Showing papers by "University of Massachusetts Boston published in 2002"

Corruption and Foreign Direct Investment

Abstract: This study examines the impact of corruption on foreign direct investment (FDI). First, the level of corruption in the host country is analyzed. Second, the absolute difference in the corruption level between the host and home country is examined. The analysis provides support for the negative impacts of both. The results suggest that foreign investors generally avoid corruption because it is considered wrong and it can create operational inefficiencies.

Comparative biochemistry of eumelanogenesis and the protective roles of phenoloxidase and melanin in insects.

Abstract: The phenolic biopolymer eumelanin is an important skin pigment found throughout the animal kingdom. The enzyme, tyrosinase, initiates melanogenesis in mammals. The biogenesis is assisted by a number of mammalian protein factors including dopachrome tautomerase and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylate oxidase. Invertebrates, such as insects, employ phenoloxidase and dopachrome (decarboxylating) isomerase for melanin biosynthesis. Recently generated molecular biological and biochemical data indicate that tyrosinase and phenoloxidase are distinctly different enzymes in spite of possessing both monophenol monooxygenase activity as well as o-diphenoloxidase activity. Similarly, insect dopachrome isomerase also differs significantly from its mammalian counterpart in several of its properties including the nature of the enzymatic reaction. In addition, there are considerable differences in the eumelanogenic pathways of these two animal groups that include the utility of substrates, use of dihydroxyindoles and the nature of eumelanin pigment. Thus, the biochemistry and molecular biology of melanogenesis in mammals and insects are significantly different. The advantages of generating different eumelanin pigments and intermediates by the insects are discussed.

Repeat rape and multiple offending among undetected rapists.

Abstract: Pooling data from four samples in which 1,882 men were assessed for acts of interper­ sonal violence, we report on 120 men whose self-reported acts met legal definitions of rape or attempted rape, but who were never prosecuted by criminal justice authorities. A majority of these undetected rapists were repeat rapists, and a majority also committed other acts of interpersonal violence. The repeat rapists averaged 5.8 rapes each. The 120 rapists were responsible for 1,225 separate acts of interpersonal violence, including rape, battery, and child physical and sexual abuse. These findings mirror those from studies of incarcerated sex offenders (Abel, Becker, Mittelman, Cunningham-Rathner, Rouleau, & Murphy, 1987; Weinrott and Saylor, 1991), indicating high rates of both repeat rape and multiple types of offending. Implications for the investigation and prosecution of this so­ called "hidden" rape are discussed.

Strategic Responses to Global Climate Change: Conflicting Pressures on Multinationals in the Oil Industry

Abstract: MNCs are increasingly facing global environmental issues demanding coordinated market and non-market strategic responses. The home country institutional context and individual company histories can create divergent pressures on strategy for MNCs based in different countries; however, the location of MNCs in global industries and their participation in 'global issues arenas' create issue-level fields within which strategic convergence might also be expected. This paper analyzes the responses of oil MNCs to climate change and finds that local context influenced initial corporate reactions, but that convergent pressures predominate as the issue matures.

Population growth and collapse in a multiagent model of the Kayenta Anasazi in Long House Valley

Abstract: Long House Valley in the Black Mesa area of northeastern Arizona (U.S.) was inhabited by the Kayenta Anasazi from about 1800 before Christ to about anno Domini 1300. These people were prehistoric ancestors of the modern Pueblo cultures of the Colorado Plateau. Paleoenvironmental research based on alluvial geomorphology, palynology, and dendroclimatology permits accurate quantitative reconstruction of annual fluctuations in potential agricultural production (kg of maize per hectare). The archaeological record of Anasazi farming groups from anno Domini 200-1300 provides information on a millennium of sociocultural stasis, variability, change, and adaptation. We report on a multiagent computational model of this society that closely reproduces the main features of its actual history, including population ebb and flow, changing spatial settlement patterns, and eventual rapid decline. The agents in the model are monoagriculturalists, who decide both where to situate their fields as well as the location of their settlements. Nutritional needs constrain fertility. Agent heterogeneity, difficult to model mathematically, is demonstrated to be crucial to the high fidelity of the model.

