Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Usability Studies In The Electronic Resource Lifecycle, Rachel E. Scott, Caitlin Harrington, Kenneth C. Haggerty

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

The usability of e-resources and services contributes to library patrons’ use and satisfaction with them, which in turn affects library employees’ acquisition, provision of access, administration, support, and evaluation of e-resources. Librarians can integrate usability into the e-resource lifecycle in a variety of places and using numerous methods. This presentation provides an introduction to usability testing, highlights two usability case studies involving e-resources, and discusses how librarians might fruitfully incorporate usability methods throughout the e-resource lifecycle.

Digital Literacy Skills As Determinants Of Library Use By Undergraduate Students Of Private Universities In Oyo State, Nigeria, Sunday Morakinyo Fakunle, Oluwabunmi Dorcas Bakare, S.V. Adeyeye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined digital literacy skills as determinants of library usage among undergraduates in two Private Universities in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive and non-experimental survey research design which involved the use of questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The targeted population of the study comprised of 8020 users who are undergraduates of the Ajayi Crowther University Library and Lead City University Library, while 481 respondents formed the sample using the sample size at confidence level of 95% and P=0.5. The data was collected via questionnaire and was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences …

Nexus Between Information Resources Accessibility And Academic Librarians Job Performance: A Case Study Of North-Central, Nigeria, Jacob Oloruntoba Kutu Dr, Olabode Olajide Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article examined the relationship between information resources accessibility and academic librarians' job performance in North-Central, Nigeria. Maslow and Task-Technology Fit theories underpinned this study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The quantitative methods research approach of the explanatory type was adopted as means of data collection from 135 academic librarians, out of which 103 (81%) copies of the questionnaires were duly filled and returned. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Two research questions and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance were postulated for the study. The major findings revealed …

Designing Control Strategies For Connected And Automated Vehicles (Cavs) At Transportation Conflict Areas, Saeid Soleimaniamiri

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Scheduling vehicles to pass a general conflict area is a common problem in traffic operations at various facilities, such as intersections, work-zones, and merging ramps. The advent of connected automated vehicle (CAV) technology provides unique opportunities for improving the traffic system performance and riding comfort at conflict areas. With the opportunities introduced by the emerging CAV technologies, this dissertation envisions building computationally efficient and applicable CAV-based control frameworks that can optimally serve traffic streams from different approaches while simultaneously or sequentially optimize CAV trajectories at conflict areas.

In our first study, we focus on a joint vehicle trajectories and signal …

Using A Reconciliatory Model To Change Attitudes Towards Covid-19, Gabriella Hubble, Mark Rockwood, Jordan Willis

Annual Research Symposium

This research was designed to see if we were able to change university students’ attitudes about COVID-19 in regard to precautionary behaviors such as mask-wearing, social distancing and vaccinations using a reconciliatory model. The reconciliatory model has had success in evolution research and we wanted to assess its success here. Additionally, we wanted to test if students’ perception of the respectfulness and relatability of the presenter influenced a change in attitude. For our model, we created 6 different videos from various individuals. After watching the videos, participants filled out a survey about if/how the video changed their minds, and if/how …

Dismantling Structural Systems Of Oppression Through A Revolutionized Pedagogy, Ambar A. Quintanilla

Toyon: Multilingual Literary Magazine

No abstract provided.

The Professional Profile Of A Leisure Time Animator In Tourism And Recreation Services, Magdalena Rokicka-Hebel, Julia Ziolkowska, Aleksandra Patyna

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Leisure time animation services are a common feature of packages provided by tour operators and hotels. In Poland this type of service is still treated as novelty. The purpose of this study is to identify the important elements of the professional profile of a leisure time animator in order to support the introduction of these services in Poland. Material/Methods: Research based on a diagnostic survey method was used. 100 tourists and 100 animators participated in the survey. Two separate on-line questionnaires were prepared for each group of respondents. Results: The results of the survey show that the expectations of …

Diversified Health-Related Nordic Walking Training Programs And Physical Fitness Of Elderly Women, Monika Wiech, Krzysztof Prusik, Zbigniew Ossowski, Katarzyna Prusik, Jakub Kortas, Hanna Slomska, Lukasz Bielawa

