Background: There is an increasing trend towards lower participation in questionnaire surveys. This reduces representativeness, increases costs and introduces particular challenges to longitudinal surveys, as researchers have to use complex statistical techniques which attempt to address attrition. ...

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) among perimenopausal women and to examine potential obstetric risk factors. DESIGN: Mail survey of female volunteers for epidemiological research. SETTING: Postal questionnaire on SUI. POPULATION: Three thousand one hu...

Purpose: To explore selected characteristics of nurses based upon educational level (masters, baccalaureate, associate degree/diploma), years of experience, and hospital position (management, advanced practice, staff nurse) that might affect perceived availability of research resources, attitude towards research, support, and research use in practice. Design: A descriptive nonexperimental mailed survey design was used for this study. Methods: Nurses in five hospitals within a corporate hospital system were surveyed using the Research Utilization Questionnaire (RUQ). The RUQ was used to measure nurses' perceptions of research utilization in the four dimensions of perceived use of research, attitude toward research, availability of research resources, and perceived support for research activ...

This report summarises the findings of a questionnaire survey of the perceptions of finance directors of major petroleum and natural gas companies on accounting and other key issues relating to the abandonment of North Sea oil and natural gas structures, and related environmental concerns. Prior research, the research questions and methodology, and policy recommendations are discussed. Appendices present a copy of the questionnaire, summarised transcripts of interviews and responses, and disclosure of accounting policies on abandonment are discussed. (UK)

The survey on the activity of geophysical prospecting in Japan has been carried out by the Division of Geophysical Prospecting, the Geological Survey of Japan, using questionnaire survey. The results of the survey are arranged and compiled, being edited as Catalogue of geophysical prospecting and research. This is a booklet type database on geophysical activities in Japan. In 1949 no. 2, and in 1952 no. 1 were issued, and since 1962 no. 6 and following numbers were published annually. The questionnaire survey was carried out by many agencies concerned. The catalogues have maps of survey fields arranged on each subject and indices. For easy and multifarious reference rearrange of database on computer is desirable. When automatic input of booklet type data on the computer becomes possible, the author will make computerization of the database. 12 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

...advancement of these goals in their program contents...include a draft survey questionnaire or other survey technique...heavily on setting clear goals and outcomes at the...achieve the program's goals. The Bureau strongly...instruments (surveys, questionnaires, etc.) in Tab...

This study investigates mergers and acquisitions in emerging economies. Combining a questionnaire survey with eleven case studies in Poland, Hungary and Lithuania, it develops a dynamic perspective of international acquisitions, and a refined acquisition typology. Implications are derived for managers and policy makers, and for scholarly research.

Skip to Content Cancer Control and Population Sciences Home Applied Research Home Risk Factor Monitoring and Methods Home Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) TUS-CPS: What is the TUS-CPS? What topics are covered on the questionnaire? How

Purpose We investigated the functional outcome and health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients who underwent a surgical resection of colorectal cancer, and reviewed the efficacy of probiotics for improving bowel function. Methods A questionnaire was mailed to 193 patients. Questionnaires contained the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 as QOL scores, the Wexner incontinence score, and original questionnaire items about bowel functions. Probiotics, containing Bacillus natto and Lactobacillus acidophilus, were given to 77 patients for 3 months; after 3 months of treatment, the same questionnaire was administered. The results were analyzed by location of the resected ...

This poster reports the preliminary results of a user study uncovering the information seeking behaviour of humanities scholars dedicated to radio research. The study is part of an interdisciplinary research project on radio culture and auditory resources. The purpose of the study is to inform the design of information architecture and interaction design of a research infrastructure that will enable future radio and audio based research. Results from a questionnaire survey on humanities scholars’ research interest and information needs, preferred access points, and indexing levels are reported. Finally, a flexible metadata schema is suggested, that includes both general metadata and highly media and research project specific metadata.

...advancement of these goals in their program contents...include a draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus...heavily on setting clear goals and outcomes at the...achieve the program goals. Proposals should exhibit...program. Draft survey questionnaires or other...

...advancement of these goals in their program contents...include a draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus...heavily on setting clear goals and outcomes at the...appropriate to achieve program goals. Applicants should...include a draft survey questionnaire or other...

In order to survey the intention, awareness and terms desired of applicants, and a ratio of applicants to this support project for promoting energy-use rationalization, this research prepared the pamphlet of the support project, and carried out the questionnaire survey. As the result of the questionnaire survey, enterprises clearly showed deep interest in the necessity of energy saving measures regardless of the scale of enterprises, however, every enterprise is promoting concrete energy saving measures and studies in proportion to energy consumption. Regarding the revised Energy-Saving Law, factories designated for energy management already have medium- to long-term plans or at least some issues under consideration, while factories designated as the second class for energy management or headquarter business sites have less interest in such issues, and insufficient understanding for energy saving measures. One of the major findings of this research is that 80% of the respondents seems to have potential needs in terms of considering and implementing this project. (NEDO)

A questionnaire on extremity dosimetry was distributed to DOE facilities along with a questionnaire on beta dosimetry. An informal telephone survey was conducted as a follow-up survey to answer a few additional questions concerning extremity monitoring practices. The responses to the questionnaire and the telephone survey are summarized in this report. Background information, developed from operational experience and a review of the current literature, is presented as a basis for understanding the information obtained by the survey and questionnaire.

The purpose of this study was to examine risk perceptions of artisanal/small-scale miners in the Philippines. We analyzed a survey data using questionnaire technique and drawing picture technique. The results of the questionnaire technique indicated that artisanal/small-scale miners underestimated the risk of artisanal/small-scale mining. However, most of the artisanal/small-scale miners drew cave-ins and collapse of drift, headings or stopes as what they feel dangerous. The complementary use of the drawing picture technique has enabled us to examine risk perceptions of artisanal/small-scale miners from different perspectives. Based on this experience, the possibility of using drawing picture technique in the risk research was discussed.   

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common, treatable movement disorder that often remains undiagnosed despite clinically manifest symptoms. Screening for parkinsonism could lead to improved detection and earlier treatment, and facilitate research studies of PD prevalence. In order to determine the feasibility of screening, this study evaluated the validity of previously developed screening questionnaires. We systematically searched online databases PubMed and EMBASE for English-language studies published between 1980 and 2009. In each database a "Parkinson(s) disease" or "parkinsonism" term was combined with a screening term ("screening instrument," "screening questionnaire," "screen" or "prevalence survey") and a validity term ("validation," "sensitivity" and "specificity"). Included st...

Data from 3909 respondents to an Internet survey questionnaire provide the first insights into public perceptions of nanotechnology. Quantitative analysis of statistics about agreement and disagreement with two statements, one positive and the other negative, reveals high levels of enthusiasm for the potential benefits of nanotechnology and little concern about possible dangers. The respondents mentally connect nanotechnology with the space program, nuclear power, and cloning research, but rate it more favorably. In contrast, they do not associate nanotechnology with pseudoscience, despite its imaginative exploitation by science fiction writers. Qualitative analysis of written comments from 598 respondents indicates that many ideas about the value of nanotechnology have entered popular culture, and it provides material for an additional 108 questionnaire items that can be used in future surveys on the topic. The findings of this exploratory study can serve as benchmarks against which to compare results of future research on the evolving status of nanotechnology in society.

The 1991 Nevada State Telephone Survey was implemented by Decision Research on behalf of the State of Nevada, Agency for Nuclear Projects/Nuclear Waste Project Office (NWPO) as part of an ongoing socioeconomic impact assessment study. The scope of this survey was considerably smaller than a previous survey conducted in 1989 and focused more upon public evaluations of the Yucca Mountain repository program and the trust Nevadans currently addressing the siting issues. In order to provide place in key public officials who are Longitudinal data on the repository program, the 1991 questionnaire consisted of questions that were used in the 1989 NWPO survey which was conducted by Mountain West Research. As a result, the findings from this survey are compared with analogous items from the 1989 survey, and with the results from a survey commissioned by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and reported in their issue of October 21, 1990. The Review-Journal survey was conducted by Bruce Merri11 of the Arizona State University Media Research Center. A more complete comparison of the 1989 and 1991 surveys sponsored by NWPO is possible since the researchers at Decision Research had access to both these databases. The only source of information for the Review-Journal findings was the articles published in the Fall, 1990. The findings of the 1991 survey show that Nevadans oppose the federal government attempts to locate a high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain. They support a policy of opposition on the part of Nevada officials. They believe that Nevadans should have the final say in whether to accept the repository or not, and they reject the proposition that benefits from the repository program will outweigh the harms. These findings are very similar to survey results from 1989 and 1990 and once again demonstrate very widespread public opposition by Nevadans to the current federal repository program.

Sea erosion is a serious threat to life and property in coastal towns. The coastline of Ada Foah has been facing sea erosion and occasional flooding for several decades. This research investigated the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these geomorphic processes using social survey methods of data collection and shoreline change analysis. The main research tools used include questionnaire survey, interviews and Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) 4.2 software using extracted shorelines of 1926 ground survey sheet and 2008 Landsat ETM+ image to determine shoreline change between the periods. The research identified some environmental and socio-economic impacts of the sea erosion on the coastal community, and these include the destruction of coastal ecosystems and infrastructur...

Purpose of this research is to clear present condition of food waste recycling loops based on recycling project certification of the Food Waste Recycling Law. Method of this research is questionnaire survey to companies constituting the loops. Findings of this research are as follows: 1. Proponents of the loop is most often the recycling companies. 2. Food waste recycling rate is 61% for the food retailing industry and 81% for the food service industry. These values are higher than the national average in 2006. The effect of the revision of recycling project certification is suggested.

A questionnaire survey was completed in spring1999 about the evaluation of IT in the Danish construction industry. This paper presents some of the results found in the analysis of the survey. It is found that few companies have a written IT strategy and in those who have, the practicality of their IT strategy is generally low. Most IT evaluation is done before the investment is made using primarily oral guidelines and subjective arguments. CAD systems are the most evaluated. In general it is found that the IT evaluations completed by companies in the construction industry are unsophisticated compared with the methods researchers are working with.

This study examined the knowledge base of 142 elementary-level educators for implementing response-to-intervention (RTI) models in reading. A questionnaire assessed participants? professional background for teaching reading, as well as their familiarity with specific assessments, research-based instructional models, and interventions potentially useful in RTI approaches. A multiple-choice knowledge survey patterned after a teacher licensure exam, including items situated in classroom contexts, assessed participants? knowledge about different components of reading, assessment, and RTI practices. Overall, participants obtained the highest scores on a knowledge survey subscale involving fluency/vocabulary/comprehension and the lowest on a subscale involving assessment/RTI practices, with a su...

Research and development has been made on the 'conjugate materials (CM)' , the innovative materials in which ultra fine inorganic and organic structural units of molecular levels are introduced to be oriented regularly in glass matrix to respond to external force conjugately. The current fiscal year reported items having been made clear by further surveys and researches on CM as proposed by the fundamental surveys having been done as the second year. Section 1 summarizes significance of the research and development; Section 2 reports the result of the CM research and survey and the subjects related to application areas of CM; Section 3 reports the result of the CM market research performed newly in the current fiscal year; Section 4 reports the contents and result of the questionnaire survey to glass related small enterprises as to what interest these enterprises will have upon assuming that these CM products have been realized; Section 5 reports the result of surveys on patents and literatures related to photonics; and Section 6 states future problems in the CM research and development, and summarizes the future prospects of CM. (NEDO)

Objectives This research investigated (1) the attitudes of dental patients toward searching online for dental information and (2) patients attitudes and expectations towards a web-based 3D virtual reality program for clinical dentistry. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in six clinics across two cities in China. Dental patients visiting the six clinics were invited to participate in the study. All subjects browsed a webpage containing the 3D virtual reality dental program. The new media was supplemented as a consultive system for patients into the traditional pattern of seeking dental care procedure. Subjects then completed a questionnaire detailing their attitudes toward their experience with the software. The questionnaire responses were then collected and analyzed. Results 45...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII) compared with subcutaneous insulin on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and treatment satisfaction, and to perform a cost analysis in type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used an open-label, prospective, crossover, randomized, 16-month study (N = 24). HRQOL and patient satisfaction were assessed with questionnaires (the 36-item short-form health survey [SF-36], the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5], and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire [DTSQ]). Direct costs of CIPII and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) were compared. RESULTS Questionnaire scores were higher with CIPII than with subcutaneous therapy. Yearly direct pump- and procedure-associated costs for CIPII were estimated at €10,910 compared with €4,810 for CSII. CONCLUSIONS Apart from improving glycemic control, CIPII improved HRQOL and treatment satisfaction compared with subcutaneous insulin. Direct pump- and procedure-associated costs are considerably higher for CIPII, however.

This study investigated Korean and foreign students' perception of the teacher's role in multicultural online learning environments in Korea. On the basis of a literature review, a survey questionnaire was developed and piloted with 248 university students in Korea. The questionnaire was subsequently modified on the basis of the results of the pilot study, and a final 20-item questionnaire was constructed. Three hundred and eighty-four university students participated in the main study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for statistical analyses. The results indicated that students have a particular perception of the teacher's role in a multicultural online learning environment. Five different types of teacher's roles--pedagogical, managerial, technical, affective, and differentiating--were identified. The teacher's affective and differentiating roles, which were not identified as crucial in previous research, were found to be significant roles for both Korean and foreign students. (Contains 2 figures and 10 tables.)

Over the last decade, universities have paid increasing attention to stakeholder needs, which include the needs and expectations of students. To identify student needs and expectations, tertiary institutions have primarily employed the mechanism of evaluation surveys. In recent years, international research has shown falling survey response rates among students. Monash University, Australia, identified the issue of falling response rates as critical, particularly regarding the graduate destination survey and the course experience questionnaire distributed to Australian university graduates. To address the issue, Monash University adopted a strategy to increase student engagement. The strategy involved setting up a call centre for the purpose of contacting recent Monash University graduates who had not completed the graduate destination survey and course experience questionnaire surveys to explain the significance of the graduate feedback to the institution. This paper highlights the significance of enhancing the engagement of tertiary institutions with students and proposes enhancement of student engagement as one of the more effective and efficient ways of addressing declining student survey response rates.