English Corpus Linguistics: An Introduction

Abstract: English Corpus Linguistics is a step-by-step guide to creating and analyzing linguistic corpora. It begins with a discussion of the role that corpus linguistics plays in linguistic theory, demonstrating that corpora have proven to be very useful resources for linguists who believe that their theories and descriptions of English should be based on real rather than contrived data. Charles F. Meyer goes on to describe how to plan the creation of a corpus, how to collect and computerize data for inclusion in a corpus, how to annotate the data that are collected, and how to conduct a corpus analysis of a completed corpus. The book concludes with an overview of the challenges that corpus linguists face to make both the creation and analysis of corpora much easier undertakings than they currently are. Clearly organized and accessibly written, this book will appeal to students of linguistics and English language.

Tell me a good story: using narrative analysis to examine information requirements interviews during an ERP implementation

Abstract: This paper reports on a participant-observation study examining how clients use narratives to convey information during ERP requirements analysis interviews. Techniques drawn from narrative analysis are used to analyze the structure and content of different types of narratives clients tell during requirements analysis interviews. First, findings reveal that interviewees organized their experience, sought to persuade listeners, and conveyed information to analysts using "stories," "habitual," and "hypothetical" narratives. We argue that cClient narratives provide a pragmatic view of the information system, offering insight into the ways the system is actually used and the habitual practices of the work environment. Second, narratives function to signal the embeddedness of the information system in its larger organizational and social context.While analysts may be inclined to dismiss narratives as messy or asuncodeable data, we argue that the insights they provide merit attention. To the degree that narratives give insight into users' perspectives on organizational issues, they provide knowledge that is essential to any information systems project. This is especially true for ERP projects that, unlike other systems projects, seek to integrate processes spanning the entire organization. ERP projects typically require departments with very different priorities and vocabularies to radically rethink the organization and its habitual practices. Work habits, values, and dilemmas faced by users as recounted in narratives are likely to carry over after the legacy system has been removed. Hence, a sound grasp of these factors is surely advantageous for analysts in assessing the current and future environment of the organization. Future implications for research and practice are also discussed.

Information System Assurance for Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: Unique Risk Considerations

Abstract: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems inherently present unique risks due to tightly linked interdependencies of business processes, relational databases, and process reengineering. Knowledge of such risks is important in planning and conducting assurance engagements of the reliability of these complex computer systems. Yet, there is little empirical evidence on this issue. To examine this topic, a semi‐structured interview study was conducted with 30 experienced information systems auditors (from 3 of the Big 5 firms) who specialize in assessing risks for ERP systems. This approach allowed us to obtain detailed information about participants' views and client experiences. The results indicate that the implementation process of ERP systems has an important impact on system reliability. Further, interviewees identified a number of common implementation problems (e.g., improperly trained personnel and inadequate process reengineering efforts) that result in heightened risks. Interviewees also reported ...

IN VIVO PRODUCTION OF SMALL INTERFERING RNAs THAT MEDIATE GENE SILENCING

Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.

Using telephone interviews to reduce nonresponse bias to mail surveys of health plan members.

Abstract: Objective. To assess the nonresponse bias associated with mail-survey returns and the potential for telephone interviews with nonrespondents to reduce that bias. Methods. A mail survey about health care experiences was conducted with samples of 800 members in each of four health plans. Subsequent attempts were made to interview nonrespondents by telephone. Results. Response rates for the mail surveys averaged 46%; the telephone effort raised the average to 66%. On 17 of 19 measures of health status or need and use of health services, mail respondents were in poorer health and needed more services than interviewed nonrespondents. Thirteen of 36 reports and ratings of health care also differed significantly between the two groups. Based on administrative data, telephone interviews of mail nonrespondents improved the demographic representativeness of the responding samples. Adjusting mail returns to sample population characteristics could not replicate the dual-mode results. Conclusions. Returns to mail surveys are likely to be related to survey content and hence are potentially biased. Nonresponse to phone surveys is less directly related to survey content. Telephone interviews with mail nonrespondents not only increase response rates but also can produce less biased samples than mail-only protocols.

Assessing dispositions toward cultural diversity among preservice teachers

Abstract: Teacher education interventions designed to help individuals acquire understandings and skills needed to work effectively with culturally diverse student populations may not have significant impact unless teachers as learners are willing to explore beyond the familiar comfort zone of the majority cultural status quo. The purpose of this study was to assess preservice teachers’ attitudes toward cultural diversity prior to their entry into multicultural education courses at an urban university. Respondents indicated strong support for implementing diversity issues in the classroom, and high levels of agreement with equity beliefs and the social value of diversity. They did not agree that assimilation to the dominant culture was a requisite for student success.

