduct for self-acceptance and acceptance of others. Data from both occasions yielded individuals' range of ratings on each measure, substantive self- and peer-based ratings, and related discrepancies (own minus peers' mean ratings). Aggregated range scores always correlated with same-occasion discrepancies negatively and significantly. Range also generally associated contrarily with self-acceptance and other-acceptance despite their positive overlap, ranges' modest reliability, and other obstacles. Resembling Maslow's (1970) distinction between esteem-oriented and safety-oriented persons, users of wider ranges interacted more assertively and confidently yet rated selves closer to how peers rated them, while users of narrower ranges interacted more cautiously and “nicely” but over-rated selves relative to their ratings from peers.
Validity of the Cognitive Error Questionnaire with Depressed and Nondepressed Older Adults
Authors: Scogin Forrest , Hamblin David , Beutler Larry
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a measure of dysfunctional thinking when used with depressed and nondepressed older adults. Demographically similar groups of depressed and nondepressed elders completed the Cognitive Error Questionnaire (CEQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Scores from the questionnaire were submitted to factor analyses, and split-half reliabilities were calculated. The factor analyses indicated that one factor explained most of the variance, suggesting that the questionnaire measures general dysfunctional thinking in older adults. Collapsed scores reliably separated depressed and nondepressed elders, and the questionnaire evidenced high internal reliability. However, scores were nonsignificantly correlated with Beck Depression scores, which may reflect an instrument weakness or indicate age-related changes in the role of dysfunctional thinking. Directions for research are discussed.
Family Environments of Continuing and Noncontinuing College Students
Authors: Searight H. Russell , Openlander Patrick
Published: September 2011

The Family Environment Scale was administered to 46 currently enrolled undergraduate college students and 20 students who withdrew from the university. A significant effect was found for the independence sub-scale on which the noncontinuing students scored lower. Means and standard deviations for both groups are provided.
Specific and Diversive Curiosity in Students in Special Education Classes
Authors: Beer John
Published: September 2011

Two tests of curiosity, designed for mentally retarded or nonverbal individuals, were given to 40 children selected from classes for gifted, learning disabilities, personal and social adjustment, and mentally retarded children in a small rural school system in the midwest. Each subject was administered four trials with the Maze Test, a measure of diversive curiosity (a state induced by conditions of changelessness, repetition, and monotony) and one trial with the Which-to-discuss Test, a measure of specific curiosity (a state induced by conditions and stimuli high in complexity, incongruity, or novelty). The gifted group performed significantly higher on the Which-to-discuss Test than the other three groups, and the mentally retarded performed significantly lower on the Maze Test than the other three groups.
Factors Affecting Altruism: Sex, Urgency, and Time of Day
Authors: Gentile Maria , Naughton Ann Marie , Kayson Wesley A.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of sex, urgency, and time of day on altruism among 160 subjects who were telephoned by a male or a female either early or late at night and told that the caller had reached a wrong number. The caller went on to explain that he was stuck on a parkway and had either no more money or no more change and asked the person reached to call another number for assistance. Women and people who had no mote money were helped most quickly. The implications for the study of altruism as well as research on sex differences were discussed.
Reliability of a Multidimensional Locus of Control Construct for Older Adults Anticipating Transitions in Careers
Authors: Prichard Karen K. , Brown Beverly M. , Kelly Francis J.
Published: September 2011

Reid and Ware in 1974 provided data on college-age adults which suggested that Rotter's locus of control paradigm might be better represented as a multidimensional construct. Using a varimax rotation, Reid and Ware reported a three-factor solution was parsimonious and tended to support a multidimensional model. The three factors were labeled Self-control, Social Systems Control, and Fatalism. In light of Super's 1983 view that the first stage of planning a career includes a component of autonomy or locus of control, Reid and Ware's multidimensional scale might prove useful for older adults undergoing transition in their careers. Since Reid and Ware's college undergraduates represented those in early career development, the present study was conducted with older adult individuals contemplating changes in career to determine the efficacy of the three-factor solution. Only two items did not coincide with Reid and Ware's factor structure. Implications for the application of a multidimensional locus of control scale to career-planning were discussed.
An Informal Look at Farm Stress
Authors: Walker James L. , Walker Lilly Schubert , MacLennan Patricia M.
Published: September 2011

