Eta Coefficient Research Articles

Leadership and Motivation as Important Aspects of the International Company’s Corporate Culture

Although the issue of corporate culture has been taken over and addressed in the literature from various perspectives, there are very few researchers about the role of leadership and motivation in it, respectively very few researchers have addressed them as important components of the international company’s corporate culture. The present paper aims to point out that leadership and motivation can be perceived as important aspects of the international company’s corporate culture. The object of the investigation was an international company (situated in Italy) and its five subsidiaries (situated in Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, and Turkey). As the main research method, there was chosen the method of the questionnaire survey, which was attempted by all the company’s employees (totally 270 respondents). The questionnaire was divided into three separate, but logically related parts—leadership, motivation, and corporate culture, and submitted to two groups of respondents—the company’s management and its employees. In total 11 hypotheses were formulated and further evaluated by the methods of Pearson Chi-square Test, Fisher’s Exact Test, Cramer’s V coefficient, Kendall rank correlation coefficient, Eta coefficient, Spearman coefficient, Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon W statistics, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Friedman’s test. The results of the research have proven that leadership and motivation are important parts of the corporate culture.

The Impact of Online Media on Parents' Attitudes toward Vaccination of Children-Social Marketing and Public Health.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the level of influence of online media on the parents’ attitudes toward vaccination of children in three countries of the Western Balkans—Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to use the potentials of this form of communication effectively and efficiently. Online media are a critical factor of influence on the formation of attitudes in many areas of modern society, which is why their proper use plays an important role in strengthening vaccine confidence and which may further contribute to improvement of public health. On the other side, having in mind the fact that communication is an integral part of marketing, it is clear that social marketing has an extremely important role regarding the analyzed topic, especially because of the fact that social marketing activities tend to change or maintain people’s behavior for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. For the purpose of this research, a conceptual model was developed. Quantitative research was conducted online in the first quarter of 2020 using the survey method. Statistical analysis was applied to data collected from 1593 parents in the analyzed countries. The relevance of the hypotheses was tested using standard statistical tests, ANOVA test, eta coefficient, and logistic regression. The research showed that all analyzed variables from the model have a significant impact on the parents’ attitudes toward the vaccination of children and that they correlate with the degree of trust in vaccines. The results also approved that online media have a significant influence on the formation of parents’ attitudes toward the vaccination of children (obtained values of eta coefficient η2 = 0.216, η2 = 0.18, η2 = 0.167, η2 = 0.090, reliability Cronbach’s Alpha 0.892), which confirms the importance of the use of social marketing in order to direct communication properly and to strengthen the level of trust in vaccines. Additionally, the results of logistic regression showed that the following groups of parents are particularly vulnerable to the influence of online media on attitudes toward vaccines: women, parents of younger age (“millennials”), and parents who are in common law marriage, as well as parents who have more children. In addition, the results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the attitudes of parents in the observed countries (η2 = 0.000, F = 0.85). Based on the results of the research, the authors suggest that decision makers should pay more attention to modern forms of online communication and social marketing in order to use their potential for improvement of public health, as well as avoid the harmful impact that certain forms of communication may have on the formation of attitudes and loss of confidence in vaccines. The findings provide an important contribution for public health policy makers to identify and understand properly the impact of online media and social marketing and thus to better adapt their initiatives to changes in modern society.

Experimenting the Effect of Class Size on Mathematics Based Performance: A Case Study of Selected Public Secondary School in Akure, Nigeria

Background: The spate of overcrowding numbers of students in public secondary schools in Nigeria is significantly on the increase and there has been paucity of literatures that had examined the effect of class size in the enhancement of students’ academic performance, especially on mathematics. Mathematics is one of the compulsory subjects to be offered by every students in secondary schools across the nation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of class size on mathematics based performance in Akure, Ondo State-Nigeria. Method: Quasi experimental research design was adopted in the study. Cluster random sampling technique was adopted to engage one hundred and fifteen (115) public secondary school students. The study participants were randomly assigned from the cluster of IQ categories and affiliated departments into three groups, under-crowded, standard and over-crowded class before exposure to intervention. Three research questions hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Results: Finding revealed that class size had significant effects on students’ mathematics based performance, holding constant, the influence of affiliated departments (F (3, 111) = 197.79, p < .001; ηp2 = .842). The phi eta coefficient revealed that 84.2% of the variance observed in students’ performance in mathematics was strictly accounted for by the size of class. The post-hoc result presented in the table above shows that with a total mean of 58.03, the class size with under-crowded (n=15) reported better performance in mathematics when compared to performances of students in standard class size with a total adjusted mean of 48.66, and students in over-crowded class size with a total adjusted mean of 24.14. Conclusion: From the results of this findings, it was concluded that the number of students in a class had strong implication on mathematics learning and performances. Based on the findings, this study therefore recommends that government and concern authorities should ensure less or standard class size in public secondary schools to further enhance students’ performances, especially in mathematics.