Sources of iodine and iodine 129 in rivers

Abstract: [1] A spatial survey of iodine and its long-lived isotope, 129I, in 40 rivers of the USA, Canada, and western Europe, reveals that the ratio of 129I/I is a sensitive indicator for the influence of nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities Rivers with point sources for 129I in their watersheds are drastically affected, while all rivers sampled show evidence for atmospherically transported 129I from the world's major nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities Varying mixtures of oceanic cyclic salt and soil-derived iodine account for the observed spatial variation in iodine concentrations A comparison of 129I concentrations in river and rainwater reveals concentration effects due to evapotranspiration

Comparison of 1 and 2 Days per Week of Strength Training in Children

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 1 and 2 days per week of strength training on upper body strength, lower body strength, and motor performance ability in children. Twenty-one girls and 34 boys between the ages of 7.1 and 12.3 years volunteered to participate in this study. Participants strength trained either once per week (n = 22) or twice per week (n = 20) for 8 weeks at a community-based youth fitness center. Each training session consisted of a single set of 10–15 repetitions on 12 exercises using child-size weight machines. Thirteen children who did not strength train served as age-matched controls. One repetition maximum (1RM) strength on the chest press and leg press, handgrip strength, long jump, vertical jump, and flexibility were assessed at baseline and posttraining. Only participants who strength trained twice per week made significantly greater gains in 1RM chest press strength, compared to the control group (11.5 and 4.4% respectively, p < .05). Participants w...

