Showing papers by "Bridgewater State University published in 2007"

Where Women Run: Gender and Party in the American States

Abstract: Where Women Run: Gender and Party in the American States. By Kira Sanbonmatsu. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2006. 264p. $70.00 cloth, $24.95 paper. In recent years, scholarship in the subfield of women and politics has met with a puzzling trend. The percentage of women in state legislatures, once steadily growing, has leveled off and even decreased in recent years. It is from this puzzle that Kira Sanbonmatsu's book begins: Why is the growth of women's representation in the state legislatures slowing down, and what do political parties have to do with it? Sanbonmatsu's argument is thoughtful, detailed and compelling, and she generates a bounty of information for scholars of women and politics, state politics, and political parties.

Phyllostomid Bats of Lowland Amazonia: Effects of Habitat Alteration on Abundance

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation and conversion are among the human activities that pose the greatest threat to species persistence and conservation of biodiversity. This is particularly true in the Neotropics, where bats represent important components of biodiversity from taxonomic and functional perspectives, and provide critical ecosystem services (e.g., seed dispersal and pollination). We assessed the degree to which conversion of lowland Amazonian rain forest to agriculture, and its subsequent abandonment and secondary succession, affect the abundances of populations of phyllostomid bats in the vicinity of Iquitos, Per´ u. During 90,720 net-m-h of sampling, we captured 3789 bats of five families; of these 3764 were phyllostomids representing 44 species, 23 genera, and three feeding guilds. We focus on the 24 most abundant species of phyllostomids. In terms of abundance, frugivores dominated assemblages in all habitat types and seasons. Eight species consistently responded to habitat conversion, two species consistently responded to season, two species responded consistently to both habitat and season, and five species responded to habitat conversion in a season-specific manner. Frugivores and nectarivores were abundant in areas that had been converted to agriculture, which suggests that these bats are resilient to extant levels of disturbance and may be important in promoting secondary succession. However, this result may be scale- or context-dependent. If habitat conversion continues and dramatically reduces the areal extent and increases fragmentation of mature forest, then a complex metacommunity dynamic may characterize the region and source populations of bats may become threatened or extirpated locally.

Effects of large-scale disturbance on metacommunity structure of terrestrial gastropods: temporal trends in nestedness

Abstract: Distributions of species often exhibit nested structure, such that assemblages at species-poor sites are proper subsets of taxa at more species-rich sites. Traditionally, this has been viewed as a large-scale biogeographic pattern and treated implicitly as static from a temporal perspective. Nonetheless, recent work suggests that nestedness may arise at multiple spatio-temporal scales. A 13-year data set encompassing the effects of two largescale natural disturbances (hurricanes Hugo and Georges) on terrestrial gastropod assemblages was used to test the hypothesis that changes in species composition resulting from disturbance alter the degree of nestedness exhibited over time at two spatial scales. Gastropod assemblages were least nested immediately following disturbance, and nestedness increased thereafter. Although land-use history influenced the degree of nestedness, trajectories of nestedness following disturbance were similar irrespective of disturbance history or hurricane identity. The effects of hurricanes with respect to nestedness of terrestrial gastropods may be general and predictable, even though species respond to hurricanes in disparate fashions. By damaging some localities within the forest more severely than others, a hurricane dismantles extant patterns of species composition and severs connections among sites, as inhospitable microclimatic conditions limit dispersal of gastropods. As time passes and the forest canopy regenerates, conditions ameliorate, and movement among sites becomes more frequent. Thus, a conclusion based on a single time period may not characterize the study system in general. Consequently, explanations for nested structure that incorporate variability in ecological as well as evolutionary time will improve the applicability and comparability of nested subsets analysis across study systems.