As a preliminary part of research to develop a scale of farm stress, interviews were conducted and information collected from 140 Manitoba farmers. The results suggest that farmers are experiencing chronically high stress intensified by perceptions of lack of control over the major stressors of government policy, weather, and market conditions. Evidence for numerous stress symptoms was noted. A consistent difference in types of stressors identified by farm men and women was observed, and the implications of these findings for stress-management programs with farm families ate discussed.
Treatment of a Demented Patient's Anger with Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies
Authors: Wisner Edward , Green Mack
Published: September 2011

The effect of cognitive-behavioral strategies in treatment of a demented patient's anger was studied. Ratings from a 10-point Likert-type scale were used to quantify the patient's outbursts of anger during a 2-wk. baseline period and a 6-wk. treatment. At a 3-mo. follow-up the number of outbursts of anger was noted by nursing staff on the patient's chart. The combination of interventions seemed effective in controlling outbursts.
Some Negative Barriers to Effective Counseling and Guidance in Turkish Schools
Authors: Kepceoglu Muharrem
Published: September 2011

Some negative barriers apparent in school counseling and guidance practices in Turkey are mentioned. First, a general list of negative barriers in the schools was compiled from principals, counselors, and teachers; then the perceptions of the negative barriers by these groups were compared. Finally, some actions or remedies are suggested.
Brief Note on Latent Content in Suicide Notes
Authors: Leenaars Antoon A.
Published: September 2011

Unconscious psychodynamic forces have been frequently observed in suicide notes. This article marks an attempt to study the phenomenon systematically. Independent professional judges who had a year earlier scored two samples of suicide notes were asked to rescore these same notes for the presence or absence of unconscious implications. Significant test-retest reliability was observed; however, no agreement about “what these latent forces might be” was noted. This major problem indicates the strong need to develop valid, empirical methods for this area of investigation.
Long-Term Weight Regulation Changes in Rats following Repeated Protamine Zinc Insulin Injections Given during the Juvenile Period
Authors: Coleman Warren R. , Philhour David B. , Norman Joyce L.
Published: September 2011

The long-term consequences of early insulin-induced obesity were investigated in two experiments: the first involving 45 female rats and the second 55 males. There was, in both experiments, a prolonged suppression of weight gain following the termination of injections in insulin treated rats. Experimental rats defended this lower body weight even when placed on a high-fat, sweetened diet. In Exp. 2 measures of food and water, intake obesity as measured by the Lee Index, and energy efficiency were taken. Insulin-treated rats consumed a greater number of kcals during injections but fewer than controls during the 14-day resting phase and the 28-day dietary manipulation. The insulin group was more obese than the control group at the end of injections but between-group differences were lost following the resting phase and the dietary manipulation. During injections, experimental rats and controls were approximately equal in their energy efficiency, but insulin-treated rats were significantly less efficient during the second and third phases of experimentation. The results were discussed in terms of hypothesized effects of insulin injections on diet-induced thermogenesis.
Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Self-Esteem in Women
Authors: Callahan Stacey D. , Kidd Aline H.
Published: September 2011

Research shows that women both focus on the social aspects of jobs and rate their self-esteem on social factors, so it was hypothesized that women scoring high on a job-satisfaction questionnaire would score significantly higher on those scales of the Adjective Check List which are relevant to self-esteem than women scoring low in job-satisfaction. The results supported the hypothesis. Job-satisfied women were achievement-oriented, cooperative, tactful, social, self-confident, and comfortable with sex-appropriate roles. Job-unsatisfied women were self-critical, suffered from inferiority feelings, and displayed maladaptive tendencies. Further research was suggested.
Effect of Appointed Leadership on Conformity
Authors: Huertas Salley Cullinane , Powell Larry
Published: September 2011

This study examined differences among participants in group discussions with appointed leaders or no designated leaders. Analysis indicated that, regardless of condition, there was a positive correlation between number of conforming statements and Wanted Control, Expressed Control, Wanted Affection, and Expressed Affection. Members of groups with appointed leaders made more conforming statements than members of groups with no designated leader. The results are interpreted in terms of ingratiation as a strategy for emergence of leadership.
Detecting Subgroups in Survey Research
Authors: Davis Todd McLin
Published: September 2011