Impact of Authentic Adult Literacy Instruction on Adult Literacy Practices

Abstract: This study investigated the relationships between (a) two dimensions of adult literacy instruction and (b) change in the literacy practices of adult literacy students. The two instructional dimensions investigated were (a) degree of authenticity of the activities and texts employed in the literacy class and (b) degree of teacher/student collaboration around activities, texts, assessments, and program governance. The construct of authenticity for this study was defined as those literacy activities and purposes used by people in their lives, excluding those that are structured solely around learning to read and write in school. Data on the two instructional dimensions of interest—authenticity and collaboration—were collected from 83 adult literacy classes in 22 states. Data on change in adult students' literacy practices were collected from 173 adult literacy students attending those classes. Data were analyzed using Item Response Theory and Hierarchical Linear Modeling to model change. Results of the analysis revealed that authenticity of class literacy activities and texts had a statistically significant effect on change in student literacy practices, operationalized as increases in frequency of reading and writing and/or types of texts read and written. Analysis of the literacy engagement and change scales revealed that the increases in types of texts involved reading and writing more texts at higher levels of discourse. The degree of collaboration between teacher and students showed no statistically significant effect on literacy practice change. Implications for adult literacy instruction and outcomes for adults and for intergenerational literacy are discussed. Este estudio investigo las relaciones entre (a) dos dimensiones de la instruccion en alfabetizacion de adultos y (b) el cambio en las practicas de alfabetizacion de los estudiantes adultos. Las dos dimensiones didacticas investigadas fueron (a) grado de autenticidad de las actividades y textos empleados en la clase y (b) grado de colaboracion docente/alumno respecto de actividades, textos, evaluaciones y direccion del programa. El constructo autenticidad fue definido como las actividades de lectoescritura y su finalidad en la vida de la gente, excluyendo aquellas estructuradas solo en funcion del aprendizaje en la escuela. Los datos sobre las dos dimensiones de interes - autenticidad y colaboracion - fueron recolectados en 83 clases de 22 estados y los datos sobre los cambios en las practicas de los estudiantes adultos fueron tomados de 173 estudiantes que asistian a las clases. Los datos se analizaron usando la Teoria Item Respuesta y un Modelo Lineal Jerarquico para explicar los cambios. Los resultados de analisis revelaron que la autenticidad de las actividades de alfabetizacion en la clase y los textos tenian un efecto estadisticamente significativo sobre los cambios en las practicas de alfabetizacion de los estudiantes, operacionalizados como incrementos en la frecuencia de actividades de lectura y escritura y/o en los tipos de textos leidos y escritos. El analisis de las escalas de participacion y cambios en la alfabetizacion revelo que los incrementos en tipos de texto implicaron la lectura y escritura de mas textos de niveles discursivos superiores. El grado de colaboracion entre docente y alumnos no mostro un efecto estadisticamente significativo sobre los cambios en las practicas de alfabetizacion. Se discuten implicancias para la alfabetizacion de adultos y consecuencias para adultos y para alfabetizacion intergeneracional. Diese Studie untersuchte die Beziehungen zwischen (a) zwei Rahmenbedingungen in den Anweisungen zur Erwachsenenbildung und (b) Veranderungen in den Lese- und Schreibpraktiken von Studierenden der Erwachsenenbildung. Die zwei untersuchten Rahmenbedingungen waren (a) das Ausmas an Authentizitat der angewandten Aktivitaten und Texte in der Klasse zum Erlernen vom Lesen und Schreiben, und (b) das Ausmas der Zusammenarbeit von Lehrern/Studierenden im Umfeld der Aktivitaten, Texte, Bewertungen, und der Progammleitung. Der Aufbau der Authentizitat dieser Studie wurde durch jene Lese- und Schreibaktivitaten und Schreibzwecke definiert, wie sie unter uns im taglichen Leben angewandt werden, auser solchen, die ausschlieslich beim Erlernen des Lesens und Schreibens um die Schule herum strukturiert sind. Daten uber die zwei hier interessierenden Lehrrahmenbedingungen —Authentizitat und Kollaboration—wurden von 83 Klassen der Erwachsenenbildung in 22 US-Staaten zusammengestellt. Daten uber Veranderungen bei Lese- und Schreibpraktiken der studierenden Erwachsenen wurden von 173 erwachsenen Schreib- und Lese Teilnehmern jener Klassen zumsammengestellt. Unter Anwendung der Theorie zur Einzelerwiderung wurden die Daten analysiert und aufgrund der hierarchischen Linearmodellierung zum Gestalten von Veranderungen erfast. Ergebnisse der Analyse zeigten, das die Authentizitat bei Schreib- und Lese-Bildungsaktivitaten und Texten der Klasse statistisch deutliche Auswirkungen auf Veranderungen in den Schreib- und Lesepraktiken der Studierenden aufwiesen, welches sich in einer Frequenzsteigerung beim Lesen und Schreiben umsetzte und/oder in der Art und Weise der gelesenen und niedergeschriebenen Texte selbst. Die Analyse der Teilnahme am Lesen und Schreiben und die Stufen der Veranderungen machten deutlich, das die Steigerungen bei den Textarten im Lesen und Schreiben eine grosere Anzahl an abgehandelten Texten auf hoherer Ebene zur Folge hatte. Das Niveau der Zusammenarbeit zwischen dem Lehrer und den Studierenden zeigte keinen statistisch wesentlichen Effekt auf die veranderten Schreib- und Lesehandhabungen an. Auswirkungen auf Lese- und Schreibunterweisungen bei Erwachsenen in der Erwachsenenbildung und im intergenerationsbezogenen Lesen und Schreiben werden angesprochen. Cette etude examine les relations entre a) deux dimensions de l'enseignement de la litteratie aux adultes et b) les changements dans les pratiques de litteratie d'adultes eleves en litteratie. Les deux dimensions pedagogiques etudiees sont a) le degre d' authenticite des activites et des textes utilises dans la classe de litteratie et b) le degre de collaboration maitre-eleve autour des activites, des textes, des evaluations, et de l'execution du programme. Le concept d'authenticite a ete defini dans cette etude comme les activites et les objectifs de litteratie qu'utilisent les gens dans leur vie, ce qui exclue celles et ceux qui ne sont structures qu'autour de l'apprentissage de la lecture et de l'ecriture a l'ecole. Les donnees relatives aux deux dimensions pedagogiques auxquelles on s'interesse—authenticite et collaboration—proviennent de 83 classes de litteratie adulte de 22 Etats. Les donnees relatives au changement des pratiques de litteratie des eleves adultes viennent de 173 adultes eleves en litteratie frequentant ces classes. Les donnees ont ete analysees a l'aide de la Theorie de la Reponse par Item et du Modele Lineaire Hierarchique pour modeliser les changements. Les resultats de l'analyse montrent que l'authenticite des activites et des textes de la classe de litteratie ont un effet statistiquement significatif sur le changement des pratiques de litteratie des eleves, operationnalise comme une augmentation de la frequence de lecture et d'ecriture et/ou des types de textes lus et ecrits. L'analyse de l'investissement dans la litteratie et les echelles de changement montrent que l'augmentation des types de textes comporte la lecture et l'ecriture de davantage de textes de plus haut niveau. Le degre de collaboration entre le maitre et les eleves ne montre pas d'effet statistiquement significatif sur les changements de pratiques de litteratie. La discussion porte sur les implications relatives a l'enseignement de la litteratie aux adultes, sur ses consequences pour les adultes, et sur la litteratie intergenerationnelle.