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Aging of societies results in the growing number of disabled individuals, although the development of medicine and increasing awareness induce such changes as the modification of eating habits and lifestyle, which help to preserved independence for a longer period of time. Due to this, proposals of effective training programs to maintain physical fitness at a level enabling the efficient functioning in everyday life are sought. Material/Methods: The study group consisted of 60 women aged 60–74 years, participating in 6-month Nordic walking training. The respondents were divided into two groups: GE1, realizing endurance training with strengthening and flexibility exercises and …

Perceptive Ability Of Female Students Of The University Of The Third Age And Its Links With Physical Fitness And Mood, Joanna Piotrowska, Monika Guszkowska, Ewa Kozdron, Ewa Niedzielska, Anna Les, Bartlomiej Krynicki

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the speed and failures of perception and attention among female students of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and their links with physical fitness and mood. Material/Methods: The study involved 114 women aged between 50 and 88 years old (M = 68.17) participating in U3A lectures at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Perception ability was investigated using Ciechanowicz and Stańczak’s Attention and Perception Test. Physical fitness was assessed with the Fullerton Fitness Test and the Romberg manoeuvre to evaluate the ability to maintain balance. The participants were also …

Healthy Aging: Quality Of Life And Health Behaviours In Students Of The University Of The Third Age – A Preliminary Study, Justyna Krzepota, Dorota Sadowska, Beata Florkiewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Previous studies have revealed high prevalence of students exhibiting unhealthy behaviour, such as insufficient physical activity during their transitional phase from school to university. Research shows that students’ health is worse compared to non-student pears. However, health and its determinants in specific subgroups, such as students –future teachers, have remained largely unexplored. In contemporary society, teachers are expected to fulfil the role of health educators regardless of the subject they teach in school. So they may maintain good health potential and develop healthy lifestyle themselves. The present study aims to estimate the health status of first-year students at the …

Influence Of Sport Activity On Satisfaction With Life And Sense Of Coherence Among Physically Disabled People, Artur Ziolkowski, Igor Zubrzycki, Aleksandra Blachnio, Pawel Drobnik, Barbara Zatanska, Waldemar Moska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The study discusses the differences in the levels of satisfaction with life (SWL) and a sense of coherence (SOC) in disabled sedentary people, disabled persons performing leisure sports and competitive disabled athletes. Material/Methods: The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance, Pearson-correlation and a linear regression. Results: The results indicate that sport elicits an insignificant increase in SWL and SOC. SOC correlates with SWL in sedentary disabled and competitive disabled athletes. In disabled persons performing leisure sports, the level of physical activity must be tuned in order to elicit a congruent increase in SWL and SOC. Conclusions: Continued research …

Health Disorders And Exercising Behaviour That Characterize The Transitional Stage Of First-Year Students At The Lithuanian University Of Educational Sciences, Vida Juškelienė, Aušra Kalinkevičienė

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Previous studies have revealed high prevalence of students exhibiting unhealthy behaviour, such as insufficient physical activity during their transitional phase from school to university. Research shows that students’ health is worse compared to non-student pears. However, health and its determinants in specific subgroups, such as students –future teachers, have remained largely unexplored. In contemporary society, teachers are expected to fulfil the role of health educators regardless of the subject they teach in school. So they may maintain good health potential and develop healthy lifestyle themselves. The present study aims to estimate the health status of first-year students at the …

The Effectiveness Of Various Verbal Information In Learning Backward Roll, Tomasz Niznikowski, Marta Nogal, Michal Biegajlo, Waldemar Wisniowski, Ewelina Niznikowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different types of verbal feedback in learning a backward roll. Material/Methods: The study included 29 participants aged 6-8 years who attended acrobatic gymnastics classes. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups. An experiment and experts’ evaluation were the main research methods. During the experiment the study participants were taught abackward roll. The experts evaluated the backward roll performance at the beginning (pre-test) and at the end (post-test) of the experiment as well as one week after the experiment (retention). Results: When teaching and learning the backward roll, an …