Differences between morphological characteristics and motoric capabilities of physically active and inactive female students

Background: This research was done as continuation of research made previously on male population. The goal of this research is to determine „differences between morphological characteristics and motoric capabilities of physically active and inactive female students “. Methods: Sample of physically inactive female students was made of 54 examinees and sample for active students was made of 52 girls. Average age was 12. All girls were primary school students. Physically inactive students regularly attended PE lessons and active students were involved in training process of basketball, volleyball, football and handball teams. Additional practice was done two times a week for 90 minutes. Morphological space is set by 15 variables and motoric space is set with 24 variables. Results: Statistical difference was determined by T-test on level (p&lt;0.05). Significance given by T-test was checked by calculating Eta coefficient. Such data has differences in Chest Width (.00/.00 and η2=0,33), Weight (.00/.00 and η2=0,34), Stomach Skin Curves (.00/.00 and η2=0,37) and Back Skin Curves (.05/.05 and η2=0,16). Motoric space has differences in: Slalom with Three Medicine Balls (.00/.00 and η2=0.01), Throwing medicine ball from the chest (.00/.00 and η2=0,10), Long Jump (.00/.00 and η2=0,17), Push-ups (.02/.02 and η2=0.05), Sit-and-Reach (.04/.04 and η2=0.00) and 20m low start run (.00/.00 and. η2=0,14). Conclusions: After analysis it can be stated the aim of the research was completed and differences of anthropological status of physically active and inactive female students were determined. Students of age 12 can be recommended additional training activity to positively transform anthropological spaces with no transformation. Research with same or similar variables should be done on different age categories when compared to this one or to analyze quality of influence that specific sports have on transformation in this age category.

Differences between morphological characteristics and motoric capabilities of physically active and inactive female students

Background: This research was done as continuation of research made previously on male population. The goal of this research is to determine „differences between morphological characteristics and motoric capabilities of physically active and inactive female students “. Methods: Sample of physically inactive female students was made of 54 examinees and sample for active students was made of 52 girls. Average age was 12. All girls were primary school students. Physically inactive students regularly attended PE lessons and active students were involved in training process of basketball, volleyball, football and handball teams. Additional practice was done two times a week for 90 minutes. Morphological space is set by 15 variables and motoric space is set with 24 variables. Results: Statistical difference was determined by T-test on level (p&lt;0.05). Significance given by T-test was checked by calculating Eta coefficient. Such data has differences in Chest Width (.00/.00 and η2=0,33), Weight (.00/.00 and η2=0,34), Stomach Skin Curves (.00/.00 and η2=0,37) and Back Skin Curves (.05/.05 and η2=0,16). Motoric space has differences in: Slalom with Three Medicine Balls (.00/.00 and η2=0.01), Throwing medicine ball from the chest (.00/.00 and η2=0,10), Long Jump (.00/.00 and η2=0,17), Push-ups (.02/.02 and η2=0.05), Sit-and-Reach (.04/.04 and η2=0.00) and 20m low start run (.00/.00 and. η2=0,14). Conclusions: After analysis it can be stated the aim of the research was completed and differences of anthropological status of physically active and inactive female students were determined. Students of age 12 can be recommended additional training activity to positively transform anthropological spaces with no transformation. Research with same or similar variables should be done on different age categories when compared to this one or to analyze quality of influence that specific sports have on transformation in this age category.

