Major Constructs Research Articles

Sociopsychological trust model for Wireless Sensor Networks

Trust plays a crucial role in establishing and retaining relationships. Sociopsychological analysis identifies three major constructs, such as ability, benevolence and integrity, upon which trust is being built up. On a similar note, in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), it is indispensable to have trust among nodes since nodes collectively sense physical parameters and send them to the base station. The nodes, however, can behave fraudulently and send bad information, mostly due to hardware and software faults. Taking inspiration from the sociopsychological account, the present paper introduces a novel model for computing trust of sensor nodes. Additionally, the immune inspired model is suggested for removing fraudulent nodes whose trust ratings fall below the threshold. Roles of the three factors, viz. ability, benevolence and integrity, are examined in WSN domain. The proposed model proves itself to be more advantageous than other methods that adopt machine learning and neural network models in performance metrics such as detection time, reliability, scalability, efficiency and complexity. Proposed work has been implemented on LabVIEW platform and the results substantiate the reliability of the proposed mathematical model.

New nurse transition: success through aligning multiple identities.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of new nurses in Singapore of their experiences of role transition and to examine the implications for managers in terms of employee training, development and retention. This qualitative study was conducted using a constructivist grounded theory approach. In total 26 novice nurses and five preceptors (n=31) from five different hospitals participated in the study. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and reflective journal entries and analysed using the constant comparative method. The findings revealed that novice nurses remained emotionally and physically challenged when experiencing role transition. Two major constructs appear to play an important part in the transition process; learning how to Fit in and aligning personal with professional and organisational identities. The findings highlight factors that facilitate or impede Fitting in and aligning these identities. Although the concept of Fitting in and its relation to the attrition of novice nurses has been explored in global studies, that relationship has not yet been theorised as the dynamic alignment of multiple identities. Also, whilst most research around Fitting in, identity and retention has been conducted in western countries, little is known about these issues and their interrelationship in the context of Singapore. The study should inform decision making by healthcare organisations, nurse managers and nursing training institutions with respect to improving the transition experience of novice nurses.

Faculty engagement in higher education: prospects and areas of research

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the available literature on engagement of faculty members teaching in higher education institutions and present forth a strong foundation for researchers of the same area to gain insight into the available literature and prospects of faculty engagement.Design/methodology/approach– Exploratory study has been conducted using different keywords to draw a list of relevant research papers on Google Scholar and several online databases like Emerald Management, EBSCO Host, Elseiver, etc.Findings– Various definitions of the major constructs have been captured from which dimensions have been explored. Identification of dimensions and factors has been done by performing extensive literature review. Studies so conducted on the major construct have been tabulated to present a comprehensive picture. Universities across the world have been studied to find out differences with respect to India in terms of their higher education system and practices related to faculty.Originality/value– The paper is original and holds significance as not much literature is available on faculty engagement in published domain and higher education has become an area of keen interest in present times. This paper will give a strong foundation of literature to future researchers who want to pursue their studies in this area.

철도기관사의 사고경험이 일의 부정적 전이에 미치는 영향 : 공포불안 정서의 매개효과와 자기효능감의 조절효과

This study highlights empirically the relationship among major constructs such as accident, fear and anxiety emotion, self-efficacy, and negative spillover of work, focused on the railway drivers. The differentiated factor of this study is in that the experience of accident was posed as exogenous variable. Hypothesis tests based on 201 samples verified that the experience of accidents showed a significant effect on negative spillover of work mediated by fear and anxiety, with moderating effect of self-efficacy between fear and anxiety and negative spillover of work. However, the moderating effect was shown as increasing the degree of negative spillover of work, since the drivers recognized their fear and anxiety accrued by accident experience as uncontrollable. This finding suggests the need for mitigating driver's negative emotion - fear and anxiety - through an introduction of practice such as exemption of settlement obligation in accident site and lowering of the penalty for accident responsibility.

Reclaiming the “D” in HRD

Despite being viewed as a major construct at the heart of human resource development (HRD), considerable complexity, confusion, and ambiguity exists regarding the conceptualization of development. The notion of development has attracted interest from a wide array of fields including HRD, adult education, psychology, management studies, and organization theory. As a result, there is little consistency in how development is understood, conceptualized, or tested. This article examines the current body of knowledge and understanding on development to develop a typology to focus future research and investigations. A typology of development is proposed, and four development types are identified. The article then articulates the underlying theories, primary antecedents, and outcomes associated with each of the four development types. Finally, recommendations and avenues for future research arising from the typology are specified.