The quality of construction management journals is assessed using a questionnaire survey approach. Construction management is broadly defined to include studies of the human aspects of the construction process. Twenty-two journals related to construction management are identified. Questionnaires wer...

Abstract in portuguese Apesar de os questionários enviados pelo correio, as entrevistas realizadas pessoalmente e as por telefone serem os métodos principais de pesquisa, tem havido aumento na utilização de e-mail como um meio de coleta de dados. No entanto poucas pesquisas publicadas no Ocidente em geral e na Turquia em particular avaliaram a técnica de pesquisas por e-mail a partir da perspectiva pura de pesquisa. Na tentativa de desenvolver um instrumento para avaliar o e-mail como um m (more) eio de coleta de dados, o propósito deste estudo é explorar a técnica de pesquisa por e-mail a partir de ângulos complementares. Para alcançar esse objetivo, são discutidas a representatividade da amostra, a qualidade dos dados, as taxas de resposta e as vantagens e as desvantagens da pesquisa por e-mail. Abstract in english Although postal questionnaires, personal interviewing, and telephone interviewing are the main methods of survey-based research, there is an increasing use of e-mail as a data collection medium. However, little, if any, published Western research in general and that of Turkish in particular have investigated e-mail survey technique from pure survey research perspective. Attempting to develop a framework to assess e-mail as a data collection mean, the purpose of this study (more) is to explore e-mail-based questionnaire technique from complementary angles. To this goal, sample representativeness, data quality, response rates, and advantages and disadvantages of e-mail surveying are discussed.

Objectives. In Arab countries, the proportion of older adults is rapidly increasing, highlighting the need to conduct research on factors that influence aging. We describe the context-specific challenges faced and the solutions negotiated during the conduct of a survey study on family relations and aging in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. Method. Drawing on the experience of a recently completed survey study, we reflect on the context-specific challenges faced and the solutions negotiated during the phases of questionnaire construction, interviewer training, sampling, and participant recruitment as a means to contribute to the growing area of cross-cultural survey research. Results. The social context of family relations influenced the nature of questions that can be included to obtain valid info...

This research study was undertaken to examine potential relationships between high school students' attitudes and interests in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology, and their participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition six-week challenge to design, and build a robot. High school students' gender and race, in relationship to students' interest in the aforementioned topics was also examined in this study. A convenience sample of 727 South Carolina public high school students agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using pre-and post-survey questionnaires. Student participants completed pre-survey questionnaires at the onset of the 2005 FIRST Robotics Competition Kick-off, concurrent with the beginning of the second semester of the 2004--2005 school year. Participants completed post-survey questionnaires after six-weeks, the period of time allocated for teams to design, build, and ship their 2005 FIRST Robotics Competition robot. Data analyzed was collected from the group of students participating in FIRST Robotics (treatment), the experimental group, and the group of students who are not participating in FIRST Robotics (control). Findings reported that the pre- and post-survey questionnaire responses regarding attitudinal change were not significantly different in either the experimental or control group. High pre-survey dependent variable scores provided by students in the FIRST group did not allow for significant gain in each of the seven-attitudinal categories. Findings also indicated that there were significant attitudinal differences between students in the experimental group (FIRST), and students the control group (SMET) pre- and post-survey responses. Students in the FIRST group had statistically significant higher attitude means than students in the SMET group on both pre- and post-surveys in the seven-attitudinal categories. The frequency for responses to each question in the three interest categories on the pre- and post-survey was calculated for the experimental and control group to evaluate differences. The results expressed in percentages indicated that there were significant differences in respondent scores for the pre-survey versus the post-survey in the FIRST group. The null hypothesis concerning interest differences of high school students that participate in the FIRST Robotics six-week challenge as compared to students that do not participate in the program was rejected.

Purpose - Although the deployment of information and communication technology (ICT) in the construction industry is widespread recent research indicates that the surrounding contextual issues hinder its successful application in many project settings. This paper aims to develop a framework for the analysis of organisational culture in respect of ICT implementation across an organisation in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach - An re-analysis of critical success factors (CSF) for ICT integration, identified through data from a Delphi study of industry experts and a questionnaire survey of ICT users, using Martin's three-perspective framework applying both the functional and non-functional approaches to cultural analysis was conducted. Findings - The research revealed the ...

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and their relationship with organizational performance. More specifically, this research explores the effect of GSCM efforts and other organizational factors on firm performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that serve as suppliers to large customer firms in the electronics industry. Design/methodology/approach - This study developed a research model relating GSCM practice and business performance through three organizational variables (employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and relational efficiency) as moderators. Statistical analyses were based on the data collected, through survey questionnaires, from 223 SMEs in the electronics industry in Korea. Reliability, validity, and...

Purpose - The aim of this study is to examine how market orientation, innovation, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) jointly impact business performance. Design/methodology/approach - This study adopts a quantitative research design. Research evidence was collected via a questionnaire-based survey of marketing managers and executives of telecommunication companies in Ghana. The hypotheses developed following a review of scholarship on marketing, strategy and corporate citizenship were tested through regression analysis. Findings - The results indicate that firms' degree of market orientation and CSR have significant impact on innovation, which then influences business performance. Furthermore, market orientation has direct significant effect on CSR, which tends to mediate the influe...

Countermeasures to Neurobehavioral Deficits from Cumulative Sleep Deprivation During Space ... performance functions, subjective states, and waking and sleep physiology. .... Survey of On-Orbit Sleep Quality (Sleep Quality Questionnaire) ...

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is reviewing the survey research studies completed by Mountain West Research (1987-1989) for the state of Nevada`s Nuclear Waste Project Office. In this research, 14 survey instruments were used to seek data on whether perceptions of risk could be associated with the possible siting of a high-level radioactive waste repository in Nevada and could be a dominant source of potential, significant, adverse economic impacts. This report presents results from phase 1 of the review, in which ANL contracted with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago to evaluate the technical merits of the nine survey instruments that ANL had been able to acquire. The scope of NORC`s work was limited to rating the questions and stating their strengths and weaknesses. NORC concluded that the surveys could provide valuable data about risk perceptions and potential behavioral responses. NORC identified a few minor problems with a number of questions and the calculated response rates but claimed these problems would probably not have any major biasing effect. The NORC evaluation would have been more complete if the terms used in the questionnaires had been defined, all survey instruments had been acquired, and all data had been made available to the public.

Despite a significant increase in the incidence of visual impairment (VI) in early years children, research has afforded the subject scant attention. Perhaps as a result of underfunding, research into VI typically adopts a single case study approach, with the training needs of early years professionals largely ignored. This paper seeks to inform the debate by presenting empirical evidence from a questionnaire designed to gather data on the incidence of VI in early years settings and the nature and extent of awareness training available. Data from the questionnaire survey and the qualitative dimensions of the study indicate an increase in the incidence of VI and, despite high levels of interest, a paucity of training on issues related to VI. Concern was expressed with delays in diagnosis, the lack of screening available and the extent to which the differing terms used militate against interagency collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: To test hypothesized associations between depression and physical activity among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), muscular dystrophy (MD), and post-polio syndrome (PPS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Survey responses collected from individuals in the Washington state area (participants with SCI) and across the United States (participants with MS, MD, and PPS). PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 1,676 participants were surveyed (MD=321, PPS=338, MS=556, SCI=411). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessing depressive symptoms and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) assessing physical activity. RESULTS: The average age was 56 years, 64% were women, 92% were White, 86% had a high school degree or higher, and 56% walked with an assistive device or had limited self-mobility. The IPAQ and GLTEQ explained a small but statistically significant and unique amount of the variance in PHQ-9 scores in all diagnostic groups, with no significant differences in the relationship by condition, age, or mobility status (R(2) IPAQ = .004; R(2) GLTEQ = .02; both p-values <.02). CONCLUSIONS: Both physical activity measures demonstrated a small but statistically significant association with depression in all four diagnostic groups. Research is needed to determine longitudinal relationships and whether physical activity interventions could promote improved mood in adults with physical disabilities. PMID:23164977

Human service organizations are intended to stabilize low-income families and promote self-sufficiency by providing much needed services and benefits. Recipients, however, often do not get everything they need in terms of either benefits or service quality. Understandably, clients want the help they are entitled to and promised from providers who are reliable, responsive and understanding. The quantitative surveys done in this research study were administered at a local housing agency in Washington DC to help identify factors impacting the overall quality of service provided by human service organizations. Participants responding to the surveys included 18 resident counselors and 51 housing residents. Resident counselors completed an Occupational Stressors Questionnaire which identified 16 stressors that negatively impacted job performance. Resident counselors also completed a Job Satisfaction Survey and a Mini-Marker Personality Questionnaire. Housing residents completed the SERVQUAL Questionnaire. Analysis of data collected showed correlations between the Job Satisfaction Survey, the Mini-Marker Personality Questionnaire and the SERVQUAL Questionnaire completed by residents. SERVQUAL results showed service quality was slightly less than residents expected. These scores were correlated to providers' personality traits and levels of job satisfaction. Fifty-six percent of providers scored negatively for emotional and resource stressors. These negative occupational stressors were correlated to neurotic personality types and decreased job satisfaction relative to pay, promotion and communication. Conversely, service quality was positively correlated to providers with extraverted personalities and to providers with high job satisfaction in terms of the nature of work and quality of supervisory relations. These findings were consistent with prior and current research in the field. The results confirmed the researcher's PSJS Model used in this study. According to this model, occupational stressors influence service quality both directly and indirectly. Stressors relating to emotions, resources, job duties or administration pose challenges to providers trying to deliver services to clients. Their behavioral response to these stressors, based on certain personality traits and level of job satisfaction, influences the service encounter. This ultimately impacts the quality of the service experience and how clients perceive service quality. This research confirms the need to understand the underlying causes of poor service, before determining performance interventions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.

Background Symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 10% of adults aged over 60 years. The foot joint complex is commonly affected by OA, yet there is relatively little research into OA of the foot, compared with other frequently affected sites such as the knee and hand. Existing epidemiological studies of foot OA have focussed predominantly on the first metatarsophalangeal joint at the expense of other joints. This three-year prospective population-based observational cohort study will describe the prevalence of symptomatic radiographic foot OA, relate its occurrence to symptoms, examination findings and life-style-factors, describe the natural history of foot OA, and examine how it presents to, and is diagnosed and managed in primary care. Methods All adults aged 50 years and over registered with four general practices in North Staffordshire, UK, will be invited to participate in a postal Health Survey questionnaire. Respondents to the questionnaire who indicate that they have experienced foot pain in the preceding twelve months will be invited to attend a research clinic for a detailed clinical assessment. This assessment will consist of: clinical interview; physical examination; digital photography of both feet and ankles; plain x-rays of both feet, ankles and hands; ultrasound examination of the plantar fascia; anthropometric measurement; and a further self-complete questionnaire. Follow-up will be undertaken in consenting participants by postal questionnaire at 18 months (clinic attenders only) and three years (clinic attenders and survey participants), and also by review of medical records. Discussion This three-year prospective epidemiological study will combine survey data, comprehensive clinical, x-ray and ultrasound assessment, and review of primary care records to identify radiographic phenotypes of foot OA in a population of community-dwelling older adults, and describe their impact on symptoms, function and clinical examination findings, and their presentation, diagnosis and management in primary care. PMID:15125151

This paper considers the results of an online questionnaire survey that collected user data on e-book collections held at Essex County Libraries over a two-year period between April 2004 and June 2006. The research was funded by the Laser Foundation, 1 and specifically considered e-book collections held on Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices, as well as collections viewable on Personal Computers with Internet access.2 Questionnaire responses from 58 individuals indicated clearly that marketing of e-book collections needs serious consideration, that certain genres were popular with users (notably Science Fiction), and that the largest number of respondents were aged between 21 and 30. As we discuss, the findings of this questionnaire survey offer few insights into e-book usage that have not been reported in other research. However, what the findings do illustrate clearly is that publicity afforded to e-book and other electronic collections remains crucial. From perusal of the data, 47 of the 58 respondents found out about the e-book collections after browsing the website. Whilst this obviously indicates that the website is indeed useful, the fact that only nine respondents investigated the collections having seen publicity material tells another story. (Contains 4 notes and 11 figures.)

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence attesting to the effectiveness and safety of selective non-operative management (SNOM) of abdominal gunshot wounds. However, much of the research which supports this conclusion has originated from a few centres, and the actual utilisation of SNOM by trauma surgeons is not known. We therefore conducted a survey to assess the acceptance of this strategy and evaluate variations in practise. METHODS: Electronic questionnaire survey of trauma surgeons in the United States of America, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa. Responses were compared using Chi(2) and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: 183 replies were received. 105 (57%) respondents practise SNOM of abdominal gunshot wounds, but there are marked regional variations in the acceptance of this strategy (ptrauma (p50 penetrating abdominal injuries seen per year) (pabdominal gunshot wounds is practised by trauma surgeons in all four countries surveyed, but is not universally accepted, and there are variations in how it is practised. PMID:22341771

Background Both obesity and depression have been associated with significant increases in health care costs. Previous research has not examined whether cost increases associated with obesity could be explained by confounding effects of depression. Objective Examine whether the association between obesity and health care costs is explained by co-occurring depression. Design Cross-sectional study including telephone survey and linkage to health plan records. Participants 4462 women aged 40 to 65 enrolled in prepaid health plan in the Pacific Northwest. Main Measures The telephone survey included self-report of height and weight and measurement of depression by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9). Survey data were linked to health plan cost accounting records. Key Results Compared to wome...