The effectiveness of cognitive conflict strategy in the development of persuasive writing skills and some habits of mind among high school students

The study aimed to identify the effectiveness of cognitive conflict strategy in the development of persuasive writing skills and some habits of mind among high school students. To achieve the study objectives, the researcher employed two research methods: descriptive analytical method and experimental method (quasi-experimental design). The researcher designed six tools and research materials to conduct the study and to collect data, which are: a list of persuasive writing skills, a test of persuasive writing skills accompanied with a suitable grading rubric, a list of habits of mind, a test of habits of mind accompanied with a suitable grading rubric, student’s book, and teacher's guide. The sample of the study was selected randomly and consisted of (70) students. The participants were divided into two groups: a control group which was consisted of (35) students, and an experimental group which was consisted of (35) students. The data were analyzed through the use of several statistical techniques including means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficient, T-test for independent groups, Eta coefficient and Black modified gain ratio. The results of the study revealed that There was a positive correlation on the experimental group students' performance of the post-tests for persuasive writing skills and habits of mind (perseverance, flexible thinking, questioning, posing problems and thinking &amp; communicating clearly. Based on the results, the study recommended the designers of curricula to benefit from the conducted lists of persuasive writing skills and habits of mind.

Examination of the Reliability of the Measurements Regarding the Written Expression Skills According to Different Test Theories

The aim of the study is to examine the reliability estimations of written expression skills analytical rubric based on the Classical Test Theory (CTT), Generalizability Theory (GT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) which differ in their field of study. In this descriptive study, the stories of the 523 students in the study group were scored by seven raters. CTT results showed that Eta coefficient revealed that there was no difference between the scoring of the raters (η = .926); Cronbach Alpha coefficients were over .88. GT results showed that G and Phi coefficients were over .97. The students’ expected differentiation emerged, the difficulty levels of the criteria did not change from one student to another, and the consistency between the scores among raters was excellent. In the Item Response Theory, parameters were estimated according to Samejima’s (1969) Graded Response Model and item discrimination differed according to the different raters. According to b parameters, for all the raters; individuals are expected to be at least -2.35, -0.80, 0.41 ability level in order to be scored higher than 0, 1 or 2 categories respectively with .50 probability. Marginal reliability coefficients were quite high (around .93). The Fisher Z’ statistic was calculated for the significance of the difference between all reliability estimates. GT revealed more detailed information than CTT in the explanation of error variance sources and determination of reliability; while IRT provided more detailed information than CTT in determining the item-level error estimations and the ability level. There was a significant difference between the estimated parameters of CTT and GT in interrater reliability (p &amp;lt; .05); there was no significant difference between the parameters predicted according to CTT and IRT (p &amp;gt; .05).

Staff perceptions of patient safety culture in general surgery departments in Turkey.

The first step towards establishing and improving patient safety culture in hospitals is measuring patient safety culture perceptions of staff. Few studies have examined the perception of patient safety culture in general surgery departments. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient safety culture and patient safety grade in general surgery departments and to examine the relation between the patient safety culture and the patient safety grade. This study examined patient safety culture and patient safety grades of 124 staff in seven surgery departments of a hospital in Turkey. The staff completed the hospital survey on patient safety culture and answered questions about their professional characteristics. One-way ANOVA, Independent-samples t test, corrected chi-square test, multiple correspondence analysis and Eta co-efficient were used in statistical analyses. The patient safety dimension of "teamwork within units" had the highest mean and percentage of positive responses. The "frequency of events reported" and "non-punitive response to errors" had the lowest means and percentages of positive responses. Participants with resident or nurse positions, < age 31 years, with < 6 years of professional experience, and 60 or more work hours/week, had significantly more negative perceptions of patient safety culture than other participants. Patient safety grades and the dimensions of "management support for patient safety" and "overall perceptions of patient safety" had significantly high Eta coefficients. Frequency of events reported and non-punitive responses to errors should be improved, and participants' characteristics should be considered at improvement efforts in general surgery departments. The dimesions with low means suggest opportunities for improvement.

