Showing papers by "Walden University published in 2013"

Educational technology acceptance across national and professional cultures: a European study

Abstract: The continuous development of new platforms and environments for technology-enhanced learning emphasizes the increasing importance of research in educational technology acceptance (ETA) Responding to this need, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) proposes a major ETA model However, the UTAUT has been so far validated only in restrained contexts The ongoing internationalization of education calls for extending ETA research and the UTAUT across national and professional boundaries Therefore, this study aims at cross-cultural validation of the UTAUT by examining a large sample (N = 4,589) of educational technology users from three European countries, Germany, Romania and Turkey As a first conclusion, the UTAUT questionnaire displays adequate validity, reliability, and measurement equivalence across cultures, which further enables UTAUT-based comparisons of the cultural groups Secondly, the effect of technology use intention on the actual use behavior proves to be extremely weak Several possible explanations are proposed along with suggestions for future research Thirdly, for the first time in ETA research the cultural sample diversity allows the verification of correlations between acceptance and culture Thus, this study makes headway in the integration of culture (sensu Hofstede) in the UTAUT by suggesting effects of power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation on performance and effort expectancy, perceived social influence, computer anxiety, technology use intention and actual use behavior Fourthly, for educational practice the presented results suggest several ways of anticipating and supporting ETA in multicultural user groups

On the asymptotic stability of linear system of fractional-order difference equations

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the stability of the equilibrium solution of the νth order linear system of difference equations $$(\Delta _{a + u - 1}^ u y)(t) = \Lambda y(t + u - 1);t \in \mathbb{N}_a ,a \in \mathbb{R},and\Lambda \in \mathbb{R}^{p \times p} ,$$ subject to the initial condition $$y(a + u - 1) = y - 1,$$ , where 0 < ν < 1 and y−1 ∈ ℝp.

Racial discrimination, social support, and sexual HIV risk among Black heterosexual men

Abstract: Numerous studies document the adverse impact of racial discrimination on African Americans' health outcomes, but few have focused on HIV risk We examined the relationship between racial discrimination and sexual risk in a sample of 526 Black heterosexual men and tested the hypothesis that social support would moderate this relationship Participants in the predominantly low-income urban sample ranged in age from 18 to 45 High social support had a buffering impact on the relationship between racial discrimination and sexual risk Among men reporting high racial discrimination, those with more social support reported less sexual risk than men with low social support Men who reported high racial discrimination and low social support reported more sexual risk than men in any of the other groups The study highlights social support as an important but understudied protective factor that may reduce sexual risk for Black heterosexual men who report high levels of racial discrimination

A Middle Management Perspective on Strategy Implementation

Abstract: Middle managers play critical roles in the implementation of organizational strategies. Yet, little is known aboutthe views of middle managers on the organizational factors influencing strategy implementation. This paper is anattempt to extend existing understandings on the organizational factors influencing strategy implementation fromthe viewpoints of middle managers, including the contribution of middle managers in the implementation oforganizational strategies and the challenges associated with the implementation process. Data were collectedusing semistructured in-depth email interviews with 12 middle managers. This research demonstrates thatmanagement style, strategic alignment, internal communication, and middle management contribution arecritical factors influencing strategy implementation.

Associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity with psychological distress: a cross-sectional study from Singapore.

Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests the adverse association between sedentary behaviour (SB) with physical and mental health, but few studies have investigated the relationship between volume of physical activity and psychological distress. The present study examined the independent and interactive associations of daily SB and weekly level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with psychological distress in a multi-ethnic Asian population. De-identified data of 4,337 adults (18–79 years old) on sedentary behaviors, physical activity patterns, psychological distresses, and other relevant variables were obtained from the Singapore Ministry of Health’s 2010 National Health Survey. Psychological distress was assessed using General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), whereas total daily SB and total weekly volume (MET/minutes) of MVPA were estimated using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire version 2 (GPAQ v2). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to estimate the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the independent and interactive relationships of SB and MVPA with prevalence of psychological distress. The category of high SB was positively associated with increased odds (OR = 1.29, 1.04-1.59) for psychological distress, whereas the category of active was inversely associated with lower odds (OR = 0.73, 0.62-0.86) for psychological distress. Multivariate analyses for psychological distress by combined daily SB and weekly MVPA levels showed inverse associations between middle SB and active categories (OR = 0.58, 0.45 - 0.74) along with low SB and active categories (OR = 0.61, 0.47-0.80). The present population-based cross-sectional study indicated that in the multi-ethnic Asian society of Singapore, a high level of SB was independently associated with psychological distress and meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity along with ≤ 5 h/day of SB was associated with the lowest odds of psychological distress.