Four primary tasks were conducted for this two-phase study, which examined the outcomes to challenged library materials in terms of retention, restriction, and removal, and identified key factors that influenced the outcome: (1) the relevant research literature was reexamined and a conceptual model for testing based on the research literature was reviewed; (2) a stratified random sample of 6,557 secondary schools was produced; (3) a one-page questionnaire was sent to the school librarians to identify schools that had received a challenge to library materials (complaint) within a 3-year period; and (4) a second, detailed questionnaire designed to test the conceptual model was sent to the librarians who reported having received one or more challenges to obtain data on the most recently resolved challenge. Of the 4,736 questionnaires (72%) for the first stage of the survey that were completed and returned, 2,964 reported no complaints, and 1,661 reported one or more complaints. The response rate for the second stage was 70%, with 1,171 questionnaires returned. This questionnaire elicited information on the factors included in the model, i.e., the district materials selection policy, characteristics of the librarian, school environment, community environment, initiator of the challenge, and complaint background. Factors which were found to be significant in influencing the retention of challenged library materials in secondary public school libraries were the existence and use of a board approved materials selection policy, internal and external support provided to the librarian during the challenge, overall support for the retention of challenged material, and the form of complaint, with written complaints being more likely to result in retention than oral complaints. The findings reported in the literature are discussed with the findings of this study throughout the report, and a long-term replication of this study is recommended. Additional data and copies of the questionnaires are presented in 11 appendices. (34 references) (MAB)

Background: With the accession of the PRC to the WTO, Chinese education market is open to the educational service providers of the foreign countries. They are keen to offer MBA Degree programs to the Career Managers in the Mainland. Aims: This research studies program evaluation and so forth the quality assessment of a MBA degree program in the Mainland. Sample: The qualitative study involves literature review and focus group interviews of educational administrators, teaching staff and MBA students while the quantitative study embraces questionnaire survey of MBA students. Literature review collates the conventional approaches of educational quality assessment and contemporary theories of program evaluation. The survey generates a return of 924 & 1074 questionnaires for the study of learning, research and appraisal processes of the subject program. Method: All the returned questionnaires are processed by means of T-test, Correlation Analysis, Linear Multiple Regression Analysis and Factor Analysis of SPSS. Quantitative analysis is supplemented by the qualitative study. Results: Qualitative cm quantitative study lead to the following findings: (a) Curriculum is the premise of an educational program; (b) Learning materials is closely linked with the educational quality; (c) Good teaching staff warrants the educational quality and (d) Research and appraisal processes reflect the educational quality of the subject program. Conclusion: This research is concluded with the following recommendations: (a) To renovate the curriculum; (b) To refine the training materials; (c) To revise the "Learning Process"; and (d) To improve the "Research" and "Appraisal Processes" of the subject program. This Research has contributed to the wide body of knowledge in the establishment of a Program Evaluation Model which will be beneficial to the future development of the subject program and can be regarded as a reference for management education offerings. (Contains 7 figures, 2 tables and 43 footnotes.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Healthcare professional response rates to postal questionnaires are declining and this may threaten the validity and generalisability of their findings. Methods to improve response rates do incur costs (resources) and increase the cost of research projects. The aim of these randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was to assess whether 1) incentives, 2) type of reminder and/or 3) reduced response burden improve response rates; and to assess the cost implications of such additional effective interventions. METHODS: Two RCTs were conducted. In RCT A general dental practitioners (dentists) in Scotland were randomised to receive either an incentive; an abridged questionnaire or a full length questionnaire. In RCT B non-responders to a postal questionnaire sent to general medical practitioners (GPs) in the UK were firstly randomised to receive a second full length questionnaire as a reminder or a postcard reminder. Continued non-responders from RCT B were then randomised within their first randomisation to receive a third full length or an abridged questionnaire reminder. The cost-effectiveness of interventions that effectively increased response rates was assessed as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: There was no evidence that an incentive (52% versus 43%, Risk Difference (RD) -8.8 (95%CI [MINUS SIGN]22.5, 4.8); or abridged questionnaire (46% versus 43%, RD [MINUS SIGN]2.9 (95%CI [MINUS SIGN]16.5, 10.7); statistically significantly improved dentist response rates compared to a full length questionnaire in RCT A. In RCT B there was no evidence that a full questionnaire reminder statistically significantly improved response rates compared to a postcard reminder (10.4% versus 7.3%, RD 3 (95%CI [MINUS SIGN]0.1, 6.8). At a second reminder stage, GPs sent the abridged questionnaire responded more often (14.8% versus 7.2%, RD [MINUS SIGN]7.7 (95%CI [MINUS SIGN]12.8, -2.6). GPs who received a postcard reminder followed by an abridged questionnaire were most likely to respond (19.8% versus 6.3%, RD 8.1%, and 9.1% for full/postcard/full, three full or full/full/abridged questionnaire respectively). An abridged questionnaire containing fewer questions following a postcard reminder was the only cost-effective strategy for increasing the response rate ([POUND SIGN]15.99 per response). CONCLUSIONS: When expecting or facing a low response rate to postal questionnaires, researchers should carefully identify the most efficient way to boost their response rate. In these studies, an abridged questionnaire containing fewer questions following a postcard reminder was the only cost-effective strategy. An increase in response rates may be explained by a combination of the number and type of contacts. Increasing the sampling frame may be more cost-effective than interventions to prompt non-responders. However, this may not strengthen the validity and generalisability of the survey findings and affect the representativeness of the sample. PMID:22891875

Data from surveys of the elderly are used by policy analysts to design health services programs. Consequently, the quality of survey data on elderly respondents has important implications for this growing segment of society: improving the quality of data should result in more cost effective programs for the elderly. However, studies suggest that the quality of responses from the elderly may be less than that for other respondents. Moreover, the increasing needs of policy analysts and health researchers for data have resulted in more complex survey questions that place a high cognitive burden on respondents. New methods for improving the design of these questionnaires are needed. This project investigated whether new techniques of questionnaire design, adapted from the theories and methods of cognitive psychology, could be effectively used in interviewing older respondents. The techniques used in this study, concurrent think-aloud interviews with followup probe questions, have been shown recently to be effective with younger respondents. Problems that elderly respondents have in comprehending survey questions, retrieving relevant information from memory, and using decision processes to estimate and provide answers were investigated. Questions on functional ability and social support were taken from the 1984 Supplement on Aging to the National Health Interview Survey. Analysis of respondents' think-aloud protocols and responses to probes suggest that the cognitive interview procedures were effective in identifying problems with the survey questions that would result in data of poorer quality and in suggesting the wording of questions that would be likely to result in answers of greater validity and reliability. Implications of these results for survey design and validation studies are discussed. PMID:2120731

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This research examines the problems that religious Jewish science teachers in Israeli high schools have in coping with science subjects (such as geological time) which conflict with their religious beliefs. We do this by characterizing the philosophical approaches within Judaism that such teachers have adopted for dealing with such controversy. Thus, we surveyed 56 religious teachers using a Likert-type questionnaire developed for this research, as well as interviewed 11 teachers to more deeply probe their approaches. In addition, we surveyed 15 religious scientists, so that we could both contrast their views with our teacher samples as well as to better understand their coping strategies when confronted by scientific topics that challenge their beliefs. Results indicated that no single ph...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the principal factors that are critical to the success of a construction project in Malaysia, and determine their relative importance as perceived by different respondents. The findings of this study will provide the researcher with up-to-date information in formulating appropriate strategies to address the challenges brought about by human-related issues. The paper will only discuss the first part of the ongoing research based on the pilot survey. Design/methodology/approach - Following a thorough literature search, a total of 37 factors were consolidated and grouped into seven major categories. These factors were assembled into a questionnaire survey and distributed to clients, consultants and contractors. The respondents represent a wide r...

This study examined the knowledge base of 142 elementary-level educators for implementing response-to-intervention (RTI) models in reading. A questionnaire assessed participants' professional background for teaching reading, as well as their familiarity with specific assessments, research-based instructional models, and interventions potentially useful in RTI approaches. A multiple-choice knowledge survey patterned after a teacher licensure exam, including items situated in classroom contexts, assessed participants' knowledge about different components of reading, assessment, and RTI practices. Overall, participants obtained the highest scores on a knowledge survey subscale involving fluency/vocabulary/comprehension and the lowest on a subscale involving assessment/RTI practices, with a subscale involving phonemic awareness/phonics in the middle. Mean percentages correct on the subscales ranged from about 58-65% correct. However, participants who said they had prior code-focused professional development outperformed other participants on all survey subscales. General elementary certified teachers performed comparably to special education certified teachers on two out of three subscales, with both groups outperforming unlicensed participants; on the assessment/RTI subscale, only the special educators outperformed unlicensed participants. Most participants were familiar with basic features of RTI such as the three tiered model but were unfamiliar with the research-based instructional approaches and interventions named in the study questionnaire, although participants who had experienced code-focused PD were significantly more likely to be familiar with certain interventions. The study suggests that professional development will be important to enable many educators to implement RTI effectively in reading.

Abstract Background- White blood cell (WBC) count is associated with many inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. Research on the relationship of WBC count and cognition in the elderly is relatively sparse. This study examined the association between WBC count and cognitive performance in older adults. Methods- Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002) containing 1670 older adults were analysed. Every subject completed a household interview, examination of digit symbol substitution test (DSST) scores, WBC count measurement and a questionnaire regarding personal health. WBC count was restricted to the normal range and divided into quartiles, using a multiple hierarchical regression model to estimate the relationship b...

This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents and discusses the results of an opinion survey made among small and medium-scale enterprises (SME) in Switzerland concerning the influence of the financial crisis. The methods and questionnaires used are briefly described and the enterprises questioned are characterised. Innovation activities and research and development activities are reviewed. The effects of the financial crisis on business in 2008 are reported on and present and future developments are discussed. The general framework for long-term development is discussed, as are commercial, institutional and governmental general conditions. The report is concluded with a literature list

Purpose - This study aims to investigate creativity-related determinants of learning in the context of business-to-business services and client-agency relationships. Design/methodology/approach - The research model includes client encouragement, agency creativity, campaign creativity, and perceived performance. The study involved conducting a questionnaire survey in 150 publicly-traded companies in South Korea. Findings - The results show that client learning from agency services is the result of the creative process of the agency and the creativity of the service outcome itself. Client learning from marketing services also varied depending on different performance ratings. Originality/value - The study elucidates client learning as the central process of value co-creation in the brand val...

Purpose - The aim of this research is to attempt to reveal the difference between what fresh graduates expect and their actual experiences pertaining to the working environment. Design/methodology/approach - Using a set of self-administered questionnaires, data were collected from 128 graduates. They were asked to indicate their preferences on organizational culture, leadership, communication, decision making, team working, motivation, and development. Using the same dimensions, the respondents then reported their actual experiences, thus enabling gaps to be determined. Findings - The results from paired-sample t-tests suggest that significant expectation gaps exist in all the areas surveyed. While communication, decision making and motivation are found to be significantly related to job s...

This study sets out to determine some of the key factors that foster employees- behavioural support for change management interventions. Specifically, we examine the relationships between organisational justice, organisational identification and employees- pro-change behaviour by analysing questionnaire-based survey data from 137 market research employees. Full structural equation modelling results indicate that out of the four main organisational justice types, only interpersonal justice perceptions play a significant role in predicting pro-change behaviour after controlling for same source bias effects. In particular, the relationship between interpersonal justice and pro-change behaviour is partially mediated by organisational identification. The results additionally indicate that age i...

This study explores factors that predict learner satisfaction and transfer of learning in an online educational program at a multinational corporation, established to improve organizational learning by providing training in technical skills. A mixed-methods design was used, selecting both quantitative methods (utilizing survey research) and qualitative methods (employing open-ended questionnaire items, face-to-face and phone interviews), gathering the perspective of students, instructors, and instructional designers. The online courses were designed using a problem-centered and case-based approach to learning and utilized technologies including learning management systems such as Blackboard and SharePoint as well as instructional design tools such as Breeze, Captivate, and PowerPoint. Onli...

With the broad aim of promoting the essential interdisciplinary research on sustainable development and contributing to the development of an operational bio-economic analysis, the present paper attempts to evaluate four representative approaches to Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in the context of coastal ecosystems. These approaches are non-declining utility per capita, preservation of all the existing natural capital, preservation of the biological crucial levels, and conservation of the critical natural capital. They reflect contemporary dialogue and especially the tension between the schools of strong and weak sustainability. The evaluation was performed by the international community of coastal experts through responses to a questionnaire survey (n = 99). It emerges that t...

Aims:- Medical therapy is the cornerstone of schizophrenia, but >50% of patients do not adhere to medication regimens. In previous reports, the reasons for non-adherence were assessed only by medical staff. We think that patients have specific reasons for non-adherence. We researched whether there was an association between patients' subjective opinions and the number of antipsychotics used. Methods:- A self-rating questionnaire survey was conducted on 252 outpatients with schizophrenia at five psychiatric hospitals in Japan. Based on patients' subjective opinions, we retrospectively analyzed the patients' medications: the number of antipsychotics, concurrently used agents, and dosages of antipsychotics. Results:- There was no significant difference regarding attitudes toward medication be...

Context The objective of this research was to explore medical students' experience of challenges to their ethical knowledge and understanding in clinical practice, and to investigate their need and preference for support when faced with such challenges. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional survey using web-based and paper questionnaires. Questions were designed using examples of ethical challenges identified in the previous literature. The study involved 3 UK university medical schools. All incorporate ethics teaching programmes in problem-based learning curricula. Participants were 732 (30% of total) senior undergraduate medical students learning within the clinical environment. Results Students regularly experienced situations in clinical teaching settings that challenged their ethic...

Background Despite the documented benefits of colorectal cancer screening, patient participation rates remain low. Physician recommendation has been identified as a significant predictor of screening completion. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate how primary care physicians perceive colorectal cancer screening communication tasks, as well as to explore the form and content of actual screening discussions. Design The research design includes a mailed physician survey and a separate observational study in a sample of videotaped medical encounters. Participants and Data Sources The participants were 270 primary care physicians who completed a mailed questionnaire (57.9% response rate) and 18 physician?patient encounters that included discussions of colorectal cancer screening. ...

Purpose - The main purpose of this study is to identify the successful leadership practices of head teachers for school improvement at secondary level in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach - The study was descriptive (survey type) in nature. It was conducted on a sample of 351 secondary school head teachers, 702 elementary and secondary school teachers working in the government secondary schools of Punjab province. Data were collected using a mixed-methods research design that included: review of related literature, documents indicating school achievements and student attainment, questionnaires and in-depth semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders including the head teachers, teachers, parents and students. The validity and reliability of the instruments was ensured throug...

This study aims to testify the scientific veracity of the question: is the franchisees' choice on entrepreneurial start-up univocal or many-valued? Two variables are examined by registering daily activities of the entrepreneurial franchisees, as they appear by the answers given to a closed-ended questionnaire. We proceeded with a multiple variable statistical analysis (principal component analysis) of survey data collected from franchisees of a Greece-based franchise system. The results of the research indicate that among different value standards, the entrepreneurs conclude in choosing the franchising.