A problem often not detected in the interpretation of survey research is the potential interaction between subgroups within the sample and aspects of the survey. Potentially interesting interactions are commonly obscured when data are analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistical procedures. This paper suggests the use of cluster analysis as a tool for interpretation of data, particularly when such data take the form of coded categories. An example of the analysis of two data sets with known properties, one random and the other contrived, is presented to illustrate the application of cluster procedures to survey research data.
Self-Report Measures of Depression in College Students
Authors: Brannan Julie R. , Pignatiello Michael F. , Camp Cameron J.
Published: September 2011

168 college students at two different universities completed the Geriatric Depression Scale and a short form of the Depression Adjective Checklist. There was a significant positive correlation of .67 between scores on the two tests, suggesting that the short form can be used efficiently in research.
A Test of Situational Engineering for Training Leaders
Authors: Frost Dean E.
Published: September 2011

A leadership development program was conducted with a sample of 96 leaders to investigate the contributions of the Contingency Model's assumptions in determining leadership effectiveness. Subjects received one of three treatments: A training program based on the Contingency Model (i.e., the Leader Match program of Fiedler, Chemers, and Mahar), a training program similar to Leader Match but omitting any discussion of leadership style, and a no-training control group. Leaders receiving Leader Match showed evidence of using its Situational Engineering techniques for making changes in the leadership context, but no significant improvement in performance ratings was found. It is suggested that Situational Engineering techniques be considered only for those trainees who have the opportunity to best make use of them and that new or inexperienced leaders may benefit the most from this type of training.
Internal Power and Individuality
Authors: Burke Elizabeth , Gottesfeld Harry
Published: September 2011

Undergraduate students (10 men and 30 women, aged 19 to 51 yr.) were given Rotter's Internal-External Scale and an identity and goals test. Their responses to the identity and goals tests were examined for individuality of response. Individuality was related to internal power.
Causal Attributions, Real Life-Events and Personality Characteristics: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sanderman Robbert
Published: September 2011

The learned-helplessness model has been given much attention recently. In this article some issues are briefly reviewed, the main purpose of this study was, however, to determine the relationship between causal attributions and personality characteristics, symptoms and feelings of well-being. Although causal attribution style is considered a trait-like concept, this can not be substantiated by the results of the current study. It is concluded that a refinement of the learned-helplessness model and its assessment methods is necessary to test the role of causal attributions in psychological functioning more adequately.
Attitudes toward Aids, Herpes II, and Toxic Shock Syndrome: Two Years Later
Authors: Simkins Lawrence , Kushner Aleen
Published: September 2011

Within the past two years there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases of AIDS. There has also been a corresponding increase in attention in the media specifically to AIDS and more generally to sexually transmitted diseases and other health-related issues. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there have now been any corresponding changes in attitudes toward diseases such as AIDS, Herpes II, and toxic shock syndrome and if any of these diseases has affected sexual activity. We were also interested in determining the relationship between homophobia and the extent of concern about these diseases. Our results suggest little change either in attitudes or in sexual behavior for the majority of our respondents. Men, particularly homosexuals, continue to be the most concerned about AIDS. Such concern affected the sexual activity of homosexual men more than that of heterosexual men and women. A low but significant correlation between homophobic attitudes and concern about AIDS and herpes was obtained. Women continue to have more concern about toxic shock syndrome than either AIDS or herpes.
Age-Specific Alcohol Prohibition and College Students' Drinking Problems
Authors: Engs Ruth C. , Hanson David J.
Published: September 2011

Of 4,266 students at 72 USA colleges in 1984–1985, characteristics of subsamples of students from states that had a minimum drinking age of 21 yr. ( N = 1,328) and from those that had a minimum age below 21 yr. ( N = 1,292) were analyzed. The results suggest few differences in drinking problems between students from the two categories of states; however, these few differences favor states with higher drinking ages.
Machiavellianism across Sexes: An Examination of Marketing Professionals
Authors: Burnett John J. , Hunt Shelby D. , Chonko Lawrence B.
Published: September 2011

The Mach IV scale was administered to 1,076 marketing practitioners. Analysis indicated that, contrary to past findings, women were significantly more Machiavellian than men, with respect to various levels of education, income, age. Compared with male marketing practitioners, women were higher on the Machiavellianism scale, perhaps by “self-selection”.
Expert Perspectives on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Australia
Authors: Morgan Emily H. , Worsley Tony
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

To examine food system experts' explanations for the consistently low level of fruit and vegetable consumption in Australia and what can be done to increase it.