Advancing the science of child and adolescent development: Do we need a new household panel survey?

This paper examines the extent to which a new nationally representative household panel survey could bring children and adolescents to the forefront of its design. We begin by discussing how major demographic shifts, such as reduced social mobility and transformations in family structure, may affect children and adolescent development through individual, family, and sociocultural processes. We then review the existing household surveys in the United States and highlight the strengths and weaknesses for studying how major societal trends and changes affect child and adolescent development. We then debate several different design approaches for a new study and recommend either a longitudinal panel design, which includes all children in the panel survey, or a sequential cohort design, that includes a subsample of children and embedded birth cohort study. We highlight that a large, nationally representative dataset cannot replace standalone, more in-depth developmental studies of children and adolescents with high-fidelity measurement of processes. Instead, we argue that a new panel survey could take a more targeted approach and measure the major constructs of children's development as well as select family and sociocultural processes by drawing on recent advances in survey measurement techniques. We conclude by affirming that new household survey has the potential to contribute greatly to our understanding of the developmental origins of life long wellbeing as well as the effects of major demographic shifts in the 21st century on child and adolescent development.

Predictive Value of C-Reactive Protein for Major Complications after Major Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Pooled-Analysis.

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and treatment of complications after major abdominal surgery can decrease associated morbidity and mortality. Postoperative CRP levels have shown a strong correlation with complications. Aim of this systematic review and pooled-analysis was to assess postoperative values of CRP as a marker for major complications and construct a prediction model.Study designA systematic review was performed for CRP levels as a predictor for complications after major abdominal surgery (MAS). Raw data was obtained from seven studies, including 1427 patients. A logit regression model assessed the probability of major complications as a function of CRP levels on the third postoperative day. Two practical cut-offs are proposed: an optimal cut-off for safe discharge in a fast track protocol and another for early identification of patients with increased risk for major complications.ResultsA prediction model was calculated for major complications as a function of CRP levels on the third postoperative day. Based on the model several cut-offs for CRP are proposed. For instance, a two cut-off system may be applied, consisting of a safe discharge criterion with CRP levels below 75 mg/L, with a negative predictive value of 97.2%. A second cut-off is set at 215 mg/L (probability 20%) and serves as a predictor of complications, indicating additional CT-scan imaging.ConclusionsThe present study provides insight in the interpretation of CRP levels after major abdominal surgery, proposing a prediction model for major complications as a function of CRP on postoperative day 3. Cut-offs for CRP may be implemented for safe early-discharge in a fast-track protocol and, secondly as a threshold for additional examinations, such as CT-scan imaging, even in absence of clinical signs, to confirm or exclude major complications. The prediction model allows for setting a cut-off at the discretion of individual surgeons or surgical departments.

Global conceptualization of the professional learning community process: transitioning from country perspectives to international commonalities

Global conceptualization of the professional learning community process: Transitioning from country perspectives to international commonalities The authors seek to find common PLC structures and actions among global educational systems to enhance understanding and practice. Six international researchers formed the Global Professional Learning Community Network (GloPLCNet), conducted literature reviews of each country’s involvement with PLC actions, and noted similarities and common practices among the school improvement initiatives in five countries. Major constructs were identified, research was conducted (interviews and observations), and themes emerged. A literature review of the constructs led to outcomes. A definition of the Global PLC process, revision of constructs, and further clarification of descriptors were established. External influencing factors were also identified as essential. Finally the awareness that the PLC reculturing effort is guided and influenced by the phases of change was noted. The following are conclusions and implications. In an interdependent world, we recognize the importance of considering viewpoints of multiple global systems. An inclusive knowledge base can develop which prepares educators and citizens for more collaborative international understanding. These conclusions can lead to changes in practice at the school and middle level (district, city, province), and policy changes at the state, province, and national levels.