Cross-Scale Responses of Biodiversity to Hurricane and Anthropogenic Disturbance in a Tropical Forest

Abstract: In studies of biodiversity, considerations of scale—the spatial or temporal domain to which data provide inference—are important because of the non-arithmetic manner in which species richness increases with area (and total abundance) and because fine-scale mechanisms (for example, recruitment, growth, and mortality of species) can interact with broad scale patterns (for example, habitat patch configuration) to influence dynamics in space and time. The key to understanding these dynamics is to consider patterns of environmental heterogeneity, including patterns produced by natural and anthropogenic disturbance. We studied how spatial variation in three aspects of biodiversity of terrestrial gastropods (species richness, species diversity, and nestedness) on the 16-ha Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP) in a tropical forest of Puerto Rico was affected by disturbance caused by Hurricanes Hugo and Georges, as well as by patterns of historic land use. Hurricane-induced changes in spatial organization of species richness differed from those for species diversity. The gamma components of species richness changed after the hurricanes and were significantly different between Hurricanes Hugo and Georges. Alpha and two beta components of species richness, one related to turnover among sites within areas of similar land use and one related to variation among areas of different land use, varied randomly over time after both hurricanes. In contrast, gamma components of species diversity decreased in indistinguishable manners after both hurricanes, whereas the rates of change in the alpha component of species diversity differed between hurricanes. Beta components of diversity related to turnover among sites declined after both hurricanes in a consistent fashion. Those related to turnover among areas with different historic land uses varied stochastically. The immediate effect of hurricanes was to reduce nestedness of gastropod assemblages. Thereafter, nestedness increased during post-hurricane secondary succession, and did so in the same way, regardless of patterns of historic land use. The rates of change in degree of nestedness during secondary succession were different after each hurricane as a result of differences in the severity and extent of the hurricane-induced damage. Our analyses quantified temporal changes in the spatial organization of biodiversity of gastropod assemblages during forest recovery from hurricane-induced damage in areas that had experienced different patterns of historic human land use, and documented the dependence of biodiversity on spatial scale. We hypothesize that cross-scale interactions, likely those between the local demographics of species at the fine scale and the landscape configuration of patches at the broad scale, play a dominant role in affecting critical transfer processes, such as dispersal, and its interrelationship with aspects of biodiversity. Cross-scale interactions have significant implications for the conservation of biodiversity, as the greatest threats to biodiversity arise from habitat modification and fragmentation associated with disturbance arising from human activities.

An existential‐phenomenological framework for understanding leadership development experiences

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for better understanding leadership development experiences by melding the existential‐phenomenological (E‐P) perspective with the leadership literatureDesign/methodology/approach – This study used questionnaires to elicit leadership development experiences A sample of US Army officers provided 117 unique experiences Various computational methods were used to empirically determine the essential elements and structure of these experiencesFindings – The results provide support for the proposition that beneficial experiences were rated higher than non‐beneficial experiences on five elements: challenge, self‐efficacy, sociality, relevance, and reflectivity Four of the five elements were represented by two components: an interpersonal component (sociality and relevance), and an intrapersonal component (self‐efficacy and challenge) A fifth element, reflectivity, was related to, but distinct from, both components Reflectivity may bri

Knee-Muscle Activation during Landings: Developmental and Gender Comparisons

Abstract: RUSSELL, P. J., R. V. CROCE, E. E. SWARTZ, and L. C. DECOSTER. Knee-Muscle Activation during Landings: Developmental and Gender Comparisons. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 159-169, 2007. Purpose: This study determined anteroposterior knee-joint muscle activation differences among children and adult males and females landing from a self-initiated vertical jump (VJ) under normal and offset-target conditions to further understand physical maturations influence on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. Methods: Fifty-five recreationally active volunteer subjects grouped by age (children = 9.5 T 0.9 yr; adult = 23.9 T 2.8 yr) and gender (females = 28; males = 27) completed motion analysis, ground reaction force, and surface electromyography (SEMG) data collection during a two-footed landing under straight (midline-target) and offset-target (adult = 45.7 cm; child = 30.5 cm) conditions. Target height was 50% of maximum VJ height. Cocontraction ratios (CCR) (hamstrings (HAMS)/vastus medialis (VM) activity) from normalized SEMG root mean squares were analyzed in the prelanding (PRE) (100 ms before initial contact (IC)), reflexive (REF) (100 ms after IC), and voluntary (VOL) (end of REF to maximum knee flexion) muscle activity phases. Repeated-measures statistical analyses determined significant gender, physical maturation, and target differences (P G 0.05) in CCR and associated HAMS and VM activity across landing phases. Results: A significant interaction (P G 0.0001) indicated similar CCR for children and adults during the REF and VOL phases, but during the PRE phase adult CCR (619.04 + 52.01) were two times greater than childrens (308.32 T 51.04). Significantly more HAMS activity, not less VM activity, increased adult PRE-CCR. Gender and target CCR differences were absent. Conclusions: Childrens decreased preparatory cocontraction about the knee does not seem to be linked to increased ACL injury risk. Thus, adults may strive for preparatory cocontraction levels about the knee that permit adaptability to varied landing tasks. Key Words: ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT, JUMP LANDINGS, ELECTROMYOGRAPHY, COCONTRACTION RATIOS