Design.

A qualitative survey of food system experts.

Setting.

The survey was administered online to experts across Australia between August and November 2008 using SurveyMonkey.com .

Subjects.

Key informants (N = 332) in sectors ranging from farming through food waste disposal; 122 usable responses were analyzed.

Measures.

Opinions about fruit and vegetable consumption were collected through open-ended questions. Respondent background information was also collected.

Analysis.

Identification of key themes via qualitative analysis.

Results.

Many reasons for inadequate consumption were suggested, most of which related to inadequacies in the supply of fruit and vegetables. However, the most commonly cited solutions focused on increasing consumer demand.

Conclusion.

The incongruence between reasons for inadequate consumption and proposed solutions presents a challenge and suggests a need to shift policy priorities towards improving the supply of fruit and vegetables. Several well-coordinated approaches between the various sectors are needed to maximize outcomes. They include some outside the scope of traditional health promotion efforts.
A Systematic Examination of Smoke-Free Policies in Multiunit Dwellings in Virginia as Reported by Property Managers: Implications for Prevention
Authors: Jackson Shelly L. , Bonnie Richard J.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

In most states, smoking has been curtailed to some extent in public buildings, workplaces, and restaurants. The next frontier for smoke-free policies is the multiunit dwelling industry. However, the extent to which smoke-free housing currently is available is unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure the market for smoke-free housing in Virginia and to identify barriers to adopting smoke-free policies.

Design.

Telephone interviews were conducted with property managers of rental apartments, townhouses, senior housing, and public housing in four Virginia cities.

Setting.

Four cities in Virginia.

Subjects.

Two hundred sixty-three property managers in four cities in Virginia (approximately 75 property managers per city).

Measures.

Property managers were administered a brief telephone survey.

Results.

Only 33.8% of property managers reported some type of smoke-free policy, with only 15% of those policies prohibiting smoking in residential units. Most property managers without a smoke-free policy were not considering adopting such a policy for a variety of reasons.

Conclusion.

The availability of smoke-free multiunit dwellings is severely lacking. This study identified a number of science-based and legal misperceptions that may prevent the adoption of smoke-free policies. Correction of these misperceptions is warranted to increase the availability of smoke-free housing. Such policies will be useful in creating environments that support good health practices while simultaneously protecting tenants from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Step it UP: A Multicomponent Intervention to Increase Stair Use in a University Residence Building
Authors: Howie Erin Kaye , Young Deborah Rohm
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

Examine the effects of a multicomponent intervention on stair usage.

Design.

Nonrandomized controlled intervention.

Setting.

Two multistory university dormitories.

Subjects.

Total of 5711 direct observations of university dormitory residents.

Intervention.

The 2-week “Step It UP” intervention used poster prompts and fun/competitive challenges with incentives to encourage residents to take the stairs instead of the elevators.

Measures.

Ascending stair and elevator use was directly observed and coded for gender at high traffic times in intervention and control dormitories for 14 nonconsecutive hours over 1 week each at baseline, midintervention, and 1 week postintervention.

Analysis.

The proportions of ascending stair and elevator users were compared using χ2 analyses.

Results.

Baseline stair use was equal between intervention and control dormitories (24.9% and 27.8%, respectively; χ2[1, N = 1849] = .08; p = .77). Stair use significantly increased from baseline in the intervention dormitory to 33.24% (χ2[1, N = 2192] = 18.44; p < .001) compared with no change in the control. Stair use returned to baseline in the intervention dormitory at postintervention (25.4%; χ2[1, N = 2297] = .08; p = .78). There were no significant differences between genders.

Conclusion.

This multicomponent, short-duration intervention significantly increased stair usage in a university dormitory relative to the control but was unable to sustain the increase when prompts were removed. Campaigns to sustain stair use are needed. Formative assessment is required to determine what combinations of components may yield the most cost-effective approach for future interventions.
Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Screening: Misconceptions Undermine Adherence
Authors: Panagopoulou Efharis , Giata Ourania , Montgomery Anthony , Dinas Kostantinos , Benos Alexis
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

Prophylactic vaccination programs in conjunction with cervical screening can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide. This study tested the hypothesis that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can adversely affect adherence to cervical screening if the public develops the misconception that the HPV vaccination has removed the need for screening.