Theory of mind, emotion recognition and social perception in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: Findings from the NAPLS-2 cohort

Social cognition, the mental operations that underlie social interactions, is a major construct to investigate in schizophrenia. Impairments in social cognition are present before the onset of psychosis, and even in unaffected first-degree relatives, suggesting that social cognition may be a trait marker of the illness.In a large cohort of individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) and healthy controls, three domains of social cognition (theory of mind, facial emotion recognition and social perception) were assessed to clarify which domains are impaired in this population.Six-hundred and seventy-five CHR individuals and 264 controls, who were part of the multi-site North American Prodromal Longitudinal Study, completed The Awareness of Social Inference Test, the Penn Emotion Recognition task, the Penn Emotion Differentiation task, and the Relationship Across Domains, measures of theory of mind, facial emotion recognition, and social perception, respectively.Social cognition was not related to positive and negative symptom severity, but was associated with age and IQ. CHR individuals demonstrated poorer performance on all measures of social cognition. However, after controlling for age and IQ, the group differences remained significant for measures of theory of mind and social perception, but not for facial emotion recognition.Theory of mind and social perception are impaired in individuals at CHR for psychosis. Age and IQ seem to play an important role in the arising of deficits in facial affect recognition. Future studies should examine the stability of social cognition deficits over time and their role, if any, in the development of psychosis.

Application Of The Reasoned Action Model To Predict Physical Activity Behavior Among Elementary Aged Children

Background: Strong evidence supports that regular physical activity can significantly improve physical fitness levels and protect against a number of chronic conditions. A national CDC survey reported that, 61.5% of children (9-13 years) do not participate in organize physical activity during non-school hours,. Understanding predictive factors of physical activity can help improve physical activity interventions targeted towards this group. The reasoned action model (RAM) identifies behavioral intention as the most predictive factor of performing behaviors, when environmental constraints that prohibit the behavior are not present. Concurrently, intentions are predicted by attitudes toward a behavior, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC). PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the RAM in predicting physical activity intentions among elementary aged children, and to identify whether gender is an important background factor that warrants special consideration. METHODS: A convenient sample of 264 elementary children (boys=135, girls=129) completed a 33-item paper-based instrument developed to evaluate constructs of the RAM. Two rounds of step-wise multiple regression analysis were computed to 1) determine how major constructs of the RAM predicted intentions towards physical activity for girls and boys, and 2) to evaluate how intentions towards performing physical activity and parental environment predicted participating in physical activity. RESULTS: Regression models revealed PBC, attitudes, and norms significantly predicted intention towards physical activity for both boys (adjusted R2=0.704, p<0.05) and girls (adjusted R2=0.474, p<0.05), however the explained variance between groups was much higher for boys. Likewise, intention towards physical activity and parental environment significantly predicted physical activity among boys (adjusted R2=0.178, p<0.05) and girls (adjusted R2=0.198, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the RAM as a strong theoretical framework towards predicting physical activity among elementary aged children. Intentions to perform physical activity were the strongest predictor of physical activity among both boys and girls and should be targeted in future interventions.

Consumer software piracy in virtual communities

Purpose – In consumer marketing literature, the ethical/moral components of consumer behavior have been recognized as important factors in individuals’ involvement in software piracy. However, there remains unanswered the question of which specific components are being referred to and how they explain consumer software piracy in the virtual knowledge-sharing community. This question is particularly unaddressed for those consumers who take the risks associated with piracy believing their acts to be taking from the haves (software producers) and giving to the have-nots. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – In this research, the authors propose a synergistic model that adopts the perspective of heroism and social exchange, and test it with the data collected from a virtual community. To test the proposed research model, the authors investigated 489 subjects and examined the hypotheses by applying the partial least squares method. Findings – The findings show that the heroism construct has significant influence on sharing behavior in relation to cost factors, but not to benefit factors. Heroism stands out as the major construct in explaining sharing behavior. Thus, the research shows that the consumer software piracy present in the virtual knowledge-sharing community is a social behavior of exchange. Originality/value – Methodologically, the study proposes a new model for researchers and practitioners to understand consumer software piracy in the virtual community. Managerially, software producers should take it into consideration when formulating their product-pricing strategy, to ensure that software producers and the young can both win in the “buy or steal” war.