A monograph of nuphar (nymphaeaceae)1

Abstract: The genus Nuphar (Nymphaeaceae) is described to include 11 species native to fresh waters of the Northern Hemisphere. This assessment utilized morphometric analyses, cladistic analyses, evaluation of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, and seed and pollen fertility estimations. Evolutionary reconstructions position the genus at the base of the family, most closely allied to Barclaya. Comprehensive cladistic analyses of morphological and molecular data have permitted a general phylogenetic interpretation of the genus. Two major evolutionary lineages are evident and recognized taxonomically at the section level. One (sect. Nuphar) includes N. lutea, N. × spenneriana, N. japonica, and N. × saijoensis, with an ultimate branch involving N. pumila and N. microphylla. The other lineage (sect. Astylus) includes N. polysepala, N. × rubrodisca, N. variegata, N. sagittifolia, and N. advena. All studies illustrate high morphological variability and close relationships of species within each section. The biol...

Localized Enhancements of Fe +10 Density in the Corona as Observed in Fe XI 789.2 nm during the 2006 March 29 Total Solar Eclipse

Abstract: The first ever image of the full solar corona in the Fe XI 789.2 nm spectral line was acquired during the total solar eclipse of 2006 March 29. Several striking features stand out in the processed image: (1) The emission extended out to at least 3 R☉ in streamers. (2) A bubble-like structure, occupying a cone of about 45° and reaching out to 1 R☉ above the limb, was observed southward of a bright active region complex close to the limb. (3) Localized intensity enhancements were found in different parts of the corona at heights ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 R☉. (4) Striations extended out to the edge of the field of view above an almost north-south-oriented prominence. Comparison with the corresponding white-light image taken simultaneously during the eclipse showed no evidence for these localized enhancements, and the bubble-like structure and striations, while present, did not stand out in the same manner. The extent of the Fe XI emission is attributed to the dominance of radiative over collisional excitation in the formation of that spectral line. The localized intensity enhancements, observed only in Fe XI and not in white light, are a signature of localized increases in Fe+10 density relative to electron density. These are the first observations to show direct evidence of localized heavy ion density enhancements in the extended corona. They point to the importance of implementing observations of the Fe XI 789.2 nm line with existing or future coronagraphs for the exploration of the physical processes controlling the behavior of heavy ions in different source regions of the solar wind.

The Emerging Academic Discipline of Knowledge Management

Abstract: Although knowledge management (KM) has gained worldwide recognition as an important strategic imperative, its integration into academia has lagged. A review of the literature, as well as an examination of information systems (IS) curriculum models, was performed to determine how KM related courses are being integrated. The analysis revealed that KM is still not considered appropriate as an integral component of the undergraduate IS curriculum; rather it is more prevalent in optional courses or those covering advanced topics, and integrated into the curriculum at the graduate level. The sluggish adoption of KM into mainstream academia is countered by an increasing demand for KM professionals in the marketplace. Examination of several web resources reveals the emergence of new professional categories and job titles related to KM and a growing certification industry. The article also presents a preliminary analysis of KM related doctoral dissertations, written over the last two decades. Findings reveal a steady growth in the number of such dissertations, as well as a widening array of research topics. Data on degree type, nation of origin, and academic discipline are presented along with ideas for future research in this area.

