Participation In Different Types Research Articles

The Impact of Stress on Different Leisure Dimensions

Can participation in different types of leisure activities help to reduce people's stress levels? This study investigated different dimensions of leisure activities in order to ascertain which ones best reduced people's stress levels. Data were obtained via mail from a sample of 252 Australians. Respondents were asked to indicate their choice of a leisure activity-first, uring times of stress and, second, during stress-free times. This study extracted eight major dimensions of leisure, and participation levels of the three groups were found to differ on these leisure dimensions. Overall. there was a general reduction in participation in leisure activities when stressed compared with stress-free situations. Three groups who had different leisure repertoires were also identified. It was found that individuals in these groups adjusted their leisure differently when under stress.

Participation in Heterogeneous Communities

This paper studies both theoretically and empirically the determinants of group formation and of the degree of participation when the population is heterogeneous, both in terms of income and race or ethnicity. We are especially interested in whether and how much the degree of heterogeneity in communities influences the amount of participation in different types of groups. Using survey data on group membership and data on US localities, we find that, after controlling for many individual characteristics, participation in social activities is significantly lower in more unequal and in more racially or ethnically fragmented localities. We also find that those individuals who express views against racial mixing are less prone to participate in the groups the more racially heterogeneous their community is.

Participation in Heterogeneous Communities*

This paper studies what determines group formation and the degree of participation when the population is heterogeneous, both in terms of income and race or ethnicity. We are especially interested in whether and how much the degree of heterogeneity in communities influences the amount of participation in different types of groups. Using survey data on group membership and data on U. S. localities, we find that, after controlling for many individual characteristics, participation in social activities is significantly lower in more unequal and in more racially or ethnically fragmented localities. We also find that those individuals who express views against racial mixing are less prone to participate in groups the more racially heterogeneous their community is. These results are consistent with our model of group formation.

Effects of Participation on Performance and Satisfaction: Additional Meta-Analytic Evidence

Stimulated by recent debate, this study investigated whether prior research supports the statement that different forms of participation have different effects on performance and satisfaction in the workplace. Using a collection of 75 correlations drawn from published analyses, a meta-analysis using random effects procedures indicated that relationships between participation and performance reported in the research literature are similar in size and direction across different types of participation. Meta-analytic results also indicated similarity in the size and direction of relationships between participation and satisfaction across different forms of participation and suggested that effect size statistics published in research on participation and performance are generally similar to those reported in studies of participation and satisfaction. These findings differ from the results of another recent meta-analysis and from those of several previous literature reviews but support the primary conclusions of an earlier meta-analytic assessment.

The extent of participation in Europe

Employee participation is an important element of the European Social Model and this paper focuses on the extent of the different forms of participation - representative participation; direct participation; and financial participation, as measured in the European Foundation's EPOC survey. The paper examines the findings on these different types of participation separately and finally compares the levels of participation by combining all three systems. By taking this approach, important differences were found across the ten countries surveyed, with Sweden showing the strongest implementation of all types of participation, while Portugal is the weakest, in particular in representation participation arrangements. The paper indicates that there is a wide gap between the desired objective of the European Social Model and the practice of participation in Europe.

Classroom Peer Acceptance, Friendship, and Victimization: Destinct Relation Systems That Contribute Uniquely to Children's School Adjustment?

The proposition that relationships make differential (i.e., unique, redundant, contingent) contributions to adjustment was examined by investigating the linkages between children's participation in different types of peer relationships (i.e., friendship, peer acceptance, peer victimization) and their adjustment to school. Relationship measures were gathered for 5- to 6-year-old children (105 males, 95 females) twice during kindergarten (i.e., fall and spring) and were correlated with adjustment indicators at each time of assessment and used to predict changes in school adjustment over time. Examination of the relative associations between the relationship measures and children's adjustment revealed evidence of both unshared (i.e., unique) and shared (i.e., redundant) linkages, depending on the form of adjustment examined. These findings suggest that adjustment may be influenced by the diverse experiences (i.e., provisions) that children encounter in different forms of relationship, and that certain types of relationships may have greater or lesser adaptive significance depending on the adjustment outcome examined.