Preferences In The Use Of Nutritional Supplements And The Correctness Of Their Selection For Training Purposes, Robert Korczak, Marek Kruszewski, Artur Kruszewski, Stanislaw Kuzmicki, Agnieszka Olszewska, Grzegorz Kepa, Karol Landowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the preferences in the use of nutritional supplements and the correctness of their selection in training among recreational athletes attending classes at the gym. Material/Methods: A group 169 of recreational athletes was surveyed in "AWF Warszawa" and "Warszawianka" gyms; they were 26.6 years old ±6.48 yrs and had 4 years ±4.57 of training experience. The diagnostic survey method was used, with questionnaires developed by the authors of this study. Results: A significantly smaller proportion of respondents declared the use of supplements. The supplementation declared most often involved the use of chain …

The Effect Of Specific Strength Training On The Quality Of Gymnastic Elements Execution In Young Gymnasts, Stanislaw Zasada, Mariusz Zasada, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Bartlomiej Niespodzinski, Michal Sawczyn, Viktor Mishchenko

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of specific gymnastics strength training on the quality of technical indicators of gymnastic elements in young gymnasts. Material/Methods: The study involved 24 gymnasts aged 12-13 years (n = 11) and 13-15 (n = 13). Among the participants were the winners and medalists of the Polish Championship competitions. The duration of the gymnasts’ sports training was 5-8 years. We evaluated the impact of changing the strength capabilities by using a specific strength training program in order to improve the quality of the performance of selected gymnastic elements. Indicators of maximum …

The Assessment Of Intellectualisation Of The Movement Techniques Teaching In Terms Of Effective And Pro-Health Training In Young Football Players, Henryk Duda, Dariusz Mucha, Tadeusz Ambrozy, Jaroslaw Omorczyk, Ewa Dybinska, Dawid Mucha

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Sporting success puts high requirements in terms of physical stress, it causes a major threat to an athlete’s health. Therefore, there is a need for effective training methods in order to reduce the number of contusions and sports injuries. For this purpose a method of intellectual training in the mastery of motor actions (playing technique) of young football players is recommended. Material/Methods: The influence of intellectualization on the training process and the state of health was studied in young football players (16 years old), students of the Sports School in Cracow. Continuous research was conducted from 1996 to 2001. …

The Individual Technical And Tactical Profile Of A Leading Polish Judoka In The +100 Kg Weight Category And His Somatic Composition In Comparison To The World Elite, Stanislaw Kuzmicki, Artur Kruszewski, Marek Kruszewski, Marek Adam, Maciej Sarnacki, Ryszard Pujszo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the individual tactical and technical profile of a leading Polish judoka from the heaviest weight category and the characteristic of his body composition in comparison to the world’s elite in this category. Material/Methods: 92 fights carried out by the Polish athlete during national and international tournaments constituted material for the analysis of his technical and tactical profile. 12 judo competitors (1 Polish athlete and 11 competitors from 10 other countries) of the heaviest weight category at the top level of sports championship were subject to anthropometric measurements including 19 features. To …

The Role Of Physical Activity In Supporting Treatment Of Coxarthrosis Symptoms In Elderly Patients, Malgorzata Kawa, Malgorzata Kowza-Dzwonkowska, Agnieszka Schenk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Next to degenerative changes of the spine, osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system in people after the age of 65. The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the analgesic effectiveness treatments with exercises on a bicycle ergometer in osteoarthritis of the hip in patients. Material/Methods: The study involved 30 persons with degenerative disease of the hip referred to 10-day rehabilitation with a weekend break. In Group A 14 patients were subjected to treatments with local cryotherapy and laser therapy; in Group B 16 this treatment together exercises …

The Kinematics Of Taekwon-Do Back Kick, Jacek Wasik, Tomasz Gora

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The back kick (in taekwon-do terminology referred to as dwit chagi) is considered a powerful weapon in taekwon-do sparring. This paper attempts to identify the kinematic factors affecting the efficiency of the back kick on the basis of values obtained for foot and knee velocities and the duration of the kick. Material/Methods: The study was based on 3 taekwon-do athletes (aged 16.3 ±0.6 years; weight 66.0 ±7.9 kg; height 172.0 ±7.0 cm). The case study relied on an Italian system called Smart-D, manufactured by BTS S.p.A., used for complex movement analysis. Results: The mean resultant velocity of the dwit …