Sustainable development in public administration planning: an exploration of social justice, equity, and citizen inclusion

Abstract: Sustainability development is receiving increased attention in public administration theory and practice. It has been lauded as promoting increased environmental well-being, while also improving the well being of citizens. Can sustainable development principles promote social justice, equality, and citizen participation in public administra tion practice? Will these principles be at odds with economic stabil ity? What are the overall consequences for civil society ? This paper considers these questions by exploring case studies in which the ap plication and practice of environmental sustainability is integrated in public decision making. It discusses the role of sustainable develop ment in public risk management and in promoting social justice through the use of systems approaches, time and place knowledge, and stakeholder participation.

Examining and Predicting Under‐the‐Table Payments for Health Care in Albania: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract: The World Bank and the Albanian Ministry of Health report that the majority of Albanian citizens make illegal, under-the-table payments for health care. Qualitative studies have identified some factors associated with these informal payments, but the problem has not been systematically examined using established theoretical models. The purpose of this study was to examine and predict under-the-table payments using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Self-administered surveys were completed by 222 Albanian citizens. The constructs of the theory explained 34% of the variance in intentions to make under-the-table payments, with attitude toward the behavior making the strongest contribution. Using the TPB to examine the practice of making under-the-table payments has indicated specific areas that can be targeted by policy interventions.

The neuropsychologic deficits of MELAS: evidence of global impairment.

Abstract: Objective To examine the neuropsychologic profile of MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes) and relate it to neuropathologic findings. Background MELAS is one of over 40 mitochondrial disorders. Symptoms include seizures, strokelike episodes, headaches, memory impairment, hemianopsia, hearing loss, short stature, diffuse limb weakness, exercise intolerance, nausea, and vomiting. Age of onset ranges from 2 to 40 years. A hallmark of MELAS is normal development until the first symptoms appear. Method Because information regarding the neuropsychologic functioning of these individuals is sparse, we report findings from detailed neuropsychologic evaluations for a 13-year-old white male and a 33-year-old African-American male with MELAS. Results Results revealed global patterns of deterioration in executive function, attention, language, memory, visuospatial, and motor functioning. In both patients, brain scans revealed posterior pathology in the absence of frontal pathology. Conclusions We compared our findings with other documented cases and concluded that MELAS is characterized by a pattern of global deterioration. This pattern differs from that observed in other mitochondrial disorders. The absence of identifiable frontal lobe pathology despite the presence of deficits in executive functioning may be related to the distribution patterns of deficient mitochondria and neuronal projection patterns.

Just Turn the Darn Thing Off: Understanding Cyberbullying.