Bone mineral density in elite 7- to 9-yr-old female gymnasts and swimmers.

It is has been suggested that physical activity may increase bone mineral density (BMD) in children, thereby preventing development of osteoporosis later in life. We studied 14 gymnasts, 14 swimmers, and 17 controls to investigate whether participation in different types of sports among girls 7-9 yr of age is associated with higher total body BMD. Gymnasts were lighter than both swimmers and controls (P = 0.001), and a larger percent of gymnasts compared with swimmers and controls were below the 25th percentile for height and weight. Fat mass, percent body fat, and lean mass were less in gymnasts compared with swimmers and controls (all P < or = 0.05). The relationship between total body BMD and body weight differed among the three groups (interaction term of weight and sport, P < 0.001); the increase in BMD per unit increase in body weight was more among gymnasts than among swimmers and controls. These results indicate that high impact bone loading activities may lead to increased bone density among young girls.

Placental polyamine levels changes throughout gestation

We have evaluated immobilized Cu(II) ions as a potential site-directed molecular probe to monitor ligand-induced alterations in protein surface structures. Metal ion-induced alterations in the surface structures of different lactoferrins (human and porcine), transferrins (human and rabbit), and ovotransferrin (chicken) were examined. Although these 78 000-dalton glycoproteins are related gene products with similar overall structure and function, they differ greatly in the number and distribution of surface-exposed electron-donor groups thought to interact with Cu(II) ions. Each of these proteins interacted with immobilized Cu(II) ions through sites which are distinct from the two specific high affinity metal binding sites identified for iron. In both the presence and absence of bound iron, transferrins interacted more strongly with the immobilized Cu(II) ions than did lactoferrins; ovotransferrin interacted only weakly. Although iron binding increased the affinities of lactoferrins for immobilized Cu(II), iron binding decreased the affinities of transferrins and ovotransferrin for immobilized Cu(II) ions. Iron-saturated and iron-free lactoferrins were resolved by pH gradient elution, but only in the presence of 3 M urea; they were not resolved by imidazole affinity elution. Conversely, the iron-saturated and iron-free forms of transferrin were only separated by imidazole affinity elution. Urea did not influence the resolution of apo and holo ovotransferrins by imidazole. The differential effects of urea and imidazole suggest the participation of different types of surface electron-donor groups. The progressive site-specific modification of surface-exposed histidyl residues by carboxyethylation revealed several lactoferrin forms of intermediate affinity for immobilized iminodiacetate—Cu(II) ions. In summary, independent of species, the affinity for immobilized Cu(II) ions increased as follows: iron-saturated ovotransferrin < metal-free ovotransferrin < apolactoferrin < hololactoferrin << diferric or holotransferrin < monoferric transferrin < apotransferrin. We have demonstrated the use of immobilized Cu(II) ions to distinguish and to monitor ligand-induced alterations in protein surface structure. The results are discussed in relation to protein surface-exposed areas of electron-donor groups.

The effects of a hospital smoking ban on employee smoking behaviour and participation in different types of smoking cessation programmes