Much research has tried to explain why some people, but not others, choose to become entrepreneurs. The cognitive approach provides a useful insight to explore the entrepreneur-related phenomena through perceptions and intentions. Cross-national studies of this kind are rare, since large international surveys are needed. In this sense, the GEM-project questionnaire includes some questions about entrepreneurial perceptions of the adult population. Thus, the main objective of this paper is building a theoretical framework of entrepreneurial perceptions and testing their influence on entrepreneurial intentions with GEM data. This may allow overcoming some of the weaknesses of previous studies in entrepreneurial intentions. Three kinds of perceptions are identified: individual perceptions, per...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of micro-environmental international entrepreneurship and the macro-environmental market forces on domestic institutionalization of the industrial sector. In doing so, the paper examines the moderating effect of the degree of internationalization on the relationship between domestic market forces and domestic sectoral institutionalization. Design/methodology/approach - Based upon the creation of the item pools "domestic sectoral institutionalization", "market forces" and "degree of internationalization" derived from previous research, an applied Delphi technique and a representative sample of 149 exporters in Turkey, a survey using a web-based questionnaire was conducted. All scales were designed and a number of hypotheses...

ABSTRACT The DFC Intelligence predicts worldwide online game revenues will reach $9.8 billion by 2009, making online gaming a mainstream recreational activity. Understanding online game player personality traits is therefore important. This study researches the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction in online game players. Taipei, Taiwan, is the study location, with questionnaire surveys conducted in cyber cafe shops. Multiple regression analysis studies the causal relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction in online game players. The result shows that neuroticism has significant negative influence on life satisfaction. Both openness and conscientiousness have significant positive influence on life satisfaction. Finally, implications for leisure pr...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key "hard" and "soft" quality management factors used by Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their association with organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach - A survey questionnaire was constructed for this research using Powell's quality management framework. The respondents were required to indicate their degree of implementation of quality management practices and to rate their TQM performance in relation to overall performance, return on assets, market share and customer satisfaction. Findings - The study found that improved overall performance appears to be favourably influenced by a combination of "hard" TQM factors such as benchmarking and quality measurement, continuous improvement, and efficien...

The need of after-school programs has become urgent for school-age children in many industrialized countries due to social structure changes. This research develops a hierarchical framework to evaluate after-school programs from two distinct aspects?service quality from parents? perspectives and marketing strategy from operators? perspectives?each aspect respectively associated with five mutually independent criteria. Two different questionnaire surveys are conducted respectively to parents and providers in Hsinchu, Taiwan based on pairwise comparison on Saaty?s nine-point scale. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is then employed to calculate the relative importance of the criteria under each aspect. The results show that the top three concerns from parents? perspectives are communication a...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of internal marketing on service quality and the mediating role of OCB in their relationship. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 162 random samples of the customers and employees of the Greater Tehran Gas Company were taken. The applied research methodology is based on survey design techniques, specifically structural equations modelling. To test the model questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed. Findings - Findings clearly demonstrate that internal marketing actions can have a direct, meaningful and positive effect on organizational citizenship behaviours. Furthermore, the conceptual model shows that organizational citizenship behaviours act as a mediator between internal marketing and service quality. R...

This research identified psychosocial correlates of motivation to change in adolescents being discharged from residential treatment for substance use disorders. Using a naturalistic longitudinal design, adolescents in a residential treatment program in southeast Ohio were assessed at intake and discharge using self-administered questionnaires. Surveys assessed motivation to change one's drug and alcohol use, ways of coping to avoid future alcohol/substance use, and social support. The 68 participants (mean age = 16.0, range = 12?18) were predominantly Caucasian (87%) and male (69%). Over the course of treatment, adolescents reported significant increases in active-cognitive coping, avoidant-behavioral coping, and attachment and marginally significant increases in motivation to change and r...

Evidence is presented of the extent to which libraries from around the world are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the world-wide economic downturn. Comparative analyses are provides on the grounds of country, sector and size of institution. The article concentrates on the situation of UK and US university libraries and is based on the findings of two research projects: (1) a global questionnaire survey to which more than 800 institutions responded; (2) a focus group study involving 16 UK university librarians. (Contains 2 tables and 6 figures.)

Abstract Meta-analyses confirm a negative relationship between aggressive behavior and empathy, that is, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Based on theoretical considerations, it was, therefore, hypothesized that a lack of empathic responsiveness may be characteristic for cyberbullies in particular. In the present study, 2.070 students of Luxembourg secondary schools completed an online survey that included a cyberbullying questionnaire4 and a novel empathy short scale. According to the main hypothesis, analyses of variances indicated that cyberbullies demonstrated less empathic responsiveness than non-cyberbullies. In addition, cyberbullies were also more afraid of becoming victims of cyberbullying. The findings confirm and substantially extend the research on th...

ContextRepresentations of illness have been studied in several populations, but research is limited in palliative care. ObjectivesTo describe illness representations in a population with advanced disease receiving palliative care and to examine the relationship between illness perceptions, adaptive coping, and depression. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 301 consecutive eligible patients recruited from a palliative care service in south London, U.K. Measures used included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale, and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire-9. ResultsScores were not normally distributed for most questions on the Brief IPQ. The correlations found between items on the Brief IPQ w...

This study introduces a GIS-based protocol for the simulation and evaluation of thinning treatments in recreational forest management. The protocol was implemented in a research study based on an area of recreational forest in Alishan National Scenic Area, Taiwan. Ground survey data were mapped to a GIS database, to create a precise, yet flexible, GIS-based digital forest. The digital forest model was used to generate 18 different thinning scenario images and one image of the existing unthinned forest. A questionnaire was completed by 456 participants while simultaneously viewing the scenario images. The questionnaire was used to determine the scenic beauty preferences of the respondents. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the respondents preferred low density, upper-storey thi...

Objectives: Vitamins and herbal extracts are associated with various side effects, potential serious drug interactions and mostly unproven efficacy. Yet, research has shown that nearly half of dementia patients are receiving such medication. Health professionals caring for older people with dementia are central to the safe management of this practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the views, knowledge and practices of professionals in relation to this issue. Such information is essential to identify potential problems and to inform targeted intervention strategies. Method: Cross-sectional survey carried out across East Sussex in the UK based on a self-administered postal questionnaire. Results: Out of 350 questionnaires sent, 200 responded (57%). Health professionals great...

The research focus was a non-academic service quality assessment within higher education. In particular, non-academic service quality perceptions of faculty and students were evaluated using a service profit chain. This enabled a comparison which helped understanding of non-academic service quality orientation from a key users' perspective. Data were collected using a self-completion questionnaire that was posted on Survey Monkey. A four point Likert scale without a mid-point was used to record respondent perceptions. In total 296 usable questionnaires (192 from students and 104 from faculty) were collected, representing a response rate of 17 percent. Key results indicated that on the whole service users (both faculty and students) were satisfied with non-academic services and this had a positive impact on their loyalty. However, in the case of students, there was a disconnect between loyalty and its "productive" propagation to the external environment. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)

Outcomes of a parent/teacher action research project, the League of Schools Reaching Out, are described in this paper. The League is a group of nine schools working with the Institute for Responsive Education and the Center on Families, Communities, Schools, and Children's Learning as a resource exchange network. Project goals are to: investigate the effects of family/community involvement strategies on student achievement, model new family/school/community relationships, provide a reflective component, and examine the effect of policy on school change projects. Impressions of the dynamics of parent/teacher action research indicate that the following are crucial to success: active principal participation; the facilitator as a bridge between the action-reflection gap; flexible multifaceted strategies and common data collection methods; and focus on student achievement and individual school effort. Appendices include parent and teacher questionnaires, a school effectiveness and climate survey, and a list of projects and research questions for the action research teams. (5 references) (LMI)

This article reports on a study which investigated the impact of globalization on scientific research in Nigeria. The research data were collected using a questionnaire survey which was administered to academics in science-based disciplines in four Nigerian universities: University of Calabar, University of Uyo, University of Lagos and University of Ibadan. The results of the study show that ease of scientific communication, an increased access to current scientific books/journals and improvements in the quality of research were considered the main effects of globalization on scientific research in Nigeria. The findings of the study also show that the major factors considered to impede globalization of science in the country were frequent power cuts, a poor maintenance culture of ICT infrastructures/facilities, and an inadequate knowledge/awareness of the potential and capabilities of ICT by Nigerian scientists. Relevant recommendations based on these findings are made. (Contains 6 tables.)

This paper presents results of a review of mail survey response literature and provides recommendations for the application of some response-enhancing techniques to the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) of the National Center for Education Statistics. The SASS is an integrated set of surveys sponsored by the NCES and conducted by the Bureau of the Census to provide data on teachers, students, administrators, librarians, and libraries in public and private schools. The SASS uses mail questionnaires as its primary method of data collection, but in the most recent survey, only between 25% and 75% of surveys have been returned. It would not have been wise to produce SASS estimates based on the responses from mail surveys alone. After telephone interviews and a few face-to-face interviews, the response rate rose to between 80% and 100%, but obviously costs would be much reduced with better mail responses. A review of the literature indicates that response rate enhancement techniques have been grouped into the following general categories: (1) motivating a response; (2) content and appearance of correspondence; (3) postage supplied; and (4) attitudinal and behavioral modifications (not discussed in this report). Research indicates that multiple contacts are the most effective way to increase response rates, and that the SASS already includes most multiple contact techniques, with the exception of the use of special postage. Use of a fifth mail contact with two-day priority delivery is recommended. Another successful technique has been the inclusion of monetary incentives, a technique that does not seem appropriate for the SASS. The use of nonmonetary incentives, such as thank-you cards, is recommended. Making the questionnaires briefer and easier to complete is among additional recommendations. (Contains 7 tables and 24 references.) (SLD)

Purpose - The purpose of this data-based analysis is to report and reflect on the characteristics of the academic discipline concerned with logistics and supply chain management (SCM) as it is conducted in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The paper further seeks to explain variations in the research field in terms of the demographics, research domains and methodologies, and publication patterns of the study's respondents. Design/methodology/approach - An e-mail questionnaire survey was distributed to 353 researchers based in the Nordic countries. With 144 answers returned, the response rate was 41 per cent. Findings - The study did not provide a clear picture of a distinct Nordic research paradigm applying to the study of logistics and SCM. The analysis shows as characteristic of research issues pursued by Nordic researchers the focus on supply chains and networks and the use of dyads, chains or networks of organizations as levels of analysis. The use of case study methodology and a highly diversified publication pattern were likewise evident. Most researchers were found to rely heavily on external research funding. Significant differences were also identified for research conducted by researchers holding PhD degrees as compared to research by respondents with lower degrees, for researchers affiliated with institutions based in the technical sciences in comparison to those in the social sciences, and for institutions according to their varying degrees of experience with research in the field and external funding. Research limitations/implications - The research reported here may help individual researchers raise their consciousness about their own research. Originality/value - This is the first empirical study to analyze research paradigms within logistics and SCM in the Nordic countries. It identifies a number of significant differences in regard to research patterns among various categories of researchers and institutions.

Consciousness for the earthquake was investigated by questionnaire surveys made in Honjo City and Yuzawa City, Akita Pref. in October 1995 twelve years after the Nihonkai Chubu Earthquake (M=7.7) in May 1983. The survey was conducted in terms of 27 items including personality, memory, knowledge/interest, psychology/action, mental attitude/preparations, wishes for researchers and administration, etc. Also included were the items on the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the earthquake blank areas. The number of distributed questionnaires and the recovery rate of them are 1500 and 79.2% in Honjo City, and 1700 and 84.7% in Yuzawa City. From the survey, it was found that people have a lot of knowledge of and high interest in the earthquake and well remember it, and a lot of people know of tsunami, liquefaction phenomena, and the earthquake blank area. Further, they are afraid of earthquakes and think of their actions to be taken in case of earthquake. However, most people are little prepared for earthquakes. Important future subjects were suggested for the study of disaster prevention measures. 13 figs.

The concept of "work" and the social interactions in the workplace contribute to develop the working satisfaction and the social and personal identity of the adult. The aim of the survey is that of checking up on the presence of a statistically significant relation between The Depression Syndrome and The Mobbing Phenomenon. It is necessary to understand and value if and how some of the employer's behaviours could have a heavy influence on the worker's psychophysical condition, up to causing a state of anxiety and depression. It has been used the now famous "LIPT" (Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror), elaborated by Leymann at the beginning of the 90's. It is a short anonymous questionnaire recognized all over Europe as a standard to confirm the Mobbing existence in organizational contexts. The current version of the questionnaire is called "LIPT EGE", a more suitable tool to check the seven parameters of the Mobbing determination, as well as the quantification of the consequent harm. Some scales for depressive symptoms evaluation have been added to the Mobbing questionnaire: The Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and The Depression Status Inventory (DSI) of Zung. The questionnaires are administered to 500 workers women in public and private corporation in Sicily, exactly in Siracusa and Catania provinces. 206 women aged 34-50 have answered the questionnaires. In addition to the age and the sex, the distinction variables of the examined people are the position in the firm, nationality, vocational qualification, and the yearly gross income. The research has begun in july and has continued on august 2006. Attention has been focused only on the administrative sectors. Through the chi2 test and the exact Fisher test, the dependence between the changeable presence of depression in the two questionnaires (Zung 1 and Zung 2) and every single variable of the questionnaire on the Mobbing has been pointed out. In particular, the results establish a connection between the presence of depression and systematic isolation, and depression and the changes in the working tasks. The survey has pointed out the working conditions that may lead to Mobbing situations and to psychological frustration; it follows that the Mobbing prevention is a key element if you want to better working life and avoid social emargination. PMID:18409900

...HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare...Research and Quality Agency Information...Reporting System: Questionnaire Redesign and...chair of the Quality Interagency...Revisions to the questionnaire and sample selection...Patient Safety and Quality Improvement...Health and Human Services, which...