Abstract: The central role that the Internet now plays in the life of children has transformed everything about bullying between youth in the First World. Three features characterize cyberbullying: it evolves rapidly, adults differ fundamentally from children in their use of the Internet, and children are comfortable with technology but ignorant about the psychological impact of their online behaviors and the dangers to which they expose themselves and their families. This presentation will review the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center’s innovative and aggressive approach to researching and addressing both bullying and cyberbullying. Just Turn the Darn Thing Off Bullying and aggression in schools in Massachusetts today have reached epidemic proportions (Nansel et al., 2001). While always in existence, bullying behaviors have increased in frequency and in severity in the past few decades (Olweus, 1993). Abusive bullying behaviors begin in elementary school, peak during middle school, and begin to subside as children progress through their high school years (Cohn & Cantor, 2003). Nationwide statistics suggest that somewhere between one in six and one in four students are frequently bullied at school (Nansel et al., 2001). The 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Massachusetts found that 24 percent of Massachusetts teenagers reported being bullied at school in the year before the survey. One-fourth of Massachusetts schools in a December 2006 survey conducted by the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) characterized the bullying in their school as “serious” or “extremely serious” (Englander, 2007). The problem does not seem to be improving. In that same survey, 54 percent of Massachusetts schools indicated that bullying had become more of a problem “in the last few years” (Englander, 2007). One study of Massachusetts schools found that most children who were bullied in the state were victimized for six months or longer (Mullin-Rindler, 2003). The U.S. Department of Education has found that bullying increased 5 percent between 1999 and 2001 (U.S. Department of Education, 2002) and the National Education Association (NEA) has suggested that bullying is a serious problem in U.S. Schools (NEA, 2003). Bullying behaviors are associated with catastrophic violence. In the 2004-2005 school year, 24 school deaths in the U.S. were the results of shootings (National School Safety and Security Services, 2005), and the most common reason students bring weapons to school is protection against bullies (National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, 2002). We now know that the school shooters of the 1990s often reported being the chronic victims of bullies (Cohn & Canter, 2003). In the 1990s, a string of copycat shootings in suburban and rural school districts caused enormous alarm, and, although more recent attacks have been averted, vigilance and fear remain high (Englander, 2001). Bullying has increased online as well as offline. Cyberbullying has emerged as one result of the increasingly online social life in which modern teens and children engage. Teens reported having received threatening messages, having had private emails or messages forwarded without their consent; having had an Just Turn the Darn Thing Off: Understanding Cyberbullying (7503) Proceedings of Persistently Safe Schools: The 2007 National Conference on Safe Schools and Communities 84 embarrassing picture of themselves posted online without their consent; or having had rumors spread about them online (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2007). Because online teenage life is ever-present among First World teenagers, cyberbullying may become – or may already be – the dominant form of bullying behavior among children. Is cyberbullying more common than schoolyard bullying? A recent telephone study of 886 U.S. Internet users age 12 to 17 (conducted October to November, 2006) found that one-third (32 percent) of all teenagers who use the Internet say they have been targeted for cyberbullying online (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2007). Another 2006 survey of 18and 19-year old college freshman (conducted by the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) at Bridgewater State College) found that 40 percent reported having been “harassed, bullied, stalked, or threatened via instant messaging” (Englander, 2006). One-fifth (20 percent) of the respondents in that study also admitted being a cyberbully themselves. Over two-thirds (73 percent) had seen an insulting, threatening, or degrading profile on a social networking website such as MySpace. A follow-up MARC survey in 2007 of undergraduate students found that 24 percent admitted to cyberbullying and that, again, 40 percent admitted to being victimized online. A 2006 poll of 1,000 children conducted by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, found cyberbullying frequencies of about 33 percent similar to those found by Pew and MARC (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2007). These numbers suggest that cyberbullying (with about 35-40 percent admitting victimization) may be more common than traditional bullying (with about 20-24 percent admitting victimization). In the most recent MARC survey (Englander, 2007), most cyberbullying perpetrators attributed their online bullying to either “anger” (65 percent) or “a joke” (35 percent) with “revenge” and “no reason” being distant third choices. More than two-thirds of students knew a friend who had been victimized online and almost onefourth (24 percent) characterized cyberbullying as either prevalent or very prevalent in their high school. Even if cyberbullying is more prevalent than in-person bullying, the focus of cyberbullying seems to be similar to the focus of bullying: the most common foci for cyberbullies were someone’s appearance and/or who they dated or befriended. Cyberbullying seems to evoke bullying behaviors among some adolescents who otherwise might not bully. Only 13 percent of the college students in MARC’s 2007 study (above) expressed the opinion that most cyberbullies “would bully no matter what;” instead, they saw bullying online as an opportunistic crime (“easier because you don’t see the person” (69 percent)), done because “you can do it anonymously” (65 percent). More than two-thirds of the respondents (72 percent) characterized cyberbullies as predominantly female – a stark contrast to the traditional view that males are predominant in aggression (Englander, 2006). Females appear to use cyberbullying predominately for revenge, while boys used it mostly “as a joke.” These data suggest that different approaches may need to be tried with boys and girls regarding cyberbullying, and that cyberbullying “attracts” more female offenders than traditional bullying ever did. Clearly, cyberbullying throws a wider net than traditional “in-person” aggression, and more and different types of offenders should be expected to emerge.