Correspondence to: HR Waranch, 28 Fencepost Court, Pikesville, MD 21208, USA Abstract Objective -To evaluate the effects of a smoking ban at Johns Hopkins Hospital on employee smoking behaviour and par ticipation in a variety of stop-smoking programmes. Design A prospective descriptive study of 262 employees who participated in a variety of stop-smoking programmes. The employees were contacted one year after implementation of a smoking ban to determine smoking status, and a sur vey of hospital employees was conducted six months before and six months after the ban. Setting -The Johns Hopkins Hospital, a privately owned hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, with almost 9000 em ployees. Subjects A total of 5190 employees who responded to an initial survey about smoking behaviour and 262 employees who participated in hospital-sponsored stop-smoking programmes. Results Of the estimated 2000 smokers working in the hospital 13.1 % (262) chose to participate in hospital-sponsored smoking cessation programmes prior to implementation of the smoking ban. One year after the ban, 8.4% (22) were not smoking. Six months following the ban, the self-reported prevalence of smoking among all employees decreased from 21.7% to 16.2% and the number of cigar ettes smoked decreased significantly for employees in all occupational categories. Group attendance at a multicomponent group programme quadrupled during the 12-month period following the an nouncement of the impending ban and returned to near pre-ban levels in the subsequent 12-month period. Conclusion Although participation in hospital-sponsored stop-smoking pro grammes increased substantially in the year following the announcement of a smoking ban, participants only repre sented a small percentage of the em ployees who smoked. Most employees reported reducing their daily cigarette consumption following the smoking ban but relatively few employees stopped smoking. (Tobacco Control 1993; 2: 120-126) Introduction

Age and gambling behavior: A declining and shifting pattern of participation

The relationship between age and gambling has received relatively little attention in the social sciences. An aging American population might have a fundamental effect on gambling behavior suggesting that such research is needed. A random telephone survey of 1,011 Iowa residents was conducted. Chronological age was found to be negatively related to gambling behavior in this study. Within this trend, however, people of different ages were also found to be participating in different types of gambling. The general decline in gambling across age categories can be conceptualized as a result of an age decline in experimentation with gambling for self-identity, self-presentation, as well as an historical increase in the social acceptance of gambling. The differential rates of participation in different types of gambling could result from differential needs and resources related to different stages of development and thus age categories.

Metal ligand-induced alterations in the surface structures of lactoferrin and transferrin probed by interaction with immobilized copper(II) ions

We have evaluated immobilized Cu(II) ions as a potential site-directed molecular probe to monitor ligand-induced alterations in protein surface structures. Metal ion-induced alterations in the surface structures of different lactoferrins (human and porcine), transferrins (human and rabbit), and ovotransferrin (chicken) were examined. Although these 78 000-dalton glycoproteins are related gene products with similar overall structure and function, they differ greatly in the number and distribution of surface-exposed electron-donor groups thought to interact with Cu(II) ions. Each of these proteins interacted with immobilized Cu(II) ions through sites which are distinct from the two specific high affinity metal binding sites identified for iron. In both the presence and absence of bound iron, transferrins interacted more strongly with the immobilized Cu(II) ions than did lactoferrins; ovotransferrin interacted only weakly. Although iron binding increased the affinities of lactoferrins for immobilized Cu(II), iron binding decreased the affinities of transferrins and ovotransferrin for immobilized Cu(II) ions. Iron-saturated and iron-free lactoferrins were resolved by pH gradient elution, but only in the presence of 3 M urea; they were not resolved by imidazole affinity elution. Conversely, the iron-saturated and iron-free forms of transferrin were only separated by imidazole affinity elution. Urea did not influence the resolution of apo and holo ovotransferrins by imidazole. The differential effects of urea and imidazole suggest the participation of different types of surface electron-donor groups. The progressive site-specific modification of surface-exposed histidyl residues by carboxyethylation revealed several lactoferrin forms of intermediate affinity for immobilized iminodiacetate—Cu(II) ions. In summary, independent of species, the affinity for immobilized Cu(II) ions increased as follows: iron-saturated ovotransferrin < metal-free ovotransferrin < apolactoferrin < hololactoferrin << diferric or holotransferrin < monoferric transferrin < apotransferrin. We have demonstrated the use of immobilized Cu(II) ions to distinguish and to monitor ligand-induced alterations in protein surface structure. The results are discussed in relation to protein surface-exposed areas of electron-donor groups.

MANAGER PARTICIPATION IN MANAGEMENT

Worker participation in management (we will not be dealing here with profit‐sharing), otherwise known as “industrial democracy,” is studied intensively throughout the world, including Israel. Attention is directed at its ideological and theoretical, as well as its empirical, dimensions. Empirical research attempts to assess the degree of success of the different types of participation. Research findings point, disappointingly, to a generally low level of success of worker participation programmes.