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) National Laboratory, the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) participates in the Laboratory Technology Research (LTR) Program. The mission of the LTR Program is to advance science and technology, in support of DOE missions, toward innovative applications through cost-shared partnerships with the private sector. The benefits to industry participants include gaining access to world-class researchers and facilities, while the benefits to the ORNL researchers includes leveraging the declining government-provided funds. Thus, the importance placed upon industry partner satisfaction is large, especially if the LTR Program is to be sustained during episodes of government budget constraints. Realizing the critical nature of partner satisfaction, in 1998 the DOE-SC National Laboratories surveyed industrial partners to assess their satisfaction with the cooperative research projects in which they were involved. This paper will describe the survey methodology including development of the questionnaire and a summary of the responses (particularly those which are germane to the ORNL.) The results of the survey will be categorized as follows: (1) Desire to partner again with ORNL; (2) Benefits obtained by the company from the partnership; and (3) LTR Program ratings assigned in 11 key areas (i.e., quality of work, expertise, protection of intellectual property, value, facilities, understanding company needs, reliability of funding, schedule responsiveness, project management, contract negotiation, and contract administration.)

Over the last 60 years, the resources and the research in the Danish Twin Registry (DTR) have periodically been summarized. Here, we give a short overview of the DTR and a more comprehensive description of new developments in the twenty-first century. First, we outline our experience over the last decade of combining questionnaire and survey data with national demographic, social, and health registers in Statistics Denmark. Second, we describe our most recent data collection effort, which was conducted during the period 2008-2011 and included both in-person assessments of 14,000+ twins born 1931-1969 and sampling of biological material, hereby expanding and consolidating the DTR biobank. Third, two examples of intensively studied twin cohorts are given. The new developments in the DTR in the last decade have facilitated the ongoing research and laid the groundwork for new research directions. PMID:23084092

Objective: To introduce item response theory (IRT) to health behavior researchers by contrasting it with classical test theory and providing an example of IRT in health behavior. Method: Demonstrate IRT by fitting the 2PL model to substance-use survey data from the Adolescent Health Risk Behavior questionnaire (n = 1343 adolescents). Results: An IRT 2PL model can produce viable substance use scores that differentiate different levels of substance use, resulting in improved precision and specificity at the respondent level. Conclusion: IRT is a viable option for health researchers who want to produce high-quality scores for unidimensional constructs. The results from our example--although not flawless--demonstrate the feasibility of IRT in health behavior research.

Purpose - This study aims to understand the impact of users' privacy concerns on their acceptance of social networking web sites (SNWs). Design/methodology/approach - This paper develops two research models, with privacy concern conceptualized either as an antecedent of acceptance intention, or as a moderator of the relationships in the technology acceptance model (TAM). Using a survey questionnaire, empirical data were collected from 428 undergraduate college students. Structured equation modeling was used to test the validity of the proposed research models. Findings - The privacy concerns of the research respondents were found to be statistically significant. However, they did not directly affect users' acceptance of social networking web sites. Instead, privacy concerns did moderate th...

A survey of ongoing and finished research activities related to the use of coal residues (ash, fly ash, slags) as raw materials for a number of products is described. The inventory is far from complete, due to poor response to the questionnaires which were distributed. Projects were split into five groups: 1) characterization of residues; 2) environmental effects; 3) transport and storage; 4) research on the possible application of the product, and 5) the development of the specific application for some products (concrete, artificial sand or gravel, mineral wool, gypsum, etc.). Most of the attention is paid to projects related to the residues of coal fired power stations. The major part of the research is directed to the industry involved with the combustion of coal and the engineering consultants. The report consists of a number of tables with relevant data (name and description of the project, contractor, supervisor, engineering partners). (In Dutch)

Purpose - The purpose of the research is to investigate project managers' work values and the relationship between the work values of project managers and their competence. Design/methodology/approach - This research project is based on a category of work-related values generated from the literature. The authors conducted a web-based questionnaire survey on Chinese project managers in The People's Republic of China. Findings - From this research it was found that both experienced and novice Chinese project managers share most work values. However, novice and experienced project managers' differ on work values regarding personal career success and project success. Project management knowledge, project manager's personal attitudes and project manager's work values are all important with resp...

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to evaluate and better understand the Chief Financial Officers' (CFOs) role in sustainability reporting of New Zealand's (NZ) publicly listed companies. Design/methodology/approach - The research uses a questionnaire sent to the CFOs of 88 of New Zealand's largest listed companies; the CFOs were telephoned beforehand and introduced to the nature of the research and asked if they would participate. A total of 33 fully completed responses were returned. Findings - CFOs expressed their agreement with the adoption of sustainable development as they believed there were benefits to be made for their firms; the survey identified reputation enhancement and good corporate governance as the two main benefits. However they were reluctant to have their firms' ...

Purpose - Chinese consumers have increased their consumption of grape products in recent years due to recognition of the nutritional value of grapes. At the same time, consumers are paying more attention to food safety because of the occasional occurrence of food safety scares. Based on a survey of consumers in Zhejiang, China, this paper aims to understand and provide information on consumers' perceptions of quality and safety for grape products, purchasing behavior, and willingness to pay (WTP) for grape products. Design/methodology/approach - This paper presents the results of empirical research. The survey method was a direct (face-to-face) interview based on a standardized questionnaire. Consumers' perceptions of the quality and safety of grape products were examined, together with co...

ObjectiveTo use spina bifida (SB) as a model of chronic physical disability to study the associations of virtual socialization, friendships, and quality of life (QOL) in adults. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingSubjects were recruited from residential living facilities, outpatient clinics, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) research registry. PatientsInclusion criteria were age between 18 and 80 years and clinical diagnoses of SB cystica (myelomeningocele) and hydrocephalus. The exclusion criterion was the diagnosis of SB occulta. Sixty-three eligible adults were enrolled, and all completed the study. MethodsThe survey via questionnaire was performed in person or over the telephone. Main Outcome MeasurementsData collected included the World Health Organization's Med...

The paper discusses the development and application of a survey questionnaire for researching domestic violence in same sex relationships. A feminist epistemological approach was used to construct an instrument geared to explore how processes of gendering and power might operate in similar or different ways in abusive lesbian, gay male or heterosexual relationships, while taking into account a range of domestically abusive behaviour, context and impact, experiences of abuse from partners and use of such behaviour against partners. The survey was part of a detailed multi-method study of love and domestic violence by intimate partners in same sex and heterosexual relationships (funded by the ESRC, award RES-000-23-0650), and also included focus groups and interviews. The paper outlines the d...

The Turkish dairy industry has recently implemented HACCP-based food safety management systems according to a new Turkish law. Law 5996, instituted in 2010, establishes food-handling standards for the dairy industry and requires on-farm and plant production HACCP-compliance, to guarantee food safety. The implementation of this law and current food safety standards in Turkish dairy plants were assessed in this study. Researchers developed a survey to characterize overall food safety among dairy businesses in Aydin, Turkey. The survey included a questionnaire, interviews with management and audits of dairy businesses that had production licenses from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock in 2010. Dairy businesses' current food safety practices, staff comprehension of basic hygiene ...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of internet resources and the evaluation of their usefulness on teaching, learning and research in Nigerian universities with particular emphasis on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on a descriptive survey using questionnaires for data collection. The respondents constitute students (750) and academic staff (115) from OAU. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) were used to analyze the data. Findings - The results from the paper reveal that a majority of the surveyed academic staff and the students found the internet to be very useful. Internet resources mostly used by both groups were e-mail and the world wide web (WWW). Search inte...

Abstract This article focuses on two important issues faced by researchers working on choice experiments: how to find the optimal number of alternatives in each choice set and the number of choice sets in each survey. The authors first develop survey instruments with different numbers of choice sets and alternatives. Then, a heteroscedastic logit model is developed to relate the varying number of alternatives and choice sets to changes in the error term by parameterizing the scale factor of the heteroscedastic logit model. The authors study the effects of two simultaneous forms of complexity on the consistency of respondents' choices, i.e., the number of choice sets per questionnaire and the number of options per choice set. Their findings suggest that respondents' choices do vary with the...

The internationalization of services has been largely under-researched, more so in respect of developing countries. In light of this, the various models on firm internationalization were tested to determine which of them best fits the internationalization of Malaysian quantity surveying (QS) firms. The models were a combination of the old and more recent. In doing so, the 'what', 'where', 'how', 'which' and 'why' of the subject matter were addressed. Data were collected using the mixed method, combining a postal questionnaire survey, follow-up interviews and secondary data. The findings point to certain models (i.e. liability of foreignness concept, network theory, internalization theory and international entrepreneurship) having a good fit with the subject matter in comparison to others (...

This paper presents a comparison analysis of eco-efficiency in the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of Venezuela. The research can be divided into three parts: the first part reviews similar studies in the literature on the level of eco-efficiency exhibited by the companies of Venezuela and other countries. In the second place, the findings of a survey conducted on Venezuelan SMEs allowed the definition of 54 eco-efficiency profiles. Thirdly, six national experts in cleaner production and eco-efficiency were interviewed. The interview was based on a questionnaire similar to that used in the survey of the Venezuelan SMEs. At a second meeting, the experts were asked to discuss on the similarities and differences between their answers and those of the company's managers. The findings...

The overall goal of this project, funded by MEXT-Japan (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Technology), is to implement prototypical programs to foster and proactively engage female researchers. The project aims to provide comprehensive support for female researchers who wish to raise a family and pursue an academic career, and increase opportunities for female researchers to play more active roles. To achieve these objectives, three core actions are taken. First, with out-of-office/out-of-lab research support (ubiquitous research support), an assistant researcher is provided to help perform experiments while the ubiquitous researcher is out of the laboratory. A communication network is introduced to connect the laboratory with home to facilitate in-home research. Second, with human resources support, researchers' career paths, abilities, and experiences are accumulated in e-portfolios. This enables researchers coming from different fields of employment to pursue other career paths. Third, a follow-up survey and project planning are conducted. We believe through science education, science can be demystified, and made more accessible and fascinating for children. This would bode well for future generations. Alumni questionnaires show that 80% of respondents were very satisfied to have graduated with a science background.

Recruitment of a large and reliable control group is a challenge in psychological survey based research. The effect of recruitment styles and age on response-rate, data quality, and individual differences were investigated in a control group for a postal survey of elderly bereaved people. This study was a direct reaction to the first recruitment attempt that had a 10% response rate. This study consisted of four groups of randomly selected elderly married people (65-81 years) receiving a postal questionnaire measuring depression, social support, coping style, adult attachment, life satisfaction, and personality factors. All groups were exposed to a set of general initiatives (customized introduction letter with university letterhead; self-addressed, prepaid envelope included; personally directed letter signed by the researcher; an assurance of confidentiality). Three groups were exposed to different specific initiatives (short non-sensitive questionnaire, recorded response, and monetary incentive independent of response) to increase the response-rate. The results indicated that general initiatives and information letters apparently increased the response-rate from 10 to 31%. Monetary incentive had the highest response-rate (51%), good data quality, and no sampling bias in individual differences. This method can be highly recommended in future control group recruitment.

Abstract in english Objective: Within the concept of the outcome of hea1th services, the user's satisfaction has to be integrated by other more objective measures of health and quality of life. Debra Srebnik and coworkers have proposed a Survey for Monitoring the Quality of Public Mental Hea1th Services (SMQPMHS), which covers the following dimensions: Satisfaction, Functioning, Quality of Life and Clinica1 Status. The research main goals were as follows: a) to study the psychometric propert (more) ies of the Ita1ian version of the Survey, and b) to study possible differences between the outcome of psychiatric patients applying to our outpatient facilities vs. the American sample. Methods: The Italian version of SMQPMHS was proposed to all patients receiving care at 2 Italian outpatient psychiatric facilities over a period of 2 months. 291 subjects accepted to participate in the study and fi1led in adequately the questionnaire. Results: Mean scores of the 13 variables of the Survey were very similar to those observed in the Arnerican sample. A matrix of correlations between each variable and each of the others indicated adequate internal consistency. A principal component analysis supported the four-dimensions model of the Survey. Patients recently hospitalized showed a poorer Clinical Status and a lower Satisfaction. Patients unemployed at the time of the survey showed a poorer Clinical Status. Conclusions: The Italian version of SMQPMHS showed good psychometric properties, even though concurrent validity needs further study. No differences emerged between the present sample and the American sample.

Abstract Aim.- This paper is a report of techniques used to examine and establish translational and conceptual equivalence of survey questionnaires. Background.- A major concern arose about standardization of translated survey questionnaires, when preparing to evaluate differences in acute coronary syndrome presentation in European (White), Chinese and South Asian patients. Methods.- The survey questionnaires were first translated by an accredited translation company. Between July and November 2009, materials were taken to like-speaking healthcare reviewers to ensure that the clinical meaning was appropriate. Like-speaking lay reviewers were then asked to make comment about grammar; meaning and understanding of questions; and any concerns about the suitability of graphics. A key informant ...

This paper reports the findings from an investigation into the distance learning support systems of a UK University's overseas MBA programme. This programme is provided to several countries around the world in alliance with the overseas' local higher educational institutions (HEIs), and is delivered primarily via online courses, but also with periods of face-to-face teaching by both UK and local staff. The aim of the research was to evaluate the learning support mechanisms that are used to deliver this programme overseas, and to determine their impact on the learning experience of the MBA students. The primary research method was questionnaire surveys which were conducted over two periods: April-July 2008, and January-March 2009. The first survey showed a high level of satisfaction with the MBA programme as delivered, but also indicated areas that could see further improvement. The impacts of programme changes were examined in the second survey which revealed students' improved satisfaction with the programme after the implementation of the changes in the programme support systems. The outcomes of this research have not only helped improve the learning support systems and enhanced the quality of this particular programme, but could also help provide guidelines for other HEIs that offer, or intend to offer, blended learning courses globally. (Contains 12 tables and 2 figures.)

This paper discusses the use of computers as a medium for communication (CMC) used by aerospace engineers and scientists to obtain and/or provide technical information related to research and development activities. The data were obtained from a questionnaire survey that yielded 1006 mail responses. In addition to communication media, the research also investigates degrees of task uncertainty, environmental complexity, and other relevant variables that can affect aerospace workers' information-seeking strategies. While findings indicate that many individuals report CMC is an important function in their communication patterns, the research indicates that CMC is used less often and deemed less valuable than other more conventional media, such as paper documents, group meetings, telephone and face-to-face conversations. Fewer than one third of the individuals in the survey account for nearly eighty percent of the reported CMC use, and another twenty percent indicate they do not use the medium at all, its availability notwithstanding. These preliminary findings suggest that CMC is not as pervasive a communication medium among aerospace workers as the researcher expect a priori. The reasons underlying the reported media use are not yet fully known, and this suggests that continuing research in this area may be valuable.