Unwired: Student Use of Technology in the Ubiquitous Computing World

Abstract: This study examines how college students use technology in their everyday life on a campus with ubiquitous computing and communication. The primary areas of focus will include how effectively technology is being used in and out of the classroom, how the students use the technology in every facet of their lives, and how dependent these students have become on technology, all taken from the student’s point of view. This study is particularly important because the campus being studied has a universal wireless network connection and has a mandatory laptop program in effect for half of the current student body.

Web 2.0: Is the enterprise ready for the adventure?

Abstract: The current popularity of social networking is starting to infiltrate the corporate space. Web 2.0 applications, such as blogs and wikis, are increasingly being utilized as ways for businesses to collaborate and share information with employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. Organizations have adopted enterprise architecture approaches to enable them to more quickly react to new technologies. Are organizations ready for Web 2.0? We explain the fundamental concepts in Web 2.0, examine ways it is being utilized in the enterprise, and then analyze if the E2AF enterprise architecture framework is equipped to meet the challenge of Web 2.0

Is Bullying a Junior Hate Crime? Implications for Interventions

Abstract: Hate crimes and bullying behaviors among children have similarities. Both often focus on “different” individuals as preferred targets, such as those from controversial groups (e.g., homosexuals). T...

Scared Straight and Other Juvenile Awareness Programs

Abstract: On August 18, 2003, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed a bill into law that mandated the Chicago Public School system to identify students at risk for committing future crime and set up a program to give them ‘‘tours of state prison’’ to discourage any future criminal conduct (Long and Chase, 2003) As the news article makes clear, policymakers had good reasons for passing the law Parents of young children were desperate to find ways to deter their kids from a life of crime With some youth (even at ages 11 and 12) getting involved early in gangs, there was mounting pressure on policymakers to intervene early in their lives to dissuade them from potentially more serious behavior The Governor himself is quoted as saying that the law is intended to ‘‘give some kids a chance to see what

Tying the Dictator's Hands: Leadership Survival in Authoritarian Regimes

Abstract: In this paper, I examine one of the most important elements of authoritarian politics: leadership survival. I argue that a key actor in understanding leadership survival in dictatorships is the elite coalition - the group of individuals a dictator relies on for support. Whether elites are bound together by a dominant institution, such as a party or military, affects their ability to overthrow the dictator. I look at elite coalitions in personalist, single-party and military dictatorships. Due to institutional differences in the nature of the elite coalition, elites in military dictatorships should have the greatest ability to oust the dictator, followed by elites in single-party dictatorships, and lastly elites in personalist dictatorships. I test this expectation using a survival model and find substantial support for my argument. Military dictators face the highest risk of removal from office and personalist dictators face the lowest.

Sexual abuse in the preschool years: Blending ideas from object relations theory, ego psychology, and biology

Abstract: This paper uses concepts from relational psychodynamic theories and findings from neurobiology to conceptualize a young child’s experience of sexual abuse. Selected developmental tasks are discussed using an integrated theoretical framework. Literature which highlights the importance of the child’s environment is reviewed. A case of a sexually abused 5-year-old girl demonstrates consequences of sexual abuse using ideas from psychodynamic theories and neurobiology. It is recommended that social work practitioners expand on the biology domain when conducting a bio-psycho-social assessment. Social work students may benefit from additional content on biology in social work curricula.

Neuropsychologic profile of a high-functioning family with a mitochondrial cytopathy.