Use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) In the professional development of science teachers Jeddah

The current research aimed to identify the effectiveness of MOOCs as an electronic training platform for the professional development of science teachers in Jeddah. The researcher used the semi-experimental approach in a one-group design. The experiment was applied to the basic sample of research (30) Education East Jeddah Girls, who received the active learning course through direct training, were randomly selected unintentionally. The researcher used two tools to collect information and data related to the study: N of (20) paragraph tribal dish and Uday, in addition to a questionnaire to measure the sample satisfaction MOOCs as a platform for distance training, consisting of (48) paragraph. The data of this study were analyzed using the statistical packages of social programs (SPSS) according to the following statistical methods: arithmetical mean, standard deviation and t value for the pre-test and final test scores by t-test for two independent sample samples, Eta coefficient of impact measurement, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for measurement of test stability, consistency of satisfaction criterion, and arithmetic averages and standard deviations of responses of study group members in the satisfaction questionnaire. The study reached several results, the most important of which are: -MOOCs achieved an efficiency level in the results of the achievement test with an average of (5.17) score for pre-test compared to (19.63) in the post-test. -The size of the calculated effect reached (0.99). This means that the size of the impact is great for the use of open source electronic courses (MOOCs) in the professional development of science teachers in Jeddah. -There is satisfaction with science teachers on the use of MOOCs in their professional development, where the mean is 4.37, indicating that there is satisfaction (strongly agree) on the questionnaire of satisfaction with the use of MOOCs as a distance training platform for the professional development of them -The standard deviation of the general arithmetic mean (0.119), which is a value and a sign of the great homogeneity between the responses of the members of the research sample (science parameters) on the expressions of satisfaction questionnaire In light of the results, the researcher presented a set of recommendations, the most important of which are: - To promote the culture of e-learning using electronic educational platforms MOOCs. - Provide open and continuous training programs for in-service teachers for their effectiveness and development. - Offering more training courses for electronic platforms carrying the specifications of MOOCs - Taking advantage of the current study tools, namely (the achievement test- the measure of satisfaction) to assess the impact of professional development For science teachers in Jeddah.

The spatial relation between land use and crime

Crime is often associated with social and economic problems. However, studies also showed that land use factor can cause crime. In Malaysia, zoning system is used to manage and administer land use in urban or rural areas. This study was, therefore conducted to measure the spatial distance and the strength of spatial distance between land use and crime. The analysis was done based on motorcycle thefts within a period of three years (2012-2014) in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya. The overlay map and multiple buffer zone techniques in the Geographic Information System (GIS) application were used to determine the spatial distance of land use. Chi Square statistical analysis and the Eta (η) coefficient were used to see the strength of relationship between spatial distance of land use and crime. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between land use, spatial distance and motorcycle theft. The analysis indicated that the motorcycle theft incidences were concentrated on a very close distance at commercial, leisure and recreational areas, and residential areas at a distance of between 0m and 150m. In the context of motorcycle thefts, residential and commercial land use have become the generators of motorcycle assets. This situation is also an indirect driving factor for motorcycle thefts. It therefore follows that spatial prevention and control should be given to land use that generates motorcycle assets. Keywords : crime, land use, motorcycle theft, urban land use, urban spatial distance, zoning system

The Effect of Family-Centered Nature Therapy on the Sensory Processing of Children with Autism Spectrum

Background: Treatment methods for autistic spectrum have been of utmost interest for researchers. In this regard, nature therapy is one of the most cost-efficient methods of treatment. Considering this issue, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of family-centered nature therapy on the sensory processing of children with autism spectrum. Methods: This study was an applied and semi-experimental (pre-test and post-test) with control group. The statistical population included all children with autism spectrum disorder (3 - 7 years old) referring to Tehran’s rehabilitation and therapy centers. The sample size of 14 children (12 males and 2 females) with autism spectrum disorder was selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Ten sessions of nature therapy were held at Sagan Nature School along with parents’ mandatory attendance. To collect the data, the sensory evaluation checklist and the Nature Therapy Schedule were used based on theoretical framework and research findings. The obtained data were analyzed using Leven, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and covariance analysis tests. Results: Based on the obtained results, nature therapy had a significant effect on sensory processing in experimental group (F = 22.42; P = 0.001). Furthermore, eta coefficient of 0.67 indicated that approximately 67% of the variance of the dependent variable (sensory processing) is affected by the study intervention. Conclusions: The findings showed that family-centered nature therapy reduced some sensory problems in children with autism spectrum disorders. These children, especially in motion and touch, showed significant progress. Therefore, this method can be used for reducing the syndrome of children with autism spectrum disorder due to its positive, simple, and beneficial effects as a complementary therapy along with other therapies.