Abstract? The principle objective of the Danish research program 'Indoor Environment and Children's Health' (IECH) was to explore associations between various exposures that children experience in their indoor environments (specifically their homes and daycare centers) and their well-being and health. The targeted health endpoints were allergy, asthma, and certain respiratory symptoms. The study was designed with two stages. In the first stage, a questionnaire survey was distributed to more than 17?000 families with children between the ages of 1 and 5. The questionnaire focused on the children's health and the environments within the homes they inhabited and daycare facilities they attended. More than 11?000 questionnaires were returned. In the second stage, a subsample of 500 children was selected for more detailed studies, including an extensive set of measurements in their homes and daycare centers and a clinical examination; all clinical examinations were carried out by the same physician. In this study, the methods used for data collection within the IECH research program are presented and discussed. Furthermore, initial findings are presented regarding descriptors of the study population and selected characteristics of the children's dwellings and daycare centers. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study outlines methods that might be followed by future investigators conducting large-scale field studies of potential connections between various indoor environmental factors and selected health endpoints. Of particular note are (i) the two-stage design - a broad questionnaire-based survey followed by a more intensive set of measurements among a subset of participants who have been selected based on their responses to the questionnaire; (ii) the case-base approach utilized in the stage 2 in contrast to the more commonly used case-control approach; (iii) the inclusion of the children's daycare environment when conducting intensive sampling to more fully capture the children's total indoor exposure; and (iv) all clinical examinations conducted by the same physician. We recognize that future investigators are unlikely to fully duplicate the methods outlined in this study, but we hope that it provides a useful starting point in terms of factors that might be considered when designing such a study. PMID:22385284

Engagement with farmers and landowners is often undertaken by the research community to obtain information relating to typical land, livestock and enterprise management and generally centres on responses to questionnaire surveys. Farmers and land managers are constituted as expert observers of ground-level processes and provide diverse information on farming practices, enterprise economics and underpinning attitudes towards risk. Research projects designed to inform policy and practice may rely on such data to understand better on-the-ground decisions that can impact on environmental quality and the rural economy. Such approaches to eliciting local-level expert knowledge can generate large quantities of data from which to formulate rules relating to farm enterprise types. In turn, this can...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of different dimensions of supply chain management practices (SCMP) on supply chain performance (SCP) in the electronics industry in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach - The study employed the quantitative method where convenience sampling and self-administrated survey questionnaires were sent to 125 electronics firms in Malaysia. The research framework was tested using variance-based structural equation model, the partial least squares (PLS) method. Findings - The empirical results of PLS indicate that six of the seven dimensions of SCMP have a significant positive effect on SCP. Furthermore, agreed vision and goals shows a greater influence than other dimensions of SCMP. Research limitations/implications - This study took a...

The Personal Health Protective Practices of the out-of-school adolescent was investigated using a survey design. Three research questions were formulated and tested. The population consists of out-of-school adolescents in South-South Senatorial District of Nigeria. The sample consists of 320 adolescents randomly selected using purposive sampling technique. The research instrument was the oral interview for the out-of-school adolescents and questionnaire for the health care providers. Percentages were used in the data analysis. The result indicated poor personal health protective practices of the out-of-school adolescents. The Health care centres are not adequately utilized. Self-medication was highly practiced by the subjects. Sequel to this finding, the investigator recommended that Health Education through community participation should be emphasized. Local Government Councils should vigorously pursue policies that will enhance personal health protective practices through teaching of Health Education in schools. (Contains 3 tables.)

Research has identified social exclusion as one of the social determinants of health. There are risks of social exclusion in later life in recent years. However, despite the fact that China has the largest aging population in the world and reports a rapid growth in the proportion of older people living alone, research on the role of social exclusion on depression is limited. This study examined the effects of social exclusion on depressive symptoms in older Chinese who are living alone in China, based on the data from one Shanghai neighbourhood. The data used were obtained between August and October 2008 through face-to-face interviews, using a structured survey questionnaire, from a simple random sample of 228 Chinese 60 and older living alone in a Shanghai community. Depressive symptoms ...

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to develop an original framework to explore the influences of green perceived value and green perceived risk on green purchase intentions and to discuss the mediation role of green trust. Design/methodology/approach - This study applies four original concepts - green perceived value, green perceived risk, green trust, and green purchase intentions - to develop an integral model to enhance green purchase intentions. In addition, this research employs an empirical study by means of the questionnaire survey method to verify the hypotheses and to explore its managerial implications. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to verify the research framework. Findings - The empirical results show that green perceived value would positively affect green ...

In 1989 Mitton suggested that success for start-ups not only depends on who you are but also on whom you know. To study the importance of social capital and networks in relation to entrepreneurial activities, research in a Danish start-up context in two knowledge-intensive sectors has been carried out. The research methodology was based on a triangulation approach including a general questionnaire-based survey conducted through the Internet combined with a 85 in-depth interviews in purposefully sampled ventures. The analysis of the content and structure of social capital in relation to entrepreneurial networking activities in new technology-based small firms shows that teams are primarily composed of 'trusted alters', that networking patterns and resource acquisition are highly influenced by entrepreneurs' attitude to and perception of networking.

BackgroundTo provide research support that develops and retains leaders, educators, and investigators in dermatology and cutaneous biology, the Dermatology Foundation (DF) has designed and implemented a comprehensive Career Development Award (CDA) Program. ObjectiveTo assess the impact of the DFs 3-year CDA, a comprehensive survey of recipients who received this mechanism of support between 1990 and 2007 was performed. MethodsOf 196 individuals receiving a DF CDA, 181 were identified and asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire concerning their career status, employment history, professional rank, and record of independent research funding (private foundation, federal, other). A personal assessment of the impact of this funding on these individuals career trajectory was also request...

Purpose - This paper aims to present the baseline results of a research and development project targeted to improve the occupational well-being of school staff and maintain their ability to work, in Finland and Estonia. It reveals the most problematic factors in the various aspects of the school community and professional competence and outlines development needs in the school communities. Design/methodology/approach - The overall project design is action research, conducted during 2009-2013 in the SHE (Schools for Health in Europe) network in Finland and Estonia. The baseline survey data were collected in 2009-2010 with a web-based Well-being at your work index questionnaire and analysed statistically using descriptive statistics, sum variables of factors and Mann-Whitney tests. Findings ...

This research provides insights into how targeted and non-targeted customers perceive firms’ marketing tactics. Important implications exist regarding how targeted and non-targeted customers perceive the influence of marketing tactics and, accordingly, how firms handle them. A multiple-phased study approach involved exploratory interviews, pilot tests and the main survey, which employed a self-administered questionnaire. As a stage one research, initial results offer a perspective on how marketers can maintain and enhance the two key customer groups in a unified framework. Targeted customers respond more strongly to service quality and communication, whereas price is more important to non-targeted customers. It is hoped that the study may serve as a framework for future studies to co...

Background: Previous research into drug-related death (DRD) has targeted specific groups such as the deceased themselves, witnesses, or families of victims. There has been no research on staff working in the substance misuse field and the impact that DRD has had on them. Method: A postal questionnaire survey was conducted across a Scottish health authority area and quantitatively measured the impact that this event had on the work, health, and social life. Results: Sixty-five staff persons were identified as having experiencing at least one DRD on their caseload. These 65 reported a range of grief-related reactions, with the majority (88%) identifying at least one reaction. The most common feelings identified were sadness (83%), guilt (40%), and anger (37%) about the death of their client....

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant neurocutaneous disorder with an estimated prevalence of two to three cases per 10 000 population. While the physical characteristics have been well documented, speech disorders have not been fully characterized in NF1 patients. Aims: This study serves as a pilot to identify key issues in the speech of NF1 patients. In particular, the aim is to explore further the occurrence and nature of problems associated with speech as perceived by the patients themselves. Methods & Procedures: A questionnaire was sent to 149 patients with NF1 registered at the Department of Genetics, Ghent University Hospital. The questionnaire inquired about articulation, hearing, breathing, voice, resonance and fluency. Sixty individuals ranging in age from 4.5 to 61.3 years returned completed questionnaires and these served as the database for the study. The results of this sample survey were compared with data of the normal population. Outcomes & Results: About two-thirds of participants experienced at least one speech or speech-related problem of any type. Compared with the normal population, the NF1 group indicated more articulation difficulties, hearing impairment, abnormalities in loudness, and stuttering. Conclusion: The results indicate that speech difficulties are an area of interest in the NF1 population. Further research to elucidate these findings is needed. (Contains 5 tables.)

Aim:? The rapidly rising number of older people has inevitably caused an increasing demand for home visiting nurses. Nursing managers must develop a healthy workplace to recruit and retain a workforce of nurses. This study focused on home visiting nurses' perceptions of time pressure as a changeable work demand. The aim was to investigate perceptions of time pressure and reveal the relationship between perceived time pressure and burnout among home visiting nurses. Methods:? From 32 agencies in three districts, 28 home visiting nurses agreed to participate in this study. Two hundred and eight home visiting nurses received an anonymous self-administered questionnaire by mail, and 177 (85.1%) filled out and returned the questionnaire to the researchers. The Job Demands-Resources model for burnout, which explains the relationship between a work environment and employee well-being, was used as a conceptual guide. Three survey instruments were employed: questions on sociodemographic variables and worksite environments, including time pressure; the Japanese burnout inventory; and a Japanese version of the job content questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between time pressure and burnout inventory scores. Results:? About 30% of home visiting nurses perceived time pressure frequently. When home visiting nurses perceived time pressure more frequently, they experienced higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Conclusion:? Time pressure was often perceived as another job demand and had a significant relationship with burnout. This indicates the importance of lessening time pressure to develop healthy work places for community health nurses. PMID:23181887

Purpose: The objective of this study is to get feedback on faculty perception of ethical issues related to teaching, scholarship and service at a relatively new American-style university in the Middle-East. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire involving 21 scenarios with multiple choice answers was developed and distributed to all faculty at the institution to get their opinion on the issues. The effects of faculty background, gender, rank, and administrative responsibilities on the obtained responses at the institution were considered. Findings: The findings include: about one-third of the faculty participants were unaware of the university's code of ethics; several of the faculty surveyed stated that they would ignore violations of an ethical code of conduct committed by colleagues; and there was no definite trend observed between the responses of faculty based on their discipline. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on a questionnaire; this implies that the faculty responses are mainly related to the questions posed in the questionnaire. Practical implications: The results of the study can be used by the higher administration at similar universities in the region in order to understand and assess faculty members' reaction to situations involving ethical behaviour. Originality/value: This work is believed to be the first on faculty perception of ethical behaviour at an institution of higher education in the Middle-East. (Contains 8 tables and 3 figures.)

They could be used to monitor the emotional state of the ..... Enhancement of Neurobehavioral Performance and Sleep-Wake Regulation Before and During ... Survey of On-Orbit Sleep Quality (Sleep Quality Questionnaire) (Sleep Quality ...

Objective: To examine the health related quality of life of persons with one or more self reported musculoskeletal diseases, as measured by the short form 36 item health status survey (SF-36) and the Euroqol questionnaire (EQ-5D).

Attitudes about bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder) and genetic testing were investigated. Three groups of subjects were surveyed including members of a manic depressive support group, medical students, and psychiatry residents. The questionnaire was intended to elicit impressions and attit...

OBJECTIVE: To determine family physicians' perceptions of barriers and strategies in the effective detection and appropriate management of abused elderly people. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey; the protocol included an advance notification letter and 3 follow-up mailings. SETTING: Regional Municipalit...

...questionnaire changes are proposed. The instrument has been updated to include new questions on military service, medical marijuana, physician substance use screening, and respondent characteristics. As with all NSDUH/NHSDA surveys conducted since...

Traditional knowledge is an important source of obtaining new phytotherapeutic agents. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants was conducted in Nossa Senhora Aparecida do Chumbo District (NSACD), located in Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. 376 specie...

to prevent Agencies from circumventing civil service hiring ceilings and to ...... quality of our reports. Could you help us by completing our reader survey? Please mail your completed questionnaire to the Office of Inspector General, NASA ...

questionnaire surveys of keylride technology users^_ The 23 organizations ... For sale by the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161 ... clearly defined usable ride quality technology data for all transportation modes.

...increase attainment and achievement.'' The plan further...data on educational achievement and attainment are...masks hidden achievement gaps.'' This RFI...taking to achieve the goal previously described...collected through an annual questionnaire or survey given...

Appendix B. Questionnaires Used in the 1998 Daily Use Field Survey..................... ............................................................31. Appendix C. .... Two of the primary means of achieving traffic flow .... The goal of the 1996 operational evaluation, conducted ...

In the literature on questionnaire design and survey methodology, pre-testing is mentioned as a way to evaluate questionnaires (i.e. investigate whether they work as intended) and control for measurement errors (i.e. assess data quality). As the American Statistical Association puts it (ASA, 1999, p...