Design.

A postal survey using a stratified random sample was employed.

Participants.

Overall, 500 medical students and 500 nonmedical students of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki were invited to participate. The response rate was 82%.

Measures.

A questionnaire was developed assessing demographic characteristics, adherence to cervical screening, and awareness and attitudes toward HPV.

Analysis.

Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of HPV awareness and attitudes towards HPV vaccination on adherence to Papanicolaou screening, controlling for place of origin and mother's screening behavior.

Results.

Students who believed that vaccination against HPV obviated the need for a Papanicolaou test were two times less likely to adhere to cervical screening (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.57; p = .0004). The effect was stronger in the nonmedical subgroup (adjusted odds ratio, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.85–5.160; p = .0003).

Conclusion.

Findings highlight that misconceptions can adversely affect preventive behaviors and reduce the probability of an early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Associations between Natural Amenities, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index in 100 North Carolina Counties
Authors: Jilcott Stephanie B. , Moore Justin B. , Shores Kindal A. , Imai Satomi , McGranahan David A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

To examine associations between county-level natural amenities, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI).

Design and Setting.

Cross-sectional study among 100 North Carolina counties.

Measures.

We obtained percentage of county residents meeting PA criteria and county-wide means for reported height and weight from the North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, combining years 2003, 2005, and 2007. The county natural amenities scale was the independent variable. Potential county-level covariates were percentage rural, percentage black, median age, and median household income (Census 2000).

Analysis.

We conducted weighted bivariate and linear regression analyses to examine relationships between natural amenities, aggregate PA, and aggregate BMI.

Results.

BMI and natural amenities were negatively associated (parameter estimate = –.13 (.06), p = .03). When percentage meeting PA criteria was included, the parameter estimate attenuated 15%.

Conclusion.

There was an inverse relationship between natural amenities and BMI, partially mediated by PA.
The Effects of Commuter Pedestrian Traffic on the Use of Stairs in an Urban Setting
Authors: Andersen Ross E. , Bauman Adrian E.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

Most public health physical activity guidelines now encourage people to look for opportunities to accumulate physical activity throughout the day. Climbing stairs in lieu of riding escalators is a prime opportunity to make healthier choices that promote active living. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of pedestrian commuter traffic on choices to ride an escalator, walk up an escalator, or walk up adjacent stairs in a busy urban subway station at rush hour.

Design.

A total of 9766 commuters were observed by two recorders for a 2.5-hour period during the morning rush hour over 8 weeks as to whether the commuters walked up stairs or rode an adjacent escalator in a subway station. The number of observations per 5-minute block was recorded, and an index of commuter traffic was computed. Demographic information and use of escalators/stairs were also recorded.

Setting.

An urban subway station with a two-flight staircase adjacent to an escalator.

Participants.

Adult commuters travelling to work during the morning rush hour.

Measures.

Physical activity choices were examined in relation to commuter traffic. Demographic information, such as age, race, and weight status, were also considered.

Analysis.

A χ2 analysis was used to examine differences in proportions across variables of interest. Means were compared by using multivariate analysis of variance, and confidence intervals were computed.

Results.

During the least-heavy commuter traffic period, only 11.2% of commuters chose to walk up the stairs, whereas significantly more did so during moderate 18.7% and high 20.8% commuter traffic periods (χ2 = 61.8, p < .001). During low-traffic times, significantly more commuters (21.4%) walked up the escalators compared with moderate-traffic (18.0%) or high-traffic (18.3%) periods. African-American commuters passively rode the escalator more (68.2%) than white commuters (56.7%), and their patterns were less affected by commuter traffic (p < .05).

Conclusion.

Congestion in public places can have a significant effect on opportunities for choosing active versus passive options in moving through public places. Urban planners should consider this when designing facilities in busy locations.
Changes in Physician Costs among High-Cost Transcendental Meditation Practitioners Compared with High-Cost Nonpractitioners over 5 Years
Authors: Herron Robert E.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

To determine whether the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique can affect the physician costs of consistently high-cost people.

Design.

Quasi-experimental, longitudinal, cost-minimization evaluation. This 14-year, preintervention-postintervention study retrospectively assessed government payments to physicians for treating the TM and no-treatment (NT) groups.

Setting.

Province of Quebec, Canada.