EFFECTS OF PROGRAMMED FITNESS EXERCISE ON BODY COMPOSITION AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

This research included a sample of 79 pre-school boys aged 6 and 7 with 40 of them in the experimental group and 39 in the control group. Their current state of body composition was studied, as well as their relations after a 6-month fitness treatment that the experimental group of participants was involved in, in order to analyze its effects. The experimental group had two classes per week, in addition to regular programmed activities as part of the children’s sport school (three times per week), and as part of 48 of additional, six-month training lessons of exercising in sport (fitness) clubs. The following variables have been used to evaluate body composition with the application of bio-electric impedance In Body 230 such as: muscle mass, percentage of muscle mass, body fat mass, percentage of body fat mass, fat free mass, percentage of fat free mass. Although small to moderate effects were obtained by the double mixed ANOVA, the results show the experimental group’s achievements as significantly higher than those of the control group. Furthermore, with individual eta coefficient findings in comparison with each group measurements, it is clear that the value of the obtained effects is different between groups to the benefit of the experimental group. Permanent implementation of the proposed programme could contribute to an improvement on the studied body composition variables which can result in the better health status of children in future.

The Effect of Family-Centered Nature Therapy on the Sensory Processing of Children with Autism Spectrum

Background: Treatment methods for autistic spectrum have been of utmost interest for researchers. In this regard, nature therapy is one of the most cost-efficient methods of treatment. Considering this issue, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of family-centered nature therapy on the sensory processing of children with autism spectrum. Methods: This study was an applied and semi-experimental (pre-test and post-test) with control group. The statistical population included all children with autism spectrum disorder (3 - 7 years old) referring to Tehran’s rehabilitation and therapy centers. The sample size of 14 children (12 males and 2 females) with autism spectrum disorder was selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Ten sessions of nature therapy were held at Sagan Nature School along with parents’ mandatory attendance. To collect the data, the sensory evaluation checklist and the Nature Therapy Schedule were used based on theoretical framework and research findings. The obtained data were analyzed using Leven, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and covariance analysis tests. Results: Based on the obtained results, nature therapy had a significant effect on sensory processing in experimental group (F = 22.42; P = 0.001). Furthermore, eta coefficient of 0.67 indicated that approximately 67% of the variance of the dependent variable (sensory processing) is affected by the study intervention. Conclusions: The findings showed that family-centered nature therapy reduced some sensory problems in children with autism spectrum disorders. These children, especially in motion and touch, showed significant progress. Therefore, this method can be used for reducing the syndrome of children with autism spectrum disorder due to its positive, simple, and beneficial effects as a complementary therapy along with other therapies.

Total Serum Level of Calcium and Ion Calcium is Lower in Hypotonic Uterine Inertia

Objectives: To know the correlation between total and ion serum calcium level with the uterine contractility of laboring patient. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytic correlative study measuring the strength of correlation of total and ion calcium serum level between groups with hypotonic uterine inertia - and normal labor. Each group consists of 20 subjects who met inclusion criteria and presented to Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital in August - September 2012. Statistical analysis was performed by using Eta (η) coefficient. Results: Mean total calcium serum level on hypotonic uterine inertia is 6.66 mg/dl, while mean of total calcium serum level on normal labor is 8.56 mg/dl, with Eta (η) correlation coefficient 0.721. Mean ion calcium serum level on hypotonic uterine inertia is 4.14 mg/dl, while mean of total calcium serum level on normal labor is 4.92 mg/dl, with Eta (η) correlation coefficient 0.802. Conclusion: Total serum level of calcium and ion calcium in hypotonic uterine inertia is lower than the level of which in normal labor. There is a strong correlation between total and ion serum calcium level with uterine contractility, the Eta (η) correlation coefficient are 0.721 and 0.802 respectively. [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 1-3: 145-8] Keywords: hypotonic uterine inertia, ion serum calcium level, normal labor, total serum calcium level