Acceptability and Usability of Self-Collected Sampling for HPV Testing Among African-American Women Living in the Mississippi Delta

Abstract: Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing has been shown to be an effective approach to cervical cancer screening, and self-collection sampling for HPV testing could be a potential alternative to Pap test, provided that women who tested positive by any method get timely follow-up and care. This feasibility study examined acceptability and usability of self-collected sampling for HPV testing among African-American (AA) women in the Mississippi Delta to inform the development of interventions to promote cervical cancer screening in this population. Methods The study consisted of two phases. Phase I consisted of eight focus groups ( n = 87) with AA women to explore knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cervical cancer and HPV infection as well as acceptability of self-collected sampling for HPV testing. In phase II, we examined the usability of this technology through one discussion group ( n = 9). The Health Belief Model guided data collection and analysis. Results Although participants perceived themselves as susceptible to cervical cancer and acknowledged its severity, there was a lack of knowledge of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and they expressed a number of misconceptions. The most frequent barriers to screening included embarrassment, discomfort, and fear of the results. Women in both phases were receptive to self-collected sampling for HPV testing. All participants in the usability phase expressed that self-collection was easy and they did not experience any difficulties. Conclusion Self-collection for HPV testing is an acceptable and feasible method among AA women in the Mississippi Delta to complement current cytology cervical cancer screening programs.

BCL9 and C9orf5 Are Associated with Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Meta-Analysis of Two Genome-Wide Association Studies

Abstract: Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating psychiatric condition affecting slightly more than 1% of the population worldwide and it is a multifactorial disorder with a high degree of heritability (80%) based on family and twin studies. Increasing lines of evidence suggest intermediate phenotypes/endophenotypes are more associated with causes of the disease and are less genetically complex than the broader disease spectrum. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are attractive intermediate phenotypes based on their clinical and treatment response features. Therefore, our objective was to identify genetic variants underlying the negative symptoms of schizophrenia by analyzing two genome-wide association (GWA) data sets consisting of a total of 1,774 European-American patients and 2,726 controls. Logistic regression analysis of negative symptoms as a binary trait (adjusted for age and sex) was performed using PLINK. For meta-analysis of two datasets, the fixed-effect model in PLINK was applied. Through meta-analysis we identified 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with negative symptoms with p<5×10(-5). Especially we detected five SNPs in the first two genes/loci strongly associated with negative symptoms of schizophrenia (P(meta-analysis)<6.22×10(-6)), which included three SNPs in the BCL9 gene: rs583583 showed the strongest association at a P(meta-analysis) of 6.00×10(-7) and two SNPs in the C9orf5 (the top SNP is rs643410 with a p = 1.29 ×10(-6)). Through meta-analysis, we identified several additional negative symptoms associated genes (ST3GAL1, RNF144, CTNNA3 and ZNF385D). This is the first report of the common variants influencing negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These results provide direct evidence of using of negative symptoms as an intermediate phenotype to dissect the complex genetics of schizophrenia. However, additional studies are warranted to examine the underlying mechanisms of these disease-associated SNPs in these genes.

Creative Approaches for Promoting Counselor Self-Care

Abstract: Professional counselors experience a range of emotional and personal demands, which can easily impact their quality of life and clinical efficacy. Creative engagement and expression may be effective in managing the impact of a career in helping. In this article, the authors present an overview of counselor self-care, including its applicability to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2005) and the 2009 Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs standards. Strength-based, creative approaches to counselor self-care are provided and discussed.

Cyberbullying in Higher Education

Abstract: Bullying has extended beyond the schoolyard into online forums in the form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a growing concern due to the effect on its victims. Current studies focus on grades K–12; however, cyberbullying has entered the world of higher education. The focus of this study was to identify the existence of cyberbullying in higher education, reveal the existence of students bullying instructors, and determine its impact. Three hundred forty-six online instructors from the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs at the school of management at a large online university were surveyed. Of the respondents, 33.8% said they had been cyberbullied by students, 4.4% of respondents were unsure, and 61.8% said they had never been cyberbullied by students. Over 60% of the participants did not know what resources were available or felt that there were no resources available to help them should they encounter cyberbullying by students in the online classroom. Results indicated concerns about reporting cyberbullying, ranging from fear of not getting further teaching opportunities to dealing with it and decreasing the rate of student retention.