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to present data from a roadside survey study on drinking and driving and alcohol consumption in southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional roadside survey study using a questionnaire and breathalyzer data is the method used to determine the prevalence of drinking and driving and to examine whether socio-demographic characteristics and drivers' behavior, attitude and alcohol consumption predicted positive blood alcohol content (BAC). The data were gathered from 2005 to 2007 through roadside surveys conducted on high volume public roads in four cities in southeastern Brazil. A total of 4182 randomly selected drivers took part in the research. Of these drivers, 3488 (83.4%) completed the questionnaire and agreed to take a breath test. RESULTS: Overall, 24.6% of drivers had a detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and 15.9% had a BAC above the legal limit (0.6g/l) at the time of the study. Logistic regression controlling for locale (city), sex, age and marital status was used to predict whether each driver would present a positive breath test. Socio-demographic characteristics, driving behaviors and attitudes, and alcohol consumption patterns were included as predictors. These analyses indicated that those who believed drinking and driving was a serious offense were about two-thirds as likely to have a positive breath test, and that drivers reporting a pattern of regular alcohol use were three times as likely to have a positive breath test. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that drinking and driving is relatively common in Brazil, and that it occurs considerably more frequently than similar surveys suggest, is the case in other countries. PMID:23010684

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: There is no doubt that the perceived stigma of having a mental disorder acts as a barrier to help seeking. It is possible that personnel may be reluctant to admit to symptoms suggestive of poor mental health when such data can be linked to them, even if their personal details are only used to help them access further care. This may be particularly relevant because individuals who have a mental health problem are more likely to experience barriers to care and hold stigmatizing beliefs. If that is the case, then mental health screening programmers may not be effective in detecting those most in need of care. We aimed to compare mental health symptom reporting when using an anonymous versus identifiable questionnaire among UK military personnel on deployment in Iraq. METHODS: Survey among UK military personnel using two questionnaires, one was anonymous (n = 315) and one collected contact details (i.e. identifiable, n = 296). Distribution was by alternate allocation. Data were collected in Iraq during January-February 2009. RESULTS: No significant difference in the reporting of symptoms of common mental disorders was found (18.1% of identifiable vs. 22.9% of anonymous participants). UK military personnel were more likely to report sub-threshold and probable PTSD when completing questionnaires anonymously (sub-threshold PTSD: 2.4% of identifiable vs. 5.8% of anonymous participants; probable PTSD: 1.7% of identifiable vs. 4.8% of anonymous participants). Of the 11 barriers to care and perceived social stigma statements considered, those completing the anonymous questionnaire compared to those completing the identifiable questionnaire were more likely to endorse three statements: "leaders discourage the use of mental health services" (9.3% vs. 4.6%), "it would be too embarrassing" (41.6% vs. 32.5%) and "I would be seen as weak" (46.6% vs. 34.2%). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant effect on the reporting of sub-threshold and probable PTSD and certain stigmatizing beliefs (but not common mental disorders) when using an anonymous compared to identifiable questionnaire, with the anonymous questionnaire resulting in a higher prevalence of PTSD and increased reporting of three stigmatizing beliefs. This has implications for the conduct of mental health screening and research in the US and UK military. PMID:22985427

Abstract in english Purpose: Both the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and the physiologic outcomes of surgical treatment impact the male’s psychological sphere. However, current research advocates a refocusing of outcomes directed to the PCa “couple”. Herein we acquire insight into perspective and concordance regarding male physiological function from the standpoint of a couple recovering from PCa surgery. Materials and methods: Couples whereby the male partner had under (more) gone primary surgical treatment for PCa were mailed a Retrospective Sexual Survey (RSS) packet consisting of male and female partner questionnaires. RSS questions surveyed physiological changes in libido, foreplay, erection and arousal, orgasm and ejaculation in addition to perceived psychological impact. Patients’ and partners’ scores were evaluated to determine the concordance of both individual items as well as domain sums. Results: Twenty-eight couples completed the questionnaires. Only about 40% of men and women were happy with their levels of sexual interest with 82% concordance. Urine loss during orgasm was reported by 43% of men; the majority of participants were bothered by it. Ejaculation changes were observed by 96% of men (concordance 96%) with most reporting anejaculation. A change in orgasm experience was noted by 86% of men (and 36% of their female partners, p

BACKGROUND: Moral distress is associated with job dissatisfaction, turnover and early retirement. Because of these negative consequences moral distress should be reduced. Little research has been done on what job factors contribute to whether or not a situation causes moral distress. OBJECTIVE: To identify individual and job characteristics associated with moral distress in nursing staff. DESIGN: This is a cross sectional correlational study. Nursing staff members completed two survey questionnaires with a time-interval of 3 months. In the first survey questions were asked about job characteristics and job satisfaction. Three months afterwards the respondents answered questions on moral distress. PARTICIPANTS: 365 nursing staff members employed in nursing homes, homes for the elderly, home care and acute care hospitals completed both questionnaires. RESULTS: High moral distress levels were related to lower job satisfaction. Moral distress is higher when nurses perceive less time available to give care to patients. If satisfaction with the consultation possibilities within the team is low and when an instrumental leadership style exists, nursing staff members are also more likely to experience moral distress. Nursing staff members working 30-40h per week experience less moral distress than colleagues working fewer hours per week. Multivariate analyses showed no relations with other individual characteristics measured. CONCLUSION: Job characteristics that contribute to moral distress should be an issue for managers because it is related to job satisfaction. Interventions to reduce moral distress should target at organisational issues. The way a team is supported can raise or decrease moral distress levels. PMID:22989404

Objective: To examine the construct validity of different formulations of job strain based on the demand-control(-support) model in the context of a hospital-based survey. Methods: We defined the best measure of job strain as the one that would be better predicted by professional status and job characteristics and better predict health outcomes, stress and back-pain leave. We received 1,298 responses from collaborators at the University Hospitals of Geneva who responded to a questionnaire survey including all the constructs cited above and the Job Content Questionnaire. Results: The difference between decision latitude and psychological demands (strain by subtraction), corresponded to the definition of the best measure of job strain and significantly, albeit weakly, predicted all outcomes. The logarithmic approach was the second best measure of job strain and was in fact a better predictor of stress. Conclusions: We would encourage researchers to explore different formulations of job strain, in particular the subtraction approach, to compute strain from demands and decision latitude.   

This report investigates the impacts of the skills shortage on the productivity of longwall faces. The scope is limited to the supervisors and crews that operate, maintain and procure the longwall face equipment. Using a combination of face-to-face interviews and written questionnaires, the industry was canvassed about the impacts of the skills shortage, the current level of skilling and the competence of the workforce to perform its assigned tasks without supervision. The participants also identified the skillsets and levels of understanding required to allow them to work unsupervised, and the preferred delivery methods for training in the identified skills. An Industry Advisory Group was assembled to provide insight and advice to the research team with regards to the survey process and the interpretation of results. The survey data was drawn from face to face interviews from four mines and questionnaires completed by sixteen mines in Queensland and New South Wales. The data is analysed and the results presented along with conclusions and recommendations for future training.

Practical Implications On the basis of this study, the prevalence of verified moisture problems in school buildings was highest in Spain, but lower and similar in Finland and the Netherlands. Questionnaire-based surveys can be used to assess moisture problems in school buildings, but because of large variation in agreement with inspection data, the questionnaire needs to be validated by on-site inspections in a subsample of the surveyed buildings.

Businesses in Hokkaido have developed and produced machines, equipment and systems related to energy saving and new energies which can fully respond to regional characteristics including Hokkaido as a cold, snowy region. Some of these machines, equipment and systems have been put into practical use. However, the status of development and production have not been clearly organized or understood. It is therefore now impossible to adequately respond to inquiries from local governments and consumers planning to introduce energy saving and new energies. To improve this situation, this survey was conducted to clarify the status of machines, equipment and systems related to energy saving and new energies developed and produced in Hokkaido, and to understand the status of efforts made by universities and research institutes in these areas. Based on the systematic organization and summarization of the survey results, this survey was intended to promote the introduction of energy saving and new energies by offering information to local governments and by promoting and developing regional technologies. This survey was conducted for these types of business believed to develop and produce machines, equipment and systems related to energy saving and new energies through questionnaires and interviews. 10 figs., 7 tabs.

Cyberbullying is a category of bullying that occurs in the digital realm which affects our students at astonishing rates. Unlike traditional bullying, where displays of aggression may be evident to bystanders, the ramification of cyberbullying occurs through unconventional ways (e.g., text messaging; online weblogs; video sharing), which results in many cases being camouflaged by the advancement in technology. Nonetheless, the effects of this digital form of peer aggression can be as detrimental as face-to-face bullying. The characteristics of cyberbullying and its influences on adolescents and parents of adolescents were examined. The data accrued is based on an anonymous survey through one of the following methods: (a) paper-pencil survey for adolescent group with 37-question items on the adolescent questionnaire and (b) web-based survey for the parent group with 22-question items on the parent questionnaire. Each survey was systematically coded according to the participating group and assigned code numbers (i.e., 1 represents adolescent group and 2 represents parent group) was provided to ensure confidentiality of the study. Survey examined individual variables among the two target groups: (a) adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age and (b) parents of adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age. Specifically, individual variables examined include (a) demographics, (b) personal experiences, (c) vicarious experiences, and (d) preventative resources. A total of 137 participants (62 adolescents; 75 parents) responded to the survey. Results indicated that 90% of the participants from the adolescent group have reported to experience either as victims or as bystanders of cyberbullying. In addition, 70% of the victims have been cyberbullied 1 to 2 times within a month period and 50% of the victims did not know the perpetrator. Secondly, 89% of parent participants indicated to be knowledgeable about the issues relating to cyberbullying and 89% reported to have no knowledge if their child has or has not been a victim of cyberbullying. Furthermore, qualitative findings of personal perspectives toward cyberbullying from each participating group are discussed. A review of literature is provided and results and analysis of the survey are discussed as well as recommendations for future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.

Purpose: This paper's primary purpose is to emphasize the importance of entrepreneur training regarding creativity and innovation. Their significance and the importance of the latter regarding the development of business and training needs are the research questions of a survey conducted in northern Greece. Design/methodology/approach: The survey, of 116 entrepreneurs, owners of small medium and very small enterprises, investigates awareness, attitudes and perceptions regarding creativity and innovation, for facilitating the design and development of training interventions. Data were collected using modified and extended questionnaires of an analogous tool created for the needs of the TRACTORS project. The questionnaires included both open-ended and closed questions. Descriptive statistics were generated by the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Findings: Findings suggest that entrepreneurs/owners and/or managers of micro and small medium enterprises in northern Greece are largely aware of the significance of creativity and innovation, believing that these are positively related to each other and interact in the development of their business. Training intervention is deemed as of great importance, and obstacles concerning financial resources, experience, time, infrastructure and not risk averse, were underlined. Research limitations/implications: Creativity and innovation training interventions for entrepreneurs in terms of process, content, method, duration, trainers etc., is in a fledgling stage and requires further research to determine the "right training intervention mix" serving the needs of the non homogeneous entrepreneurial category. Originality/value: Although entrepreneurship creativity and innovation are viewed as the "creation of the future", little has been done to train entrepreneurs to participate creatively in the innovation economy. The present paper traces these needs. (Contains 4 figures and 10 tables.)

The parasitic mite Psoroptes ovis causes important economic losses in Belgian Blue cattle. Because mange problems vary significantly between farms, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey and subsequent farm visits were performed to identify potential risk factors for P. ovis infections on Belgian Blue farms in Flanders, Belgium. The questionnaire was sent to 1800 beef farms to evaluate the presence and severity of psoroptic mange in the herd and to assess farm management practices, including antiparasitic treatments. Subsequently, about 10% of the farms with a completed questionnaire were visited to validate the questionnaire and to retrieve supplementary information on additional management parameters, such as barn infrastructure and climate. Associations between parasitism and putative r...

The Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology (JSTP) held a symposium entitled "Panel Discussion: Regulatory Perspective for Pathology Data" on Jan 28, 2009 during the 25th JSTP annual meeting at Hamamatsu (Jan 27-28, 2009) (Meeting President: Dr. Sunao Manabe, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Medicinal Safety Research Labs). The purpose of the panel discussion was to clarify differences between USA, EU and Japan of 1) definition of pathological data and 2) peer review process, and subsequently trigger their harmonization, by briefly introducing the results of questionnaire survey conducted beforehand thanks to the cooperation of Japanese pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations. (This survey was conducted in cooperation with International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists/Regulatory Interaction Committee (IFSTP/RIC) and Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology.) The panel discussion was co-chaired by Dr.Yuji Oishi (Astellas Pharma Inc.) and Dr. Kazutoshi Tamura (Bozo Research Center). Panelists were Dr. Frédéric Schorsch (IFSTP/RIC, Bayer CropScience), Dr. Klaus Weber (Harlan Laboratories, Inc.), Dr.Jerry Hardisty (Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.) and Mr.Jun-ichi Kuranami (the Japan Society of Quality Assurance, Kyowa Hakko Kirin). During the panel discussion, simultaneous interpretation -Japanese/English- was provided. This transcript of the panel discussion is published in the Journal of Toxicologic Pathology with the approval of the 25th JSTP Meeting President and the board of directors of JSTP.   

The inspection program and the safety guidance were developed to enhance the radiation protection for the use of particle accelerators. First the classification of particle accelerators was conducted to develop the safety inspection protocol efficiently. The status of particle accelerators which were operated at the inside and outside of the country, and their safety programs were surveyed. The characteristics of radiation production was researched for each type of particle accelerators. Two research teams were launched for industrial and research accelerators and for medical accelerators, respectively. In each stages of a design, a fabrication, an installation, a commissioning, and normal operation of accelerators, those safety inspection protocols were developed. Because all protocols resulted from employing safety experts, doing the questionnaire, and direct facility surveys, it can be applicable to present safety problem directly. The detail improvement concepts were proposed to revise the domestic safety rule. This results might also be useful as a practical guidance for the radiation safety officer of an accelerator facility, and as the detail standard for the governmental inspection authorities.

Purpose: The present paper aims to explore the effects of state (trust in supervisor) and trait (trust propensity) trust on employees' work engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to investigate the mediating role of learning goal orientation in the relationship between work engagement and two forms of performance: in-role job performance and innovative work behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: Data for this cross sectional survey study were collected from 168 research scientists drawn from six Irish science research centres. Structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The results suggest that both trust in supervisor and trust propensity were positively and significantly related to work engagement. Additionally, results indicate that learning goal orientation partially mediated the effects of work engagement on in-role job performance and innovative work behaviour. Research limitations/implications: This research was limited by two main factors: the cross-sectional research design, and use of self-reported questionnaire data. Limitations aside, this study provides evidence that a climate of trust can fuel work engagement, which in turn, is likely to promote learning, innovation and performance. Originality/value: This paper extends the developing engagement literature in two ways. First, it empirically establishes an association between two facets of trust and work engagement. Second, it highlights the role of learning goal orientation in explaining the linkage between work engagement and job performance. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

There exists great diversity in the teachers' digital world. Teachers are being discriminated based on numerous educational gaps. This paper seeks to assess the extent of the digital divide among the North Cyprus vocational teachers along the four axes: age, Internet access, computer access, and performance (computing knowledge/experience). A research was carried out through a questionnaire, which was then analyzed statistically. According to the experts' views, the questionnaire was divided into three factors: technology-based e-learning applications; web-based e-learning applications, and administrative e-learning applications. There was a significant digital divergence among the teachers surveyed, which may adversely affect their ability to prepare the students to become a part of the knowledge society. To bridge these gaps in the world, action plans should be prepared, collaboratively with the instructional technologist and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) experts. This unique research study is the first to investigate the divergence of the digital world of teachers. (Contains 6 tables and 4 figures.)