Participants.

The highest-spending 10% of 1418 Quebec health insurance enrollees who practiced the TM technique were compared with the highest 10% of 1418 subjects who were randomly selected from enrollees of the same age, sex, and region. TM participants had chosen to begin the technique prior to choosing to enter the study.

Measures.

Annual payments to private physicians in all treatment settings. The Quebec government health insurance agency provided the total physician payments for each of the 2836 subjects from 1981 to 1994. Other medical expense data for individuals were unavailable. Data were adjusted for medical cost inflation.

Analysis.

For each subject, least-squares regression slopes were calculated to estimate preintervention and postintervention annual rates of change in payments. The groups' means, slopes, and medians were compared using both parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results.

Before starting meditation, the yearly rate of increase in payments to physicians between groups was not significantly different. After commencing meditation, the TM group's mean payments declined $44.93 annually (p = .004), whereas the NT comparison group's payments exhibited nonsignificant changes. After 1 year, the TM group decreased 11%, and after 5 years their cumulative reduction was 28% (p = .001).

Conclusions.

The results suggest the intervention may be an effective method for reducing physician costs. Randomized studies are recommended.
The SmokingPaST Framework: Illustrating the Impact of Quit Attempts, Quit Methods, and New Smokers on Smoking Prevalence, Years of Life Saved, Medical Costs Saved, Programming Costs, Cost Effectiveness, and Return on Investment
Authors: O'Donnell Michael P. , Roizen Michael F.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

Describe the specifications of the Smoking Prevalence, Savings, and Treatment (SmokingPaST) Framework and show how it can illustrate the impact of quit attempts, quit method, number of new smokers, smoking rates of immigrants and emigrants, and death rates of smokers and nonsmokers on future smoking prevalence rates, program costs, years of life saved, medical costs saved, cost effectiveness of programs, and return on investment (ROI).

Framework Specifications.

Mathematical relationships among factors in SmokingPaST are described. Input variables include baseline smoking rates among current adults, new adults, immigrants, and emigrants; population counts for these groups; annual quit attempts; and distribution of quit methods. Assumption variables include success rate by quit method, death rates of smokers and nonsmokers, annual medical costs of smoking, costs per person for four tobacco treatment methods, age distribution of quitters, and distribution of medical cost funding by source. Output variables include year-end adult smoking rates, successful quitters, years of life saved by quitting, medical costs saved by quitting and by not hiring smokers, total costs of smoking treatment programs, cost per quitter, cost per life-year saved, distribution of medical cost savings from quitting, and ROI of treatment costs.

Applications.

The Framework was applied at the employer, county, state, and national levels.

Conclusions.

The SmokingPaST Framework provides a conceptually simple framework that can be applied to any population. It illustrates that significant drops in smoking rates can be achieved and significant savings in medical costs can be captured by employers as well as state and federal governments through tobacco treatment and prevention programs. Savings are especially important for reducing state and federal government deficits and enhancing job competitiveness.
Antecedents of End-User Satisfaction with an ERP System in a Transnational Bank
Authors: Roses Luís Kalb
Published: September 2011

The main objective of this study is to identify the antecedents of end-user satisfaction with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, in the context of a transnational Bank. The Information System (IS) success theory is applied for the end-user computing satisfaction (EUCS) assessment. Quantitative data is analyzed through multivariate statistical techniques whereas qualitative data is analyzed through content analysis technique. The results indicate that the EUCS model is pertinent to the context of ERP systems for a fast data collection and overall perception of user satisfaction; nevertheless it is suggested the continuity of its evaluation in other research contexts and additional categories should be considered as antecedents to IS enduser satisfaction.
Application de la Veille Anticipative Strategique Pour le Suivi de L’environment ET la Production de Connaissances Actionables
Authors: Janissek-Muniz Raquel , Becker Fábio Dídimo , Lesca Humbert , Freitas Henrique
Published: September 2011