Reliability and validity of a Spanish-language version of the multidimensional driving style inventory

Abstract: The Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI) was originally built and validated in Israel to measure four broad dimensions of driving styles: Reckless, Angry, Anxious, and Careful. This research was designed to adapt and validate a Spanish version of the MDSI for the assessment of driving styles in Argentina, provide evidence for its external validity, and examine its proneness to social desirability responding. Two studies were conducted to fulfill these aims. Study 1 (n = 642) examined the MDSI's factor structure and internal consistency as well as item properties. It also tested the associations between the MDSI factors, on one hand, and socio-demographic variables and self-reported traffic crashes, on the other. Study 2 (n = 258) examined the relationship between driving styles and personality traits according to Zuckerman's Alternative Five-Factor Model. In addition, it explored socially desirable responding on the MDSI factors. Results from the two studies present convincing evidence for the validity and reliability of the MDSI, which has emerged as a useful tool for future research with Spanish speaking populations.

Student Success in Developmental Mathematics Courses

Abstract: Mathematics is a particular stumbling block for community college students in developmental course work. The present study empirically investigated student-level and teacher-level factors that influence the success of community college students enrolled in developmental mathematics courses. Specifically, numerous variables in one statistical model were examined, which included student self-efficacy (SE) beliefs in various aspects of academic engagement, previous course difficulties, full-time teaching status, and class attendance policies. Multiple regression results show that attendance was the largest predictor for higher course grades, followed by repeating a mathematics course and students’ sense of SE. In the hierarchical line modeling (HLM) model, teachers’ full-time status was a significant predictor in the model, but when teaching status was controlled for, the remaining student belief variables in the model were not statistically significant except SE in Cognitive Strategies, Self-Regulated Learn...

People Skills: Developing Soft Skills-A Change Management Perspective

Abstract: This is another in a series of articles about some of the most effective models, methods, and processes of organization development OD, also known as change management, a discipline that offers much to professionals intent on solving real-world problems. Because it is based on a systemic view of organizations, OD includes the whole universe of fuzzy people issues that increasingly determine the success or failure of efforts to implement otherwise flawless technical solutions. This article examines the increasingly important set of personal abilities known as soft skills. The primary focus is on how modern change management principles and practices can facilitate the development of soft skills, such as self-awareness, communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Managing The Polarities of Democracy: A Theoretical Framework for Positive Social Change

Abstract: People around the globe have embraced democracy to bring about positive social change to address our environmental, economic, and militaristic challenges. Yet, there is no agreement on a definition of democracy that can guide social change efforts. The polarities of democracy model is a unifying theory of democracy to guide healthy, sustainable, and just social change efforts. The polarities of democracy model consists of 10 elements, organized as five polarity pairs: freedom–authority, justice–due process, diversity–equality, human rights–communal obligations, and participation–representation. In this model, each element has positive and negative aspects, and the objective is to successfully manage the polarities so as to maximize the positive aspects and minimize the negative aspects.

Why are More African Countries Adopting English as an Official Language

Abstract: At least 22 African countries list English as one of their official languages. Most recently Rwanda, long a French-speaking country, has switched to English as an official language. Burundi and Gabon are also switching from French to English, and South Sudan is adopting English. The use of English as an official language in schools, universities, and government offices across the African continent raises a number of key issues. Why are African countries determining that English might be preferable to French, and why preferable to local languages? What are the positive and negative impacts of these decisions?

Disaster management and the critical thinking skills of local emergency managers: correlations with age, gender, education, and years in occupation.

Abstract: Emergency managers must be able to think critically in order to identify and anticipate situations, solve problems, make judgements and decisions effectively and efficiently, and assume and manage risk. Heretofore, a critical thinking skills assessment of local emergency managers had yet to be conducted that tested for correlations among age, gender, education, and years in occupation. An exploratory descriptive research design, using the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal-Short Form (WGCTA-S), was employed to determine the extent to which a sample of 54 local emergency managers demonstrated the critical thinking skills associated with the ability to assume and manage risk as compared to the critical thinking scores of a group of 4,790 peer-level managers drawn from an archival WGCTA-S database. This exploratory design suggests that the local emergency managers, surveyed in this study, had lower WGCTA-S critical thinking scores than their equivalents in the archival database with the exception of those in the high education and high experience group.