Association of BODE index to daily living activities and upper limb strength in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Context: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that reduces the functional capacity and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Aims: To determine the correlation between the BODE index (B - body mass index; O - airflow obstruction; D - dyspnea; and E - exercise capacity) with ADL and grip strength in COPD patients. Settings and Design: The study was conducted at JSS Hospital, Mysore. It was a correlational study. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-six COPD subjects were recruited by convenience sampling. Forced expiratory volume, body mass index, Six-Minute Walk Test, and Medical Research Council scale were assessed. The BODE index was calculated. The total score of London Chest Activities of Daily Living (LCADL) and grip strength were compared between the patients of the four quartiles of the BODE index. The association between LCADL and grip Strength with BODE index was analyzed. Statistical Analysis: Eta coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the analysis of variance were used. Results: The Eta coefficients showed the strength or the measure of associations of BODE index with age, grip strength, and LCADL. Spearman's correlation coefficient shows that there is an inverse association with grip strength and LCADL, and it was statistically significant as the P Conclusions: ADL limitation and hand grip strength test have a strong association with the BODE index in patients with moderate to severe COPD.

Perceived Risk For Heart Disease And Body Mass Index

Even as the public becomes more aware of the growing prevalence of obesity, Americans continue to gain weight and increase their risk for hypokinetic diseases. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between individuals perceived risk for heart disease and their body mass index (BMI). Participants were college-age males and females (n=361) enrolled in a freshmen level Concepts of Fitness course. METHODS Subjects had their height assessed on a standard height scale to the nearest quarter inch and weight measured to the nearest pound using an electronic scale. Height was converted to cm and weight to kg. BMI was calculated by dividing weight in kg by height in m2. Disease risk was established according to ACSM guidelines by assigning the BMI score a categorical value (1 = underweight; 2 = normal weight; 3 = at risk; 4 = overweight/high risk). Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire in which they were asked to rank their perceived risk for heart disease (1=low risk, 2=moderate risk, 3=high risk). RESULTS A Somers'd analysis was run to determine the level of agreement between the BMI categorical value and the perceived risk for heart disease categorical value. A low level of agreement (D=.221) was determined. Findings of the approximate t-value revealed measured variables (BMI and perceived risk) differed significantly from 0 (t=4.95; p= 0.00). Lastly, given the assumption students viewed perceived heart risk as a quantitative variable, the eta coefficient indicated BMI accounted for only 30% of the variability of the reported perceived risk for heart disease. Crosstabulation of responses revealed 23% percent of individuals in category 4 (high risk/BMI = 30.0 – 40+) perceived they had a low risk for heart disease, 59% perceived their risk to be moderate, and 18% perceived their risk to be high. CONCLUSION Less than 20% of individuals at high risk for CVD, as determined by BMI, perceived they were at an increased risk. Results indicated college-age students do not accurately perceive a decreased or increased risk of heart disease based on BMI.

Perceived Risk For Heart Disease And Body Mass Index

Even as the public becomes more aware of the growing prevalence of obesity, Americans continue to gain weight and increase their risk for hypokinetic diseases. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between individuals perceived risk for heart disease and their body mass index (BMI). Participants were college-age males and females (n=361) enrolled in a freshmen level Concepts of Fitness course. METHODS Subjects had their height assessed on a standard height scale to the nearest quarter inch and weight measured to the nearest pound using an electronic scale. Height was converted to cm and weight to kg. BMI was calculated by dividing weight in kg by height in m2. Disease risk was established according to ACSM guidelines by assigning the BMI score a categorical value (1 = underweight; 2 = normal weight; 3 = at risk; 4 = overweight/high risk). Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire in which they were asked to rank their perceived risk for heart disease (1=low risk, 2=moderate risk, 3=high risk). RESULTS A Somers'd analysis was run to determine the level of agreement between the BMI categorical value and the perceived risk for heart disease categorical value. A low level of agreement (D=.221) was determined. Findings of the approximate t-value revealed measured variables (BMI and perceived risk) differed significantly from 0 (t=4.95; p= 0.00). Lastly, given the assumption students viewed perceived heart risk as a quantitative variable, the eta coefficient indicated BMI accounted for only 30% of the variability of the reported perceived risk for heart disease. Crosstabulation of responses revealed 23% percent of individuals in category 4 (high risk/BMI = 30.0 – 40+) perceived they had a low risk for heart disease, 59% perceived their risk to be moderate, and 18% perceived their risk to be high. CONCLUSION Less than 20% of individuals at high risk for CVD, as determined by BMI, perceived they were at an increased risk. Results indicated college-age students do not accurately perceive a decreased or increased risk of heart disease based on BMI.