Cet article propose un usage innovant de la méthode L.E.SCAnning® pour le suivi de l’environnent. Avec une étude de cas, conduite dans une entreprise brésilienne, ayant comme domaine d’application l'évaluation des actions disponibles sur le marché, nous avons cherché à interpréter de futurs scénarios. La méthodologie est basée sur la recherche qualitative exploratoire, en utilisant des informations collectées. Les informations ont été organisées par cible puis regroupées par affinité (Méthode Puzzle). Ce travail cherche à démontrer que, en appliquant la méthode sur le marché d'actions, il est possible de produire des connaissances actionnables, et de construire, voire anticiper, des représentations futures
Elemental composition and oxidation of chamber organic aerosol
Authors: Chhabra P. S. , Ng N. L. , Canagaratna M. R. , Corrigan A. L. , Russell L. M. , Worsnop D. R. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Recently, graphical representations of aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) spectra and elemental composition have been developed to explain the oxidative and aging processes of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). It has been shown previously that oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) components from ambient and laboratory data fall within a triangular region in the f44 vs. f43 space, where f44 and f43 are the ratios of the organic signal at m/z 44 and 43 to the total organic signal in AMS spectra, respectively; we refer to this graphical representation as the "triangle plot." Alternatively, the Van Krevelen diagram has been used to describe the evolution of functional groups in SOA. In this study we investigate the variability of SOA formed in chamber experiments from twelve different precursors in both "triangle plot" and Van Krevelen domains. Spectral and elemental data from the high-resolution Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer are compared to offline species identification analysis and FTIR filter analysis to better understand the changes in functional and elemental composition inherent in SOA formation and aging. We find that SOA formed under high- and low-NOx conditions occupy similar areas in the "triangle plot" and Van Krevelen diagram and that SOA generated from already oxidized precursors allows for the exploration of areas higher on the "triangle plot" not easily accessible with non-oxidized precursors. As SOA ages, it migrates toward the top of the triangle along a path largely dependent on the precursor identity, which suggests increasing organic acid content and decreasing mass spectral variability. The most oxidized SOA come from the photooxidation of methoxyphenol precursors which yielded SOA O/C ratios near unity. α-pinene ozonolysis and naphthalene photooxidation SOA systems have had the highest degree of mass closure in previous chemical characterization studies and also show the best agreement between AMS elemental composition measurements and elemental composition of identified species within the uncertainty of the AMS elemental analysis. In general, compared to their respective unsaturated SOA precursors, the elemental composition of chamber SOA follows a slope shallower than −1 on the Van Krevelen diagram, which is indicative of oxidation of the precursor without substantial losss of hydrogen, likely due to the unsaturated nature of the precursors. From the spectra of SOA studied here, we are able to reproduce the triangular region originally constructed with ambient OOA compents with chamber aerosol showing that SOA becomes more chemically similar as it ages. Ambient data in the middle of the triangle represent the ensemble average of many different SOA precursors, ages, and oxidative processes.
Photochemical modeling of glyoxal at a rural site: observations and analysis from BEARPEX 2007
Authors: Huisman A. J. , Hottle J. R. , Galloway M. M. , DiGangi J. P. , Coens K. L. , Choi W. , Faloona I. C. , Gilman J. B. , Kuster W. C. , de Gouw J. , Bouvier-Brown N. C. , Goldstein A. H. , LaFranchi B. W. , Cohen R. C. , Wolfe G. M. , Thornton J. A. , Docherty K. S. , Farmer D. K. , Cubison M. J. , Jimenez J. L. , Mao J. , Brune W. H. , Keutsch F. N.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. We present roughly one month of high time-resolution, direct, in situ measurements of gas-phase glyoxal acquired during the BEARPEX 2007 field campaign. The research site, located on a ponderosa pine plantation in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is strongly influenced by biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs); thus this data adds to the few existing measurements of glyoxal in BVOC-dominated areas. The short lifetime of glyoxal of ~1 h, the fact that glyoxal mixing ratios are much higher during high temperature periods, and the results of a photochemical model demonstrate that glyoxal is strongly influenced by BVOC precursors during high temperature periods. A zero-dimensional box model using near-explicit chemistry from the Leeds Master Chemical Mechanism v3.1 was used to investigate the processes controlling glyoxal chemistry during BEARPEX 2007. The model showed that MBO is the most important glyoxal precursor (~67 %), followed by isoprene (~26 %) and methylchavicol (~6 %), a precursor previously not