Abstract: Objective: To examine the neuropsychologic profile of 3 family members diagnosed with the same mitochondrial cytopathy corresponding to a defect in the respiratory chain. Background: The neuropsychologic functioning of patients with mitochondrial cytopathies has been largely unexamined in the literature. These mitochondrial defects often result in cell death and the failure of whole systems, including the brain. There are over 40 known types of mitochondrial cytopathies, which vary greatly in their genetic, clinical, and behavioral manifestations. Method: The following project describes the neuropsychologic profiles of a family (a mother and her 2 children) afflicted by the same mitochondrial cytopathy possibly associated with nucleotide 15,924. Standardized tests of premorbid intelligence estimation, attention, executive function, language, verbal and visual memory, visuospatial functioning, motor functioning, visual acuity, mood, and activities of daily living were administered. Results: Participants' profiles were characterized by estimated intellectual ability in the average to superior range with marked variability on a number of assessments, making it difficult to identify a distinct pattern. General trends, however, were reflective of executive function impairment associated with dysfunction of frontal-subcortical systems. Conclusions: Mitochondrial disorders are extremely complicated and variable in their presentation. A multifactor approach should be adopted when examining neuropsychologic profiles.

Introduction—Signs of the Times: Environmental Sustainability, Citizens, Leadership, and Social Justice

Abstract: (2007). Introduction—Signs of the Times: Environmental Sustainability, Citizens, Leadership, and Social Justice. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 370-374.

Bill Clinton’s ‘new partnership’ anecdote: Toward a post-Cold War foreign policy rhetoric

Abstract: This essay explores the composition of United States post-Cold War foreign policy rhetoric under President Bill Clinton. We contend that Bill Clinton offered a coherent and comprehensive foreign policy narrative for the direction of U.S. foreign policy discourse in the post-Cold War world. Specifically, we analyze the “new partnership” narrative that Clinton articulated in his 1998 trip to Africa as a representative anecdote for the larger body of his foreign policy discourse. This “new partnership” narrative was structured by three narrative themes: (1) America’s role as world leader; (2) reconstituting the threat environment; (3) democracy promotion as the strategy for American foreign policy. These three themes can be found throughout Clinton’s foreign policy rhetoric and serve as the basis for a foreign policy narrative used by Clinton, and perhaps, future administrations.

Using the Technology Acceptance Model for Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education

Abstract: This study employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in an educational setting to determine the usefulness of deploying the theory as an outcomes assessment instrument to assist in the accreditation process. The study of 131 college students found that the adoption of Internet usage is positively related to TAM constructs of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, behavioral intention to use, and subject’s attitude towards use. Negative attitudes were negatively related. External variables of gender, student major, full-time/part-time status, presence of four-year college graduate in family, and overall technology literacy all have impact on usage. The usage of the TAM instrument provides flexibility and a copy of the version employed is included. A toolkit for potential adopters is presented to assist educators and administrators in using the Technology Acceptance Model in their institution.

Options to liberalize Social Security disabled widow(er)s benefits.

Abstract: Each month, 200,000 widows and 6,000 widowers receive Social Security disabled widow(er)s benefits, each benefit averaging about $550. Among the most economically at-risk Social Security beneficiaries, their benefits are permanently reduced. This paper reviews the legislative history of the disabled widow(er)s benefit, identifying key decisions that gave shape to this benefit. Social Security program data and six years of Current Population Survey data (March Annual Demographic Files, 1995-2000) are used to profile the economic status of current and potential disabled widows. The analysis, including comparison with other widows, provides strong evidence of economic need among disabled widows with, for example, 44% of disabled widow beneficiaries, ages 50-59, having below-poverty incomes compared with 15% of like-aged non-disabled widows. We conclude that serious consideration should be given to extending eligibility to all widow(er)s disabled before the normal retirement age; to providing a benefit equal to 100% of the deceased spouse's private insurance amount (PIA); to eliminating the unnecessarily restrictive seven-year rule; and to protecting beneficiaries from losing their eligibility to Medicaid. Even in the context of today's heated Social Security debate, we suggest that a rare opportunity may exist to garner bipartisan support for meaningful, low-cost improvements, in a benefit that primarily targets women.

No slacker on team programming projects

Abstract: It is necessary for students to learn how to program in a team environment because they will be required to do so in industry after graduation. However, it is difficult to ensure that each student on an academic team is contributing significantly to the overall team effort. The authors describe several failed attempts to grade teamwork fairly and a new method that guarantees individual accountability in a team environment. This last method promotes fairness in grading each member's work on a team.