Measurement of the anorectal angle by defecography for the diagnosis of fecal incontinence.

We assessed the reliability of anorectal angle (ARA) measurement as an index of fecal incontinence. The "posterior" ARA was measured at rest, squeezing, and straining in 69 continent and 82 incontinent subjects all complaining of various evacuation dysfunctions. The two groups were homogeneous with regard to sex distribution (48.6% vs. 51.4% men and 44.7% vs. 55.3% women, n.s.) and age (56.5 +/- 10.2 vs. 59.3 +/- 9.7 years, n.s.). The incidence of rectal prolapse was the same in the two groups (40 each). The intraobserver agreement index from two independent measurements (Pearson's correlation coefficient), age, and gender interaction [T2 Hotelling test in multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA)] and the most discriminating category of ARA measurement (Fisher's F test in ANOVA) were calculated. In addition, the relationship between ARA and severity of incontinence was assessed by the eta coefficient. Pearson's correlation coefficient was between 0.78 and 0.98 (P < 0.01). The mean ARA differed significantly between the continent and incontinent subjects (104.5 +/- 10.3 degrees vs. 116.2 +/- 23.6 degrees at rest, 84.5 +/- 14.2 degrees vs. 95.1 +/- 20.1 degrees on squeezing, and 133.7 +/- 21.7 degrees vs. 141.7 +/- 25.9 degrees on straining; T2 0.066, P < 0.05 in multivariate ANOVA). No interaction was noted between groups and gender (T2 = 0.023; F = 1.11, n.s.). Resting ARA was shown by ANOVA to be the most discriminating index (F = 9.4 P < 0.01) between the two groups. Overall, ARA measurement was correlated with the severity of fecal incontinence (eta coefficient: 0.894 at rest; 0.811 on squeezing; 0.695 on straining); its accuracy was 79%, the false-positive rate was 15.3% and the false-negative rate 26.5%. Irrespective of the underlying abnormality, namely rectal prolapse, ARA measurement by defecography can: (a) be reinterpreted reliably by the same observer and (b) differentiate continent from incontinent subjects.

Learning styles and perceived problem-solving ability of students in a baccalaureate physiotherapy programme

The purpose of this study was to determine the learning styles and problem-solving ability of physiotherapy students. The subjects were 158 students from years 2 to 4 of a baccalaureate physiotherapy programme. All subjects completed the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) and were classified into one of four learning styles. They also completed the Heppner Problem Solving Inventory (PSI), for which a total score and three subscale scores were calculated. Chi-square and one-way analyses of variance were used to determine differences between years for the LSI and PSI respectively. The association between the PSI and LSI was determined with an eta coefficient. The majority of students had the preferred learning style of assimilator' or converger'. The scores on the PSI were similar to those reported for other undergraduate students, and were not related to learning style. There were no significant differences between years for the LSI or the PSI score. We conclude that physiotherapy students in a baccalaureate programme prefer a learning style in which they combine abstract conceptualisation (thinking) with either reflective observation (watching and listening) or active experimentation (doing). Neither learning style nor perceived problem-solving ability was different across years.

Assessing White Racial Consciousness and Perceived Comfort with Black Individuals: A Preliminary Study

This research examined the relationship between White racial consciousness development and perceived comfort with Black individuals. Participants were 339 White undergraduate students from a large southeastern state university who were asked to complete a two‐part inventory: part one measuring White racial consciousness development (a five‐stage scale) and part two measuring perceived comfort in situations involving Black individuals. An eta coefficient was calculated, providing evidence for the existence of a strong curvilinear relationship between White racial consciousness and perceived comfort with Black individuals η =.23 at p&lt;.0001. These findings suggest that Whites who are completely foreclosed (stage one) or who are well acquainted with Blacks (stage five) are more comfortable in situations with Blacks than Whites who had a moderate amount of contact with them (stages two, three, and four).