Implementing and sustaining an early rehabilitation program in a medical intensive care unit: A qualitative analysis

PurposeEarly rehabilitation programs in a medical intensive care unit can improve patient outcomes, but clinicians face barriers in implementing and sustaining such programs. We sought to describe a multidisciplinary team perspective regarding how to implement and sustain a successful early rehabilitation program. MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 20 staff and faculty who were involved in the early rehabilitation program at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit. Transcripts were evaluated using the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research Theory. ResultsFour major constructs emerged as important, as follows: (1) necessary components, (2) implementation strategies, (3) perceived barriers, and (4) positive outcomes. All participants reported that staff buy-in was necessary, whereas having a multidisciplinary team with good communication among team members was reported as helpful by 90% of participants. The most common barrier reported was increased staff workload (80%). All participants (100%) noted improved patient outcomes as an important benefit, and 95% reported improved job satisfaction. ConclusionsThis qualitative study of a successful early rehabilitation program highlights the importance of assessing and engaging a multidisciplinary team before implementation and the positive outcomes of early rehabilitation on staff by improving job satisfaction and changing the culture of a hospital unit.

Chinese teachers’ conceptions of assessment for and of learning: Six competing and complementary purposes

AbstractAs China continues to involve teachers in the implementation of an assessment for learning or formative assessment policy, a clearer understanding of how they conceive of the purposes and functions of assessment is necessary. This paper synthesises eight interview and survey studies, which have examined how diverse samples of practicing teachers in China have described the nature and purpose of assessment. Making use of inductive analyses and factor analytic techniques, variations in the constructs identified in teachers’ thinking are identified and aligned across the study methods. Six major constructs were identified, ranging from the positively regarded ideas that assessment develops the personal qualities and academic abilities of students to the more negatively viewed role of assessment for management and inspection of schools. This framework allows better insights into the challenges policy-makers might have in involving teachers in an effort to reduce negative consequences associated with h...

Conservative Mennonite Storybooks and the Construction of Evangelical Separatism

Group-produced literature is representative of and reinforces group behaviors, norms, and beliefs. This study focuses on the missionary theme in literature from three Conservative Mennonite publishers, identifying two major constructs of what we term evangelical separatism. First, Rod & Staff depicts evangelism as establishing stable, integrating church communities in places where none exist, making their offering accessible to any who would care to join while also withholding assessment of outsiders. Second, Christian Light Publications and TGS present missions in a more aggressive, individualized mode, whereby the outside is viewed as a land of darkness and the missionary, in embodying Christ’s incarnation, bring light to that place. The focus of evangelism is conversion to Christianity, with the church as a social system peripheral to the action. Separatism is maintained by staking claim to authentic Christianity against inferior outside offerings. This latter plotline has birthed the new missionary adventure genre, which both entertains readers through secular adventure techniques while emphasizig a sacred end mission. The classic Anabaptist suffering theme is present in both types of stories, though transformed to include social / personal sacrifices and patience needed to engage in mission work.

Structural interdependence in teams: An integrative framework and meta-analysis.

Although interdependence is a central aspect of team design, there has been a lack of clarity regarding the meaning and impact of different forms of interdependence. To provide theoretical clarity and to advance research on team interdependence, we develop an organizing, conceptual framework of interdependence in teams and test it using meta-analysis. We first review and tie together different conceptualizations of interdependence in the literature and illustrate how they converge around 2 major constructs: task interdependence and outcome interdependence. After providing integrative definitions of these forms of interdependence, as well as subdimensions, we then explore the relative effects of task and outcome interdependence on team functioning and performance. Specifically, we propose a pattern of differential effects in which task interdependence is primarily associated with team performance through its effects on task-focused team functioning (i.e., transition/action processes, collective efficacy), whereas outcome interdependence is primarily associated with team performance through its effects on relational team functioning (i.e., interpersonal processes, cohesion). We test these differential effects using a meta-analytic database of 107 independent samples and 7,563 teams. The meta-analytic path model provides strong support for our hypotheses. Implications and future directions for the study of interdependence in work teams are discussed.

Creating value for customers through engagement and participation in brand communities

The phenomenon of be engaged and participate in brand communities is not yet well–known. This study carries out a systematic literature review to get the major construct that could explain the mentioned phenomenon and the consequences to the brand. Therefore, the aim of this study is to contribute for a better understanding of antecedents and impacts of engagement and participation in brand communities. Data was collected using an online survey. The link of the questionnaire was sent through the community websites to all registered members of brand communities in study. The findings reveal that brand relationship quality is an important initiator of the process, together with the brand identification, the presence of other members and satisfaction. Being engaged, a member tends to be more active in participating in the community, which in turn improve the brand knowledge, the brand loyalty and word–of–mouth.