Incidence Of Injuries In The Opinion Of Young Volleyball Players And Ways To Prevent Them, Monika Opanowska, Barbara Wilk, Malgorzata Kusmierczyk, Karol Opanowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the research was to establish the types and incidence of motor organ injuries in young volleyball players and to indicate methods of preventing them. Material/Methods: The research was carried out in a population of 70 volleyball players aged 16-19, students of the Sports Championships Schools No. 2 and 3 in Gdansk, players of the Lotos Trefl Gdansk sports club. The employed method was a diagnostic survey based on an original questionnaire entitled "The Characteristics of Motor Organ Injuries in Young People Aged 16-19 Who Train Volleyball." Results: 85.7% adolescent players experienced different motor organ injuries, the …

The Effect Of Rest Interval Length On The Repetitions Recovery During Lower Body Resistance Exercises, Hamid Arazi, Morteza Sangdevini, Mohammad Reza Hossein Abadi, Amin Sohbatzadeh

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the current study was to compare the effect of two different rest intervals on the number of repetitions performed in lower body resistance exercises in consecutive sets. Material/Methods: 12 trained men (age 22.85 ±1.7 yrs; height 175.63 ±4.6 cm; weight 75.54 ±4.8 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects completed two experimental sessions that consisted of 6 lower body exercises for 3 sets with 8RM (repetition maximum) load. The two experimental sessions differed only in the length of the rest interval between the sets and exercises: one session with 1-minute and the other sessions …

Volleyball Players’ Somatic Composition In The Light Of Sports Results At 2014 Fivb Volleyball Men's World Championship, Krzysztof Wnorowski, Karol Cieminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse sports results and the somatic composition of participants in the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship held in Poland. Material/Methods: Research material involved volleyball players participating in the World Championships (n = 280). Their age, height, weight, one-arm spike reach, both-arm block reach, and Rohrer’s index were analysed. The mean value of the features and their derivatives in individual teams and groups were calculated and verified using statistical tests (t-Student, Mann-Whitney and Cochran-Cox) if the differences were significant. Results: The subjects’ mean age was 26.33 years (SD = 3.90), body height …

Effects Of Semi-Custom And Off-The-Shelf Orthoses On Achilles Tendon And Patellofemoral Kinetics In Female Runners, Jonathan Sinclair, Jim D. Richards, Hannah Shore

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the current investigation was to examine the effects of semi-custom and off-the-shelf orthotics on the loads experienced by the patellofemoral joint and the Achilles tendon in female runners. Material and Methods: Twelve female recreational runners ran at 4.0 m.s‑1 whilst wearing no orthotics, semi-custom orthotics and off-the-shelf orthotics. Kinetics and kinematics of running were obtained via a force platform and a motion capture system. Differences between orthotic conditions were contrasted using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed that both patellofemoral contact force and pressure were significantly lower in the no-orthotic (force = 3.21 B.W …

Injuries And Factors Determining Their Occurrence In Paratroopers Of Airborne Forces, Bartosz Trybulec, Edyta Majchrzak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the type and incidence of injuries among airborne forces paratroopers, and also to analyze the factors that determine the probability of suffering injuries while parachuting. Material and methods: 165 soldiers in active service, from the 6th Airborne Brigade in Cracow, participated in the study. The survey was carried out via the author’s questionnaire. Results: 32.72% of the examined soldiers were injured during the parachute jump. Crude injury incidence was calculated as 27.86/10,000 jumps. In terms of types of injuries, the frequency of their occurrence was as follows: sprains (34%), fractures (17%), …

Reliability And Validity Of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire In Lithuania, Alvydas Kalvenas, Ionuţ Burlacu, Karim Abu-Omar