Leisure participation and satisfaction in two European communities

This paper compares participation in leisure activities in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and Thionville, France. Factors associated with participation in different types of leisure activities, including health, status, household structure, attitudes towards leisure, and perceptions about leisure facilities are examined for the two communities. The study also compares the contribution of participation in different activities to satisfaction in the two countries. Data are based on a questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 95 elderly individuals living in Luxembourg's urban areas and 100 in Thionville. In general, differences in factors associated with participation are greater between the two countries than among different activities within each country. The study concludes that elderly individuals derive different meaning from participation in leisure activities in Thionville and Luxembourg.

Experience Preferences of Participants in Different Types of River Recreation Groups

This paper explores the relationships between river recreationist's experience preferences and characteristics of their social group of participation. Multiple item experience scales were cluster analyzed and the resulting clusters were used to test for differences in experience preferences based on the social group characteristics of size, composition and type of provision. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in mean group sizes among the preferred experience clusters. Group composition and type of provision were cross tabulated with the experience preference clusters, and Goodman's Multiple Comparison Tests for cross classified data were used to “ransack” the cross tabulated tables with significant Chi-square values. Significant differences in experience preferences were found for groups of different composition and between private and commercially provided trips. Those in groups where some or all others are unknown have preferences for adventuresome, socially oriented experiences, while those in primary groups prefer experiences that provide for quiet, escape and change. While significant differences were found, the relationships between type of provision and experience preferences were not clear. Study results add further support to the social group theory of leisure, and could open a new analytical dimension in experience based research.

The influence of component participation and role models on goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance

The present investigation examined the effects of different types of participation (choice) and role models in goal setting on goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance. It was hypothesized that choice in setting a goal and a strategy to achieve the goal would positively benefit goal acceptance, performance, and goal satisfaction. In addition, it was predicted that a role model would differentially influence an individual's goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance. One hundred twenty male college students working on a class scheduling task were exposed to either a high- or low-performing role model and given various amounts of choice in the goal-setting process. The results of two-way analyses of variance demonstrated that goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance were highest for individuals given choice over their goal and their strategy to achieve the goal. In addition, the results demonstrated that an individual exposed to a high-performing role model outperformed and had higher goal acceptance and satisfaction than an individual exposed to a low-performing model. The results are discussed as a means for clarifying the effects of different types of choice in the goal-setting process and the importance of role-provided information in influencing an individual's performance.

Mechanism of reactions on multimetallic catalysts

In the study of hydrocarbon reactions carried out on unsupported and supported alloys, the ‘ensemble size effect’ has been firmly established as the major factor determining the catalytically active surface. Accordingly, the selectivity pattern of a hydrocarbon transformation is determined by the participation of different types of intermediates associated with ensembles of different size. This latter, in turn, is a function of the metal-metal combinations. The effects observed with bimetallic systems with a low metal loading are not as simple as with bulk alloys. Alloy phase formation can be doubted in most cases, and in some instances formation of a ‘metal phase’ is also questionable. Nevertheless, a bimetallic system is frequently superior in its behaviour to a monometallic catalyst. The following effects may be considered to rationalize the existing data: — Formation of bimetallics but segregation occurs; — Particle size effect, dispersion; — Matrix effect, e.g. one component grafted to the support; — Change in hydrogen coverage; — Metal-support interaction (MSI); — Suppression of ageing effects, such as coke formation. These effects are discussed here for a series of examples, e.g. Ru-Cu, Ru-Au, Ru-Pt, Ru-Fe, Pt-Au, Pt-Ir, Pt-Fe bimetallic systems, considering the influence of the factors mentioned for different hydrocarbon transformations as well as for hydrocarbon synthesis.