A survey was conducted in 150 households owning 1756 pigs in the rural areas of Mayo-Danay division in the north of Cameroon. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect information on the pig-farming system and to identify potential risk factors for Taenia solium cysticercosis infection in pi...

BACKGROUND: Although a household questionnaire survey is important for estimating vaccination coverage, it raises several problematic issues.METHODS: A household survey was conducted on 900 subjects aged 2, 4, and 6 years living in Obu City, Japan, and a second survey for non-respondents to the first survey was then conducted. Questionnaires bearing a subject's name were used for half of the subjects, while the others were anonymous (the named and nameless groups, respectively). The vaccination dates of six kinds of vaccines, including poliovirus and measles vaccine, for those in the named group were reviewed using the administrative records at the Obu City Health Center.RESULTS: The response rate was 70.1% in the first survey and 84.1% in the first and second surveys combined. The response rate for both groups was nearly equal. Based on administrative records in the named group, the vaccination coverage in the respondents was 0.9-2.9% higher than that in total subjects, and that in the respondents to the first survey was 0.8-4.9% higher. There were very few inconsistencies in the vaccination status between responses to the questionnaire and data of administrative records among respondents in the named group.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that vaccination coverage from a household questionnaire survey in Japan might not be extremely biased by either non-responses or incorrect answers.J Epidemiol 2005;15:15-19.   

Purpose. To investigate the correlation between single limb support (SLS) phase (% of gait cycle) and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36 Health Survey) in patients with knee osteoar...

Bicycle tourism is a growing niche tourism market which has potential economic, social, and environmental outcomes for individual participants and host communities. However, there has been a lack of research into heterogeneity of this market and their respective motivations and behavior. This article applies the concept of enduring involvement, in conjunction with tourist motivational theory, to segment and better understand cycle tourist behavior and intentions. A total of 564 completed questionnaires was collected from an online survey of bicycle club members in Australia. Respondents were segmented into five initial clusters by their level of enduring involvement. A number of significant differences were found on their travel motivations, travel behavior, and behavioral intentions, as w...

Purpose - This research seeks to uncover some empirical evidence on how prevalent the problem of information overload has become, how it has affected the performance of organisations. Design/methodology/approach - Set in the context of the information-intensive tourism industry, this exploratory study examined the top two state-owned tour operators in China. Using semi-structured group interviews supplemented by a questionnaire survey, the empirical evidence gathered was examined to identify key themes concerning information overload. Findings - The problem was felt more by the front line operatives than those who managed them. Increasing tiredness, high stress levels and more mistakes made at work were amongst the symptoms. Factors specific to the tourism industry included poor clarity in...

Following an experiential framework, this research aims to disentangle the factors influencing tourist experiences in wetland parks in the context of an emerging economy. Specifically, this study tests the causal relationships among service quality, tourist experience, and revisit intention in relation to three popular wetland parks in Zhejiang, China. Consequently a series of on-site visitor surveys using a structured questionnaire are conducted in three wetland parks, resulting in 267 useful responses. The resultant data reveal five dimensions of service quality and three dimensions of tourist experience. The structural model shows that tourist experience is a mediator between service quality and revisit intention. Apart from related personnel, the service quality factors are only able t...

Seed management has until recently been neglected in agrobiodiversity research. Gender dimensions in seed selection, processing, storage and exchange embody critical task areas in the human management of diverse crop species and varieties. This paper focuses on women's roles in seed management in field and homegarden crops in Bangladesh and reports on the findings of a study in two villages in Tangail District. Seventy-five women were surveyed with a questionnaire and subsets interviewed in-depth; focus groups conducted for women and men provided a means of cross-checking responses. Three distinct areas of agrobiodiversity were addressed: the gendered divisions of labour among agricultural tasks; the pervasiveness of seed saving among respondents; and seed management practices and techniqu...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present the current situation regarding open access and institutional repositories (IRs) in Greece. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reports on the development of IRs in Greece and discusses their content and the various access restrictions that apply to content. A questionnaire survey was used to identify current and future steps regarding open access from the IR managers' and library directors' perspective. Findings - The paper finds that Greek IRs using DSpace and CDS Invenio software have been developed by libraries of academic institutions. The Berlin Declaration on open access has been signed by two academic institutions and one research institution, while another university will bring the matter to the Senate. Metadata harvesting is ...

Many kinds of peculiar technology, skills or tacit knowings have been lost at the mass hiring and the mass retirement period in various industries in recent years. Fire fighting organization has also similar situation. Therefore, the risk that firemen get injured in firefighting would increase because of the reason above mentioned. In this paper, the authors applied FMEA, representative method of reliability analysis, for the safety management of fire fighting. First, the authors chose the extinguish activities of the embers by fireman as a research target because of understanding of high risk task through the analysis of the data base with fireman' s accident "syoubou-hiyarihatto-data-base". After constructing work process of the activities, the potential risk was evaluated. In addition, through questionnaire survey on fireman' s regarding safety management, the authors proposed some practical use plans of FMEA for safety activity.   

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to measure service quality of academic libraries of a major university from students' perspectives and to determine libraries' own performance towards meeting users' expectations. Design/methodology/approach - Research settings of the study were University of the Punjab's academic libraries, excluding the main library. A survey method was chosen as a method of investigation and a modified SERVQUAL questionnaire was used to explore users' desired and perceived service levels along a seven-point Likert scale. The sample of the study was selected using stratified random sampling through proportional allocation. Findings - The results revealed that users' expectations were high as compared to their perceptions, and a discrepancy was found between expectat...

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to identify key attributes of freight logistics service quality and to examine how these attributes impact shippers' selection of third-party logistics service providers (3PLs). The knowledge and understanding of these attributes can be of great value to 3PLs when developing marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. Design/methodology/approach - A literature review was carried out to identify the main attributes of freight logistics service quality. In-depth interviews were subsequently undertaken to validate and refine the freight logistics service attributes. A questionnaire was then developed and a survey conducted. Logistics regression analyses were performed to examine the impact of freight logistics service attributes on shippers' d...

Despite increased interest and growing investments in web-based supply chain management (SCM) applications, firms face numerous challenges in successfully web-enabling their SCM activities. In this research, we focus on two main objectives - (i) to understand the key antecedents that affect the web-enablement of SCM activities; (ii) to document the performance impacts of web-enabled SCM efforts. Based on a large-scale, questionnaire survey of North American organizations, we assessed the influence of six factors namely - supplier synergy, information intensity, managerial IT knowledge, interoperable IT infrastructure, perceived IT returns on investments (ROI) and formal governance mechanisms - on the extent of web-enabled SCM. Our results revealed a strong positive influence of supplier sy...

This research note presents an Arab form of the VSM 94, a version of Hofstede's cultural value survey. It describes the dimensions that underlie the questionnaire and discusses preliminary findings from a study conducted with an Arab student sample. The results obtained for the sub-samples differ from what the literature suggests. Scores for power distance and uncertainty avoidance were lower than expected, while scores for masculinity and individualism were higher. The specific characteristics of the sample of this study and a systematic value change are explored as possible explanations of this result, but neither explanation is sufficient. This outcome raises doubts about the appropriateness of the procedure and the dimensions Hofstede suggests for the VSM 94.

The relation between nationality and selected indicators of psychological performance in rugby league football was examined. Mental toughness was assessed using the alternative Psychological Performance Inventory (PPI-A) and hardiness using the Personal Views Survey III-R (PVS III-R). Participants (N = 49, M age = 21.7 yr., SD = 2.3) were male elite-level university rugby league footballers representing Australia and Great Britain. Participants completed the questionnaires in training camp in Sydney, Australia, one week prior to the commencement of an international tournament there in 2006. Multivariate analyses revealed that the Australian Universities players had significantly higher mean scores on Positive Cognition, Visualization, Total Mental Toughness, and Challenge than their opponents from Great Britain. The Australian Universities players were also the tournament winners. The findings concur with previous research indicating superior mental toughness and hardiness are related to successful sport performance. Practical implications focus on the potentiality of ameliorative cultural environments. PMID:19831102

Purpose - The overall aim of the research is to provide an assessment of the level of the reported success of foresight project results of a multinational company in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach - The model of assessment is based on an integrated framework characterized by approaching foresight as a project and associating it by the redefined pitfalls in, and success factors of, corporate foresight projects in order to facilitate better conversion of their results into actual changes in corporations. A multinational company in Turkey (Siemens Turkey) is chosen for the exploratory case study. The exploratory assessment model was designed via the use of a survey questionnaire, a case study, and interviews of managers (who were involved in the corporate foresight project). Findings - R...

The traditional uses of medicinal plants in healthcare practices are providing clues to new areas of research; hence its importance is now well recognized. However, information on the uses of indigenous plants for medicine is not well documented from many rural areas of Rajasthan including Churu district. The study aimed to look into the diversity of plant resources that are used by local people for curing various ailments. Questionnaire surveys, participatory observations and field visits were planned to elicit information on the uses of various plants. It was found that 68 plant species are commonly used by the local people for curing various diseases. In most of the cases (31%) leaves were used. The interviewees mentioned 188 plant usages. Those most frequently reported had therapeutic ...

Question-order effects refer to systematic differences in responses that can be attributed to the manner in which questions assessing attitudes and cognitions are asked. This article hypothesized that question-order effects in assessing the perceived importance of skin cancer would be moderated by the extent to which people are involved with the issue of skin cancer. A telephone survey (N = 325) was conducted by administering two versions of the same questionnaire, one in which importance of skin cancer was assessed without other contextual variables and another in which contextual variables were asked before assessing the importance of skin cancer. As hypothesized, when people were highly involved with the issue, question-order effects did not occur. When involvement was low, importance of skin cancer was greater in the absence of contextual questions than in their presence. Findings have implications for how health-related issues are communicated to the public and how formative research is conducted. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is commonly diagnosed in children presenting with urinary tract infections. Antibiotic prophylaxis and ureteric surgery are standard treatments for these children. Our aim was to investigate whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was altered in children treated for VUR. Children aged 1?5 years with grade III or higher VUR were identified through electronic records at the Stollery Children?s Hospital. Parents of these children were mailed the TNO-AZL Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research Academic Medical Centre Quality of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire. QOL scores for this group were compared with normative controls from the instrument?s creators using the Mann?Whitney U test. Thirty-two of the 96 (33%) mailed surveys were returned. Eight ...

Context Software Process Improvement initiatives have been around for many years with the growing globalisation of software development is making them increasingly important. Objective The objective of this exploratory research is to gain an in-depth understanding of barriers that can undermine SPI, in the context of Global Software Development, from the perspective of software development practitioners; this will enable SPI managers to better manage SPI initiatives. We intend to discover if the barriers to SPI initiatives in a developed country are different to those in a developing country. Method In an empirical study, Vietnamese software practitioners' experiences of SPI barriers are compared with barriers identified by Australian practitioners. Face-to-face questionnaire-based survey ...

Purpose - This study aimed to identify factors that influenced job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and the intention of staff nurses to quit nursing in three Jordanian healthcare delivery sectors. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional design was used to answer the research aims. A purposive sample of 180 critical care nurses in three hospitals during 2007 was used. Nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic items, a job satisfaction survey, as well as a question eliciting the intention to quit. The authors used descriptive and inferential statistics, ANOVA, correlational, regression and post-hoc tests to analyze the data. Findings - The grand mean for satisfaction for all nurses was 3.44 (0.51) out of 6. They reported being highly satisfied wit...

ObjectivesThe demand-control-support "job strain" model is frequently used in occupational health research. We sought to explore the relationship between job strain and back pain. MethodOne thousand two hundred and ninety-eight collaborators of a Swiss teaching hospital responded to a cross-sectional questionnaire survey that measured job strain, the occurrence of back pain as well as the characteristics and consequences of this pain. ResultsJob strain computed with both psychological and physical demands was strongly and significantly associated with various measures of back pain. These associations displayed a dose-response pattern, and remained strong even after adjustment for job characteristics and professional categories. In contrast, separate dimensions of job strain (except physica...

The Robotics Course in our Mechanical Systems Engineering Department offers “Robotics Exercise Lessons” as one of its Problem-Solution Based Specialized Subjects. This is intended to motivate students learning and to help them acquire fundamental items and skills on mechanical engineering and improve understanding of Robotics Basic Theory. Our current curriculum was established to accomplish this objective based on two pieces of research in 2005: an evaluation questionnaire on the education of our Mechanical Systems Engineering Department for graduates and a survey on the kind of human resources which companies are seeking and their expectations for our department. This paper reports the academic results and reflections of job search support in recent years as inherited and developed from the previous curriculum.   

The rise in ethical and social responsibility awareness in contemporary businesses has led to assumptions that the associated behaviours would enable competitive advantage to be attained as a firm distinguishes itself from its competitors through such practices. This paper reports on a study conducted on the prevalence of such practices among entrepreneurial ventures in an emerging economy (Malaysia), and the effect of such practices on both financial and non-financial performance. A sequential inter-method mixing design was employed in which during stage 1, a series of semi-structured interviews with ten Malaysian SME founder-owners were conducted. Stage 2 involved a survey in which a total of 212 usable questionnaires were received. The results of the first phase of the research (qualita...

Providing children who are deaf with accessible, age-appropriate guidance and support in learning about growing up is of great importance for their healthy sexual development. This quantitative survey study is part of an exploratory research program with the goal of providing empirical data on the growth of sexual understanding in deaf children (the term `deaf' includes all children with a permanent hearing loss). A short questionnaire was used to explore the views of teachers of the deaf on this subject as well as to provide an insight into the challenges these professionals face in the area of sex education. The studys findings highlight an overall concern over the suitability of current methods and materials often used to teach mainstreamed deaf children about sexuality and relationship...