Surface currents in the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, Antarctica

Abstract: We used 39 tracks of mixed layer drifters deployed during the period from November 1988 to January 1990 to study the surface flow characteristics in the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, Antarctica. The results revealed both the Gerlache Strait Current and the Bransfield Strait Current, which flows along the deep channel of the Gerlache Strait, northeastward to the southern continental margin of the South Shetland Islands following the 750 m isobath. The observed strongest sustained daily mean current reached approximately 40 cm s � 1 in the Bransfield Strait and was confined to the shelf break south of the South Shetland Islands. The computed acceleration of drifters in the Bransfield Strait Current indicates the southward transversal component limits drifters from approaching isobaths shallower than 750 m. The southern side of the Current is rich in cyclonic eddies. Drifters spun off and circulated in cyclonic eddies over deep basins. The residence time of a water parcel in the current is approximately 10–20 days. Anticyclonic circulations were observed around Tower, Hoseason and Liege Islands, and long residence times were found for drifters in shallows and bays of up to 70 days. Results also indicate the Gerlache Strait water can extend along the shelf of the Antarctic peninsula to Tower Island, where it meets the southewestward Weddell Sea water. Most of the Gerlache Strait water exits northward and enters the Bransfield Strait Current. It Spins off and mixes with other waters in the Bransfield Strait. Several long tracks indicated the existence of a cyclonic large circulation gyre in the Bransfield Strait during the ice-free condition. The circulation patterns in both Bransfield and Gerlache Straits change seasonally. The analysis of force balance indicates that currents and eddies are geostrophic though the ageostrophic components are important to maintain currents and form eddies. This composition of eddies and currents provides ideal physical settings for zooplankton growth in eddies and bays and zooplankton dispersion in currents. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical composition and cycling of dissolved organic matter in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Abstract: This study focuses on the chemical characterization of high molecular-weight dissolved organic matter (HMW DOM) isolated from the Middle Atlantic Bight in April 1994 and March 1996. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR) and monosaccharide analysis we compared both spatial and temporal variations in the chemical structure of HMW DOM across this region. Our analyses support the presence of at least two compositionally distinct components to HMW DOM. The major component is acyl polysaccharide (APS), a biopolymer rich in carbohydrates, acetate and lipid, accounting for between 50% and 80% of the total high molecular-weight dissolved organic carbon (HMW DOC) in surface samples. APS is most abundant in fully marine, surface-water samples, and is a product of autochthonous production. Organic matter with spectral properties characteristic of humic substances is the second major component of HMW DOM. Humic substances are most abundant (up to 49% of the total carbon) in samples collected from estuaries, near the coast, and in deep water, suggesting both marine and perhaps terrestrial sources. Radiocarbon analyses of neutral monosaccharides released by the hydrolysis of APS have similar and modern (average 71‰) Δ14C values. Radiocarbon data support our suggestion that these sugars occur as part of a common macromolecule, with an origin via recent biosynthesis. Preliminary radiocarbon data for total neutral monosaccharides isolated from APS at 300 and 750 m show this fraction to be substantially enriched relative to total HMW DOC and DOC. The relatively enriched radiocarbon values of APS at depth suggest APS is rapidly transported into the deep ocean.

The impact of androgen deprivation on quality of life after radical prostatectomy for prostate carcinoma

Abstract: BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation is commonly prescribed for men with a rising prostate specific antigen level after radical prostatectomy, despite scant evidence regarding its efficacy and side effects. In the current study, the authors compared measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men who were treated with androgen deprivation after radical prostatectomy with those for men who underwent surgery but were not treated with androgen deprivation. METHODS Medicare Provider and Analysis and Review (MedPAR) files were used to identify men who had undergone radical prostatectomies between 1991–1992. Medicare Part B data then were used to select two samples: men who subsequently were androgen deprived and those who were not. In 1999, a mail survey was administered that addressed a range of disease-related and treatment-related issues, including HRQOL. Age-adjusted comparisons of responses to seven multiitem measures of HRQOL were performed. RESULTS The overall response rate was 82%. On all seven HRQOL measures (impact of cancer and treatment, concern regarding body image, mental health, general health, activity, worries about cancer and dying, and energy), there were statistically significant decrements associated with androgen deprivation. CONCLUSIONS Patients and physicians must weigh the price patients pay with regard to HRQOL against the uncertain benefits of early androgen deprivation. Cancer 2002;95:287–95. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10656

Asthenozoospermia in mice with targeted deletion of the sperm mitochondrion-associated cysteine-rich protein (Smcp) gene.