Building self-brand connections: Exploring brand stories through a transmedia perspective

Consumers interpret their experiences with brands via narrative processing; thus the brand story has emerged as a major marketing construct. Transmedia storytelling occurs when the story elements are dispersed across multiple media, each making a unique contribution to the whole. As brand stories can create connections between the consumer and the brand, delivering transmedia brand stories may strengthen the bond, leading to positive attitudes, more entry points and higher purchase intent. Past research on brand stories has not addressed the types of brand stories that consumers know and desire to hear, and the media in which they prefer to find these stories. The present research answers these questions and positions the findings in the context of creating transmedia stories. Qualitative interviews revealed that consumers know and wish to hear stories about the brand’s history, product reliability, philanthropy and users’ personal stories. Other findings indicate that consumers with stronger brand connections prefer stories focused on the brand’s experiential value and will access this through interactive media. Consumers with weaker brand attachments prefer stories about the utilitarian dimensions of the brand, told through more traditional media. Practical recommendations focus on creating consumer-brand connections through different types of stories and media.

Measuring Supply Chain Coordination in Milk and Dairy Industries: A Confirmatory Factor Model

Coordination within the supply chain is a strategic weapon to the problem that occurs due to lack of supply chain coordination. Since supply chain consists of various organizations, it can satisfy customers’ needs, only when the whole of its partners becomes coordinated. To cope up and endure in a business environment where competition is high, firms should decrease the flow of interruption within upstream and downstream supply chain activities. This kind of endurance in such business environment can only be achieved by means of organized supply chain coordination. In this paper, we investigated empirically the major factors affecting supply chain coordination in milk and dairy industries. Based on an extensive literature review, the study created 15 measured variables and offered a comprehensive model to examine four key constructs. The data were collected from 330 milk suppliers, processors, and retailers in the central part of Ethiopia and the result were validated using rigorous statistical techniques. To approach this, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) has been applied to classify factors for major constructs. And also, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the convergent validity through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using AMOS version 4.

The Functional Independence of Mands and Tacts: Has It Been Demonstrated Empirically?

Recently, there has been a proliferation of research on the functional independence of two of Skinner's (1957) verbal operants, the mand, and the tact. This research has produced highly variable results. In this article, we provide a critical review of the literature on mand-tact independence, a literature that has implications for both theory and practice. Included in the review are 17 studies with a total of 66 participants who were tested for mand emergence following tact training, tact emergence following mand training, or both, and 11 additional studies that systematically manipulated variables expected to affect the outcomes of such tests. A primary finding is that most studies to date suffer from problems with construct validity. However, it may be justifiable to conclude that the literature provides at least weak support for the functional independence of mands and tacts. Future investigators should avoid the major construct validity pitfalls described in this article, describe participant characteristics more thoroughly, and consider alternative approaches to studying mand-tact independence.

Using a Reasoned Action Approach to examine US college women’s intention to get the HPV vaccine

Objective: Although at high risk of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), less than one-half of US college women have been vaccinated. The purpose of this study was to identify underlying factors influencing college women’s intention to get the HPV vaccine via developing an instrument using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA). Setting: Data were collected from college women at a large, public university in the Midwest USA via paper–pencil surveys. Design: The survey instrument was based on the RAA’s major constructs (attitude towards the act, perceived norms, perceived behavioural control) and was administered to a sample of 279 female college students. Results: Results indicated that attitude towards the act (β = .360, b = .694, standard error [ SE] = .092, t = 7.53) and perceived norms (β = .396, b = .544, SE = .068, t = 8.031) were the major predictors of intention to get vaccinated. Specifically, perceived consequences of getting the vaccine, such as protection against HPV and cervical cancer, were primary determinants influencing intention, and participants indicated that salient referents influenced their intention to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Using theory-based approaches to study a particular health behaviour such as HPV vaccination can aid the design of interventions as they help specify the underlying determinants influencing behaviour. Our findings suggest that such interventions should focus on attitudes and perceived norms, as these constructs were the strongest predictors of intention to get the vaccine. Our findings also add to the current body of literature supporting the relationship between the RAA constructs.