Serious safety events: Getting to Zero™.

Abstract: To advance the goal of Getting to Zero and eliminating preventable harm, ASHRM is providing guidance for defining, investigating, and measuring serious safety events. The first step in this process is the recommendation for a common and standardized definition. A common definition for a serious safety event facilitates timely detection, rapid action, and future prevention. This paper outlines that definition, provides a skill-based model for investigation, and explains a clear plan for how to conduct the investigation. A measurement system is described to determine the frequency of SSEs and comparison methods to determine events prevented, potential lives saved, and methods to demonstrate financial loss control. These methods and approach are consistent with ASHRM's core values and mission, which is safe and trusted healthcare.

Sexual sensation seeking and Internet sex-seeking of Middle Eastern men who have sex with men.

Abstract: Despite recent evidence of stabilization in many developed nations, new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections remain a public health concern globally. Efforts remain fragile in a number of world regions due to incomplete or inconsistent social policies concerning HIV, criminalization of same-sex encounters, social stigma, and religious doctrine. Middle Eastern men who have sex with men (MSM) remain one of the most hidden and stigmatized of all HIV risk groups. High-risk sexual bridging networks from these men to low prevalence populations (e.g., to spouse to offspring) are emerging HIV transmission pathways throughout the region. This cross-sectional, exploratory study investigated Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSSS) scores to predict numbers of recent MSM sexual activities and to predict any recent unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) activities in 86 Middle Eastern MSM who resided in the Middle East and who used the Internet to sex-seek. In a multivariate hierarchical regression, higher SSSS scores predicted higher numbers of recent MSM sexual activities (p = .028) and URAI (p = .022). In a logistic regression, higher SSSS scores increased the likelihood of engaging in URAI activities threefold (OR 3.0, 95 % CI 1.15-7.85, p = .025). Age and drug/alcohol use during sexual activities served as covariates in the regression models and were not significant in any analyses. Despite numerous hurdles, adopting Internet-based, non-restricted HIV education and prevention public health programs in the Middle East could instrumentally enhance efforts toward reducing the likelihood of new HIV transmissions in MSM and their sexual partners, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life.

Parental reactions to the special education individual education program process: Looking through the lens of grief:

Abstract: Parental grief reactions have typically been examined in situations where parents have a child diagnosed with a major medical or mental health condition. This study used the grief and loss model as...

Trauma in Children: A Call to Action in School Psychology.

Abstract: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for children or adolescents to be exposed to traumatic events. Experiences such as sexual or physical abuse, severe accidents, cancer or other life threatening illness, natural or man-made disasters, or the sudden death of a relative or peer can all result in maladaptive responses. As all children are in attendance at schools, this location seems the most logical place to meet the needs of children who have experienced these types of events. Therefore, it is imperative that psychologists working in schools have training in meeting the needs of this segment of the population. This manuscript summarizes the incidence of trauma in children, discusses the schools as a prime location for the provision of mental health services, and argues for the need to include training in trauma and trauma interventions in school psychology training programs.

Children Are in Families Too! The Presence of Children in Communication Research

Abstract: Based on an analysis of top communication journals, this study examines the presence of children in communication research. A content analysis of articles reporting on youth under the age of 18 revealed the extent to which children have been represented in communication research from 1997–2010, as well as the methodologies, topical areas, and theories guiding communication research on children. Results indicate that only 3.7% of all published articles in leading communication journals focused on children, a number far less than the 10% speculated in previous research. This article uncovers a vast array of theories employed in studies of children, with social cognitive/learning theory being the most common and survey methods the most common tool for collecting information. Implications of this underrepresentation of children are discussed for the future of communication scholarship, particularly family communication.

A qualitative study of how facebook storefront retailers convert fans to buyers

Abstract: Economists have predicted that sales on Facebook storefronts may reach $15 billion by 2015; however, sales at the end of 2011 totaled only $1 billion. The current study explored these sales inefficiencies in the United States Facebook retail market. Using the diffusion of innovations theory, this phenomenological study investigated the marketing strategies of United States-based, Facebook storefront retailers that were most effective at converting Facebook social network fans into individuals who actually conduct financial transactions in Facebook storefronts (buyers). Data derived and analyzed from interviews with 18 expert Facebook marketing professionals suggested several themes for successful fan-to-buyer conversion such as building brand awareness, engaging fans in conversation with the retailer, employing electronic and word-of-mouth communication, using promotions, and increasing fan trust through frequent and consistent communication. Facebook retailers may benefit from the study results by incorporating the study findings in their marketing strategy. The implications for positive social change include retailers using their retail Facebook page as a means to build awareness, and promote the support of charitable work to a potential audience of millions.