Abstract: The sperm mitochondria-associated cysteine-rich protein (SMCP) is a cysteine- and proline-rich structural protein that is closely associated with the keratinous capsules of sperm mitochondria in the mitochondrial sheath surrounding the outer dense fibers and axoneme. To investigate the function of SMCP, we generated mice with a targeted disruption of the gene Smcp by homologous recombination. Homozygous mutant males on a mixed genetic background (C57BL/6J × 129/Sv) are fully fertile, while they are infertile on the 129/Sv background, although spermatogenesis and mating are normal. Homozygous Smcp−/− female mice are fertile on both genetic backgrounds. Electron microscopical examination demonstrated normal structures of sperm head, mitochondria, and tail. In vivo experiments with sperm of Smcp−/− 129/Sv mice revealed that the migration of spermatozoa from the uterus into the oviduct is reduced. This result is supported by the observation that sperm motility as determined by the computer-assisted semen analysis system (CASA) is significantly affected as compared to wild-type spermatozoa. In vitro fertilization assays showed that Smcp-deficient spermatozoa are able to bind to the oocyte but that the number of fertilized eggs is reduced by more than threefold relative to the wild-type control. However, removal of the zona pellucida resulted in an unaffected sperm-egg fusion which was monitored by the presence of pronuclei and generation of blastocyts. These results indicate that the infertility of the male Smcp−/− mice on the 129/Sv background is due to reduced motility of the spermatozoa and decreased capability of the spermatozoa to penetrate oocytes.

Individualized nursing care: an empirically generated definition.

Abstract: Individualization is considered a particularly important feature of nursing care by nurses, patients and their families, and by health care administrators. Descriptions in the literature suggest that individualized care requires some background knowledge of the patient, which nurses use to devise care plans that treat each patient as unique. However, few research-based descriptions of individualized care exist. The purpose of this article was to offer a definition of individualized nursing care synthesized from research findings. Descriptions of nursing care individualization emerged from two previously conducted grounded theory studies of nursing practice. Data relevant to the concept were retrieved from each study. These data were compared and contrasted in order to identify and describe individualized care from the perspectives of nurses and patients. The analysis resulted in a definition of individualized nursing care that makes explicit the characteristics of such care, thus providing a framework for designing and evaluating nursing care that recognizes patients as unique persons.

E-learning in Hong Kong: comparing learning outcomes in online multimedia and lecture versions of an introductory computing course

Abstract: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of Web-based, highly interactive, and multimedia-rich e-learning materials by comparing students’ learning outcomes in the lecture and online versions of an introductory computing course The course versions differed only in that face-to-face lectures were replaced with e-learning modules in the online course; the other course elements (laboratory sessions, use of computer-mediated communications, examinations) were the same The e-learning trial took place at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where the first author taught the lecture course to 105 students, and the online course to 180 and 129 students in the following semesters The lecture and online students achieved comparable factual learning outcomes and the online students outperformed the lecture students in appliedconceptual learning Findings suggest that the use of carefully designed interactive e-learning modules fosters higher-order learning outcomes

Volunteer Mentoring Relationships With Minority Youth: An Analysis of Same- Versus Cross-Race Matches1

Abstract: Despite the growth of youth mentoring programs in recent years, key questions remain regarding the relative importance of making matches on the basis of shared racial background. Both sides of the argument regarding racial matching are presented, followed by a comparison of the effects of same- vs. cross-race matches involving minority youth (N= 476). Minority adolescents were less likely to report initiating alcohol when placed in cross-race matches. In addition, minority boys in same-race matches reported smaller decrements in scholastic competence and self-worth than did minority boys in cross-race matches. Minority girls in same-race matches reported smaller decrements in school value and self-worth than did minority girls in cross-race matches. Youth, parent, and caseworker impressions of the 2 relationship types largely converged, but the few impressions that differed tended to favor cross-race matches. The methodological limitations and implications of this study are discussed.