commonly considered for glyoxal production. The model calculated a noon lifetime for glyoxal of ~0.9 h, making glyoxal well suited as a local tracer of VOC oxidation in a forested rural environment; however, the modeled glyoxal mixing ratios over-predicted measured glyoxal by a factor 2 to 5. Loss of glyoxal to aerosol was not found to be significant, likely as a result of the very dry conditions, and could not explain the over-prediction. Although several parameters, such as an approximation for advection, were found to improve the model measurement discrepancy, reduction in OH was by far the most effective. Reducing model OH concentrations to half the measured values decreased the glyoxal over-prediction from a factor of 2.4 to 1.1, as well as the overprediction of HO2 from a factor of 1.64 to 1.14. Our analysis has shown that glyoxal is particularly sensitive to OH concentration compared to other BVOC oxidation products. This relationship arises from (i) the predominantly secondary- or higher-generation production of glyoxal from (mainly OH-driven, rather than O3-driven) BVOC oxidation at this site and (ii) the relative importance of photolysis in glyoxal loss as compared to reaction with OH. We propose that glyoxal is a useful tracer for OH-driven BVOC oxidation chemistry.
Spectral dependence of aerosol light absorption over the Amazon Basin
Authors: Rizzo L. V. , Correia A. L. , Artaxo P. , Procópio A. S. , Andreae M. O.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. In this study, we examine the spectral dependence of aerosol absorption at different sites and seasons in the Amazon Basin. The analysis is based on measurements performed during three intensive field experiments at a pasture site (Fazenda Nossa Senhora, Rondônia) and at a primary forest site (Cuieiras Reserve, Amazonas), from 1999 to 2004. Aerosol absorption spectra were measured using two Aethalometers: a 7-wavelength Aethalometer (AE30) that covers the visible (VIS) to near-infrared (NIR) spectral range, and a 2-wavelength Aethalometer (AE20) that measures absorption in the UV and in the NIR. As a consequence of biomass burning emissions, about 10 times greater absorption values were observed in the dry season in comparison to the wet season. Power law expressions were fitted to the measurements in order to derive the absorption Ångström exponent, defined as the negative slope of absorption versus wavelength in a log-log plot. At the pasture site, about 70 % of the absorption Ångström exponents fell between 1.5 and 2.5 during the dry season, indicating that biomass burning aerosols have a stronger spectral dependence than soot carbon particles. Ångström exponents decreased from the dry to the wet season, in agreement with the shift from biomass burning aerosols, predominant in the fine mode, to biogenic and dust aerosols, predominant in the coarse mode. The lowest absorption Ångström exponents (90 % of data below 1.5) were observed at the forest site during the dry season. Also, results indicate that low absorption coefficients were associated with low Ångström exponents. This finding suggests that biogenic aerosols from Amazonia have a weaker spectral dependence for absorption than biomass burning aerosols, contradicting our expectations of biogenic particles behaving as brown carbon. In a first order assessment, results indicate a small (<1 %) effect of variations in absorption Ångström exponents on 24-h aerosol forcings, at least in the spectral range of 450–880 nm. Further studies should be taken to assess the corresponding impact in the UV spectral range. The assumption that soot spectral properties represent all ambient light absorbing particles may cause a misjudgment of absorption towards the UV, especially in remote areas. Therefore, it is recommended to measure aerosol absorption at several wavelengths to accurately assess the impact of non-soot aerosols on climate and on photochemical atmospheric processes.
Opportunistic validation of sulfur dioxide in the Sarychev Peak volcanic eruption cloud
Authors: Carn S. A. , Lopez T. M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. We report attempted validation of Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) sulfur dioxide (SO2) retrievals in the stratospheric volcanic cloud from Sarychev Peak (Kurile Islands) in June 2009, through opportunistic deployment of a ground-based ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer (FLYSPEC) as the volcanic cloud drifted over central Alaska. The volcanic cloud altitude (~12–14 km) was constrained using coincident CALIPSO lidar observations. By invoking some assumptions about the spatial distribution of SO2, we derive averages of FLYSPEC vertical SO2 columns for comparison with OMI SO2 measurements. Despite limited data, we find minimum OMI-FLYSPEC differences within measurement uncertainties, which support the validity of the operational OMI SO2 algorithm. However, our analysis also highlights the challenges involved in comparing datasets representing markedly different spatial and temporal scales. This effort represents the first attempt to validate SO2 in a stratospheric volcanic cloud using a mobile ground-based instrument, and demonstrates the need for a network of rapidly deployable instruments for validation of space-based volcanic SO2 measurements.