Development of the Perceptions of Mentoring Relationships Survey: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract: This paper reports the development and construct-related validity of the Perceptions of Mentoring Relationships Survey (PMRS). I used a sequential, exploratory, mixed methods design to develop the survey. Multistage purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants from a small southeastern university. I used open-ended questions in Study 1 to obtain participants' perceptions of mentors' and mentees' roles in mentoring relationships and to obtain their perceptions of the benefits of mentoring relationships. Results led to the development of a 24-item instrument. I assessed the score reliability and construct-related validity of the PMRS in Study 2. Results showed that scores from the instrument yielded coefficient alphas that ranged from 0.81-0.92. Results from an exploratory factor analysis revealed that the a priori three-factor structure accounted for 52.18% of variance in the data. Results revealed that the PMRS is a construct-related valid instrument that reliably generates data regarding individual perceptions of mentoring relationships.

An Institutional Approach to Developing a Culture of Student Persistence

Abstract: There continues to be increasing focus on college student retention and persistence. This focus is coming from the United States federal government, accrediting organizations, and from students, parents, and the public. Given the spiraling costs of education and the fact that retention rates have not improved over time, various stakeholders are concerned about the value of a higher education credential. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the efforts of a for-profit, distance education institution to focus its resources, in an evidence-based manner, on retention and to develop a culture of retention and persistence throughout the institution. The literature review and analysis of internal initiatives demonstrated that (a) institutions must make a commitment to retention, include retention efforts as part of its strategic plan, and provide resources to support retention efforts; (b) mastery of knowledge of the research on retention and persistence is critical for designing evidence-based interventions; and (c) institutions should identify, develop, and implement pilot projects aimed at improving student progress and share results to help stimulate development of best practices throughout higher education. DOI : 10.18870/hlrc.v3i3.120

One university's approach to defining and supporting professional doctorates

Abstract: The changing market for doctorally prepared workers led one institution to examine its overall approach to defining and supporting professional doctorates. After a review of existing scholarship and internal practices, a white paper was created to capture the various ways that these degrees can be distinguished from the academic doctorate (PhD) at this university. This article summarizes its key conclusions in areas such as relationship to the masters, program goals and foci, research training, the doctoral capstone, and faculty selection. Ways that these recommendations have begun to effect policies and practices at this particular institution are also highlighted, especially program development and evaluation.

Adult English Language Learners' Perceptions of Audience Response Systems (Clickers) as Communication Aides: A Q-Methodology Study

Abstract: This study explored the perceptions of adult English language learners about audience response systems (clickers) as tools to facilitate communication. According to second language acquisition theory, learners' receptive capabilities in the early stages of second language acquisition surpass expressive capabilities, often rendering them silent in their second language. Clickers may help English language learners to communicate more effectively by enabling them to express themselves nonverbally. In this Q-methodological study, adult English language learners enrolled in a computer skills course ranked statements about using clickers according to how closely they aligned with their perceptions about the ability of clickers to facilitate communication. Factor analysis identified commonalities and patterns in perceptions, confirming that second language acquisition theory influences how technology tools are perceived by English language learners. Results of this study may suggest more effective instructional and assessment practices for adult English language learners, and lead to further research of educational technology communication tools with English language learners of all ages.

Effects of motivational interviewing intervention on blackouts among college freshmen.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Alcohol and illicit drug abuse is a serious public health issue facing college students. This study examined the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) as an intervention on the rate of blackouts among freshmen who engaged in high-risk drinking and illicit drug use. DESIGN: A sample of 188 volunteer freshmen from a university were administered the Daily Drinking Questionnaire, the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index, and the Government Performance and Results Act at baseline and again at 6 months postintervention. MI was applied at baseline and then again at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. METHODS: Generalized estimated equations and logistic regression models were used to determine associations between the rate of blackouts and time, ethnicity, gender, illicit drug use, and alcohol consumption. FINDINGS: At 6 months, the rate of blackouts decreased from 40% at baseline to 16% (p Language: en