Assessing the validity of body mass index standards in early postmenopausal women.

Abstract: Objective: To examine the relationship between percentage of total body fat (%Fat) and body mass index (BMI) in early postmenopausal women and to evaluate the validity of the BMI standards for obesity established by the NIH. Research Methods and Procedures: Three hundred seventeen healthy, sedentary, postmenopausal women (ages, 40 to 66 years; BMI, 18 to 35 kg/m2; 3 to 10 years postmenopausal) participated in the study. Height, weight, BMI, and %Fat, as assessed by DXA, were measured. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of BMI to discriminate obesity from non-obesity using 38%Fat as the criterion value. Results: A moderately high relationship was observed between BMI and %Fat (r = 0.81; y = 1.41x + 2.65) with a SE of estimate of 3.9%. Eighty-one percent of other studies examined fell within 1 SE of estimate as derived from our study. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that BMI is a good diagnostic test for obesity. The cutoff for BMI corresponding to the criterion value of 38%Fat that maximized the sum of the sensitivity and specificity was 24.9 kg/m2. The true-positive (sensitivity) and false-positive (1 − specificity) rates were 84.4% and 14.6%, respectively. The area under the curve estimate for BMI was 0.914. Discussion: There is a strong association between %Fat and BMI in postmenopausal women. Current NIH BMI-based classifications for obesity may be misleading based on currently proposed %Fat standards. BMI >25 kg/m2 rather than BMI >30 kg/m2 may be superior for diagnosing obesity in postmenopausal women.

Effects of two types of social support and education on adaptation to early-stage breast cancer.

Abstract: A Roy adaptation model-based support and education intervention for women with early-stage breast cancer was tested in a three-group, three-phase randomized clinical trial of a sample of 125 women. The experimental group received 13 months of combined individual telephone and in-person group support and education, Control Group 1 received 13 months of telephone-only individual support and education, and Control Group 2 received one-time mailed educational information. The experimental group and Control Group 1 reported less mood disturbance at the end of all three phases, less loneliness at the end of Phases II and III, and a higher-quality relationship with a significant other at the end of Phase II than did Control Group 2. No group differences were found for cancer-related worry or well-being. The findings suggest that individual telephone support may provide an effective alternative to in-person support groups. Further study of telephone interventions is recommended using ethnically and economically heterogeneous samples.

Global perceptions of journals publishing e-commerce research

Abstract: Researchers rate publications by perception, quality, and how these factors determine where they would prefer their own e-commerce work be published.

Injection molding of living tissues

Abstract: The invention features methods of making living tissue constructs having a predetermined shape by providing a negative mold having a defined shape; suspending isolated tissue precursor cells in a hydrogel to form a liquid hydrogel-precursor cell composition; introducing the liquid hydrogel-precursor cell composition into the mold; inducing gel formation to solidify the liquid hydrogel-precursor cell composition to form a living tissue construct; and removing the living tissue construct from the mold after gel formation.

Anti-tobacco advertisements by Massachusetts and Philip Morris: what teenagers think

Abstract: Objective: To assess teenagers9 receptivity to anti-tobacco television advertisements produced by public health organisations and by tobacco companies. Reactions were examined as a function of the message type as well as the respondents9 demographics and smoking status. Design: A 1999 telephone survey of teenagers in households identified during a random digit dial survey of adults conducted during the prior four years. Respondents were asked to describe an ad they had seen in the past 30 days, and then to rate its perceived effectiveness. Participants: Respondents were 733 youth between the ages of 14 and 17 years. Intervention: The most prominent anti-tobacco advertisements broadcast in Massachusetts during the time covered by the survey consisted of those produced by the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program and those produced by the Philip Morris tobacco company. The ads described by respondents were grouped into four categories based on their sponsor and their approach. Main outcome measures: Perceived effectiveness of anti-tobacco advertisements seen during the month before the survey as measured on an 11 point scale. Results: Ads featuring the serious consequences of smoking were seen as significantly more effective by youth than both Massachusetts ads that did not discuss illness (p Conclusion: Youth prevention programmes should not shy away from anti-tobacco ads that feature the serious consequences of smoking. These types of ads are the ones perceived as most effective by teenagers regardless of their smoking status, age, sex or ethnicity.