Consumer Feedback from Short Courses in Family Therapy: a New Zealand Report

Questions are emerging regarding the usefulness and efficiency of the present ad hoc and haphazard manner of providing short courses in family therapy. This paper reports on the responses of 105 participants in different types of short seminar‐workshops to a mailed, evaluation questionnaire. The characteristics of those attending, their expectations, reported satisfaction and changes in practice following attendance are explored. Felt needs for further training are also reported. Suggestions are made to consumers, organisers and leaders of courses and to all interested in family therapy training regarding possible future directions in short, informal course provision. The need for more detailed study to test out these suggestions and other issues raised is highlighted.

Municipal Administrators' Receptivity to Citizens' and Elected Officials' Contacts

A significant question in urban politics and administration is how the responsiveness of municipal bureaucracies to citizens' needs and demands can be increased.' Research indicates that these bureaucracies exercise significant control over service delivery decisions and that they are not subject to influence by citizens or elected officials.2 The question of administrative responsiveness is important not only for individuals who depend on municipal services, but also for democratic theory since administrators are supposed to be responsible directly to mayors and council members and ultimately to citizens. Citizens may obtain greater responsiveness from administrators indirectly through the electoral process. If they are dissatisfied with services, they may vote out one set of representatives and vote in another who promise better service delivery. The electoral system has a number of limitations, however-low turnout, limited choice, the volunteerism of elected officials, and the limited opportunity for reprisals.3 Also, Lineberry notes, Mayors and councils come and go; bureaucracies and their decision rules are more permanent.' Consequently, elections are seldom effective means for citizens to increase administrators' responsiveness. A more direct means for citizens to influence administrative action is through communicating complaints or demands to government officials. Mladenka argues that citizen contacting may represent one of the few distinctly political influences on the generally apolitical process of municipal service delivery.' Also, Vedlitz and Veblen in their study of voting and contacting found that many citizens who voted did not engage in contacting, and vice versa. This led them to conclude that the local level it is useful to view voting and contacting as different types of participation.' A number of studies have examined contacting and some conclusions emerge. First, although only a minority of citizens engage in contacting, the proportion of contactors is similar to that of voters in local elections.7 Second, contacting is related to citizens' need for services.8 Third, contactors are primarily concerned with specific problems rather than policy issues.9 Contacts, then, are instrumental acts directed at narrow, short-range goals.

Race, sex, and juvenile inmate roles

The issue of inmate roles in the socialization of adult offenders confined in correctional institutions has had lengthy analysis and deliberation. The way inmate roles are used by juvenile offenders as a method of coping with and adjusting to confinement in a training school parallels many of the socialization functions of inmate roles found in adult institutions. This study examines seven adjustment patterns of confined offenders in a juvenile correctional system located in a southeastern state. Significant differences occur between various combinations of sex and race categories in terms of participation in different types of aggressive roles, manipulative roles, and passive roles. White males and black males appear at opposite ends of a dominance‐exploitation spectrum. Black males, American Indian males, and black females tend to use aggressive inmate roles and thereby dominate life within the inmate social system. White males and Indian females employ passive and manipulative roles in order to cope wi...

Learning Orientations and Participation in Self-Education and Continuing Education

This study explored the nature of the relationship between learning orientations and participation by adults in learning activi ties. The typology suggested by Houle and extended by others provided the framework for the investigation of learning orienta tions. The categories of self-education and continuing education suggested by Verner and others were used to analyze learning activities. The theoretical framework proposed that different learn ing orientations would be associated with varying levels of partici pation in self-education and continuing education. Six research hypotheses derived from the theoretical frame work were tested with a sample consisting of 220 female registered nurses. The instruments used were Sheffield's Continuing Learning Orientation Index and two eleven-item measures of participation in self-education and continuing education. The factors identified from the Sheffield instrument were similar to those found in other applications of the same instrument and consistent with the Houle typology. The factor named "learning orientation" was clearly related to participation both in self-education and continuing education, but there was a mixed pattern of relationships with respect to the other learning orientations. It was concluded that there was still a need to determine more accurately the utility of learning orientations as predictors of participation in different types of learning activities.