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Purpose of the study was to examine: (1) the criterion validity and test-retest reliability of the IPAQ-LT short-form (SF) and long-form (LF) and (2) its potential over-reporting and energy expenditure over-estimation. Material and methods: 130 participants, aged 18-69 years, wore the Actigraph GT3X accelerometer (ACC) on all waking hours over 7 consecutive days. One day before and after they completed both versions of the back-translated IPAQ-LT. 92 participants were included for the reliability and 81 for the validity tests. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were calculated as the measurement of agreement. Results: Only the walking category significantly (p <.05) correlated with the ACC, SF (.22), LF (.20). Compared with ACC data IPAQ-LT averaged 997% (SF) and 1512% (LF) more weekly minutes of PA and 864% (SF) and 1477% (LF) more MET-min/week. The classification of participants as sufficiently active was 87.6% (SF), 90.1% (LF), and 8.7% (ACC). Conclusions: The validity for total PA scored relatively low compared with other studies. Substantial PA over-reporting and EE over-estimation were observed. As such, the evidence is very weak to support the use of IPAQ-LT as a relative or an absolute measure of PA and further work in this regard is amended.

Pain Tolerance In Sport, Ewelina Salwin, Agnieszka Zajac

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Pain is an inseparable element of the sports experience, regardless of the chosen discipline. The saying “no pain, no gain” perfectly describes the risk of an injury in sport as well as the expectations of high tolerance of pain. Sociologists note the connection between sport norms and values and the pain and behaviours related to an injury. While competing an athlete is under pressure of the coach, activists and supporters who expect him or her to continue and perform despite pain. However, pain in sport is not always a negative factor as it also plays an informative role indicating physical …

The Quality Of Life Profile Among Students Of The University Of The Third Age, Ewa Kupcewicz, Malgorzata Kusmierczyk, Barbara Wilk, Agnieszka Zajaczkowska, Aleksandra Zakrzewska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The quality of life is determined by numerous factors, among others, social, biological and psychological ones, whereas satisfaction with life and good self-esteem related to health are one of its main measures. The purpose of the paper was to determine the quality of life of the Third Age University students. Material/Methods: The study group involved 130 students of the University of the Third Age in Kętrzyn and Szczytno. The vast majority were women (90.00%; n = 117), and their mean age was 65.4 ±5.9 years. The study used the author's questionnaire containing questions about socio-demographic data and the WHOQoL-BREF …

Analysis Of The Athlete Burnout Phenomenon: The Past, The Present And The Future Of Athlete Burnout Research, Alena Akhrem, Zuzanna Gazdowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The paper describes traditional and alternative conceptualizations of athlete burnout, measurement instruments, the most recent studies investigating athlete burnout and potential prevention and intervention strategies. Athlete burnout, being an extremely aversive experiential state, is a serious problem for athletes and their coaches. It needs special treatment and discussion because of the severe consequences it leads to. Burned-out athletes are likely to withdraw from sport despite time, efforts and money they invested into it. However, the decision to leave sport usually does not relieve symptoms of burnout, but may also worsen athletes’ moral state. Therefore, it is not surprising that this …

Relationship Between Age And Handgrip Strength Indexes In Elderly Women With Low Bone Mass. Preliminary Study, Zbigniew Ossowski, Krzysztof Prusik, Jakub Kortas, Monika Wiech, Lukasz Bielawa, Katarzyna Prusik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of this preliminary study was to characterize handgrip strength indexes in elderly women with low bone mass and determine their relationship with age. Material/Methods: The study sample consisted of 63 postmenopausal women with osteopenia and ostoporosis, aged 60-74. The subjects were divided into three age groups: 60-64 years, 65-69 years and 70-74 years. To perform this study two handgrip strength indexes were used: handgrip strength on body weight (HS/weight) and handgrip strength on body mass index (HS/BMI). Handgrip strength was measured with Jamar hand dynamometer. Results: These studies revealed a significant decrease in handgrip strength indexes between …

Domain-Specific Physical Activity Among Indigenous Overweight And Obese Communities In Sarawak, Ching Thon Chang, Whye Lian Cheah, Helmy Hazmi, Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity is important to maintain health and to prevent non-communicable diseases. Material/Methods: We evaluated physical activity in four domains (leisure time, occupational, domestic and transportation ones) and its sociodemographic correlates in 351 adult overweight and obese indigenous people in Sarawak, Malaysia. Physical activity was assessed using the Malay version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: More than 40% of the respondents (43.5%) were obese. The overall median total MET-minutes were 6180.0 (IQR = 10229.0). A total of 53% of the respondents were moderately active with the …