Search

Physical activity (PA) estimates from the Fitbit Flex 2 were compared to those from the ActiGraph GT9X Link in 123 elementary school children. Steps and intensity-specific estimates of PA and 3-month PA change were calculated using two different ActiGraph cut-points (Evenson and Romanzini). Fitbit estimates were 35% higher for steps compared to the ActiGraph. Fitbit and ActiGraph intensity-specific estimates were closest for sedentary and light PA, while estimates of moderate and vigorous PA varied substantially depending upon the ActiGraph cut-points used. Spearman correlations between device estimates were higher for steps (r[subscript s] = 0.70) than for moderate (r[subscript s] = 0.54 to 0.55) or vigorous (r[subscript s] = 0.29 to 0.48) PA. There was low concordance between devices in assessing PA changes over time. Agreement between Fitbit Flex 2 and ActiGraph estimates may depend upon the cut-points used to classify PA intensity. However, there is fair to good agreement between devices in ranking children's steps and MVPA.

Sensor-based technologies (SBTs) allow users to track biometric data and feature interactions that foster social support. The social support from SBTs can increase intrinsic motivation to engage in and sustain positive health behaviors. Guided by technological affordances and self-determination theory, this study tested the long-term efficacy of an ecosystem of SBTs to strengthen social support for children's behavior change, children's perceived relatedness, and positive physical activity (PA) attitudes. This ecosystem integrated Fitbits tracking each child's PA, kiosks with virtual agents that synced with Fitbit data, and a messaging system for parents and children. Afterschool programs (N  =   19) were randomly set with this ecosystem or a Fitbit with a computer for 6 months. Results suggested that parents of girls provided more social support to children via the ecosystem than parents of boys. Children's perceived support from the virtual agent was positively associated with perceived relatedness and PA attitudes over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) estimates from the Fitbit Flex 2 were compared to those from the ActiGraph GT9X Link in 123 elementary school children. Steps and intensity-specific estimates of PA and 3-month PA change were calculated using two different ActiGraph cut-points (Evenson and Romanzini). Fitbit estimates were 35% higher for steps compared to the ActiGraph. Fitbit and ActiGraph intensity-specific estimates were closest for sedentary and light PA, while estimates of moderate and vigorous PA varied substantially depending upon the ActiGraph cut-points used. Spearman correlations between device estimates were higher for steps (rs =.70) than for moderate (rs =.54 to.55) or vigorous (rs =.29 to.48) PA. There was low concordance between devices in assessing PA changes over time. Agreement between Fitbit Flex 2 and ActiGraph estimates may depend upon the cut-points used to classify PA intensity. However, there is fair to good agreement between devices in ranking children's steps and MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a service quality study conducted in the Pennsylvania State University Libraries. The Wisconsin-Ohio Reference Evaluation Program survey was selected as a valid, standardized instrument. We present our results, highlighting the impact on reference training. A second survey a year later demonstrated that focusing on behavioral aspects of reference can improve service quality ratings.

A usability study was undertaken at Penn State University to explore how students search the library's online catalog after they have received library instruction. In 2004, eight first-year students received library instruction and were subsequently recruited for the study. Participants were recorded using the online catalog, and a think-aloud protocol was employed to capture students' thoughts. Results were compared with nine first-year students observed in 2002, using the same methodology. Analysis of both groups revealed subtle differences in how they utilized the online catalog. Although these differences cannot be definitively attributed to library instruction, the evidence suggests that instruction can have a positive effect on user search behaviors. The article recommends strategies for increasing the impact of library instruction. (Contains 35 notes.)

Discussion of electronic library reference services focuses on an overview of the chief methodologies available for conducting assessments of electronic services. Highlights include quantitative measures and benchmarks, including equity and access; quality measures; behavioral aspects of quality, including librarian-patron interaction; and future developments. (Author/LRW)

Childhood obesity is a growing concern as it can lead to lifelong health problems that carry over into adulthood. A substantial contributing factor to obesity is the physical activity (PA) habits that are formed in early childhood, as these habits tend to sustain throughout adulthood. To aid children in forming healthy PA habits, we designed a mixed reality system called the Virtual Fitness Buddy ecosystem, in which children can interact with a virtual pet agent. As a child exercises, their pet becomes slimmer, faster, and able to play more games with them. Our initial deployment of this project showed promise but was only designed for a short-term intervention lasting three days. More recently, we have scaled it from a pilot grade study to a 9-month intervention comprised of 422 children. Ultimately, our goal is to scale this project to be a nationwide primary prevention program to encourage moderate to vigorous PA in children. This article explores the challenges and lessons learned during the design and deployment of this system at scale in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative and combined effectiveness of verbal versus nonverbal techniques in eliciting rapport during interviews is unknown. The effectiveness of one verbal and one nonverbal behavioral technique presumed to be associated with rapport-building were compared to determine if either or both could influence participants to disclose more personal information. In an experiment, an interviewer performed one of four conditions with participants: verbal commonalities, mirrored body postures, a combination of both, or neither (control). Results indicated that participants were more willing to discuss personal, or "closed" topics when verbal commonalities were used alone, versus in conjunction with nonverbal mirroring. The simple effect of mirroring trended in the predicted direction but was not significantly different from the control group. Practical and research-based implications for rapport-building in interviews are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These are challenging times for libraries. Stories of budget cuts abound while librarians report rising demand for library services. (1) As we slash budgets and defer expenses, we may wonder [...]

Each year, the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) History Section's Bibliography and Indexes Committee continues its project to honor outstanding book-length English-language bibliographies in the field of history It [...]

Each year the History Section's Bibliography and Indexes Committee continues its project to honor outstanding book-length English-language bibliographies in the field of history. It is our goal to encourage both [...]

Each year the History Section's Bibliography and Indexes Committee continues its project to honor outstanding book-length English-language bibliographies in the field of history. It is our goal to encourage both [...]

The current paper addresses two methodological problems pertinent to the analysis of observer studies in non-verbal rapport and beyond. These problems concern: (1) the production of standardized stimulus materials that allow for unbiased observer ratings and (2) the objective measurement of non-verbal behaviors to identify the dyadic patterns underlying the observer impressions. We suggest motion capture and character animation as possible solutions to these problems and exemplarily apply the novel methodology to the study of gender and cultural differences in non-verbal rapport. We compared a Western, individualistic culture with an egalitarian gender-role conception (Germany) and a collectivistic culture with a more traditional gender role conceptions (Middle East, Gulf States). Motion capture data were collected for five male and five female dyadic interactions in each culture. Character animations based on the motion capture data served as stimuli in the observation study. Female and male observers from both cultures rated the perceived rapport continuously while watching the 1 min sequences and guessed gender and cultural background of the dyads after each clip. Results show that masking of gender and culture in the stimuli was successful, as hit rates for both aspects remained at chance level. Further the results revealed high levels of agreement in the rapport ratings across gender and culture, pointing to universal judgment policies. A 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVA for gender and culture of stimuli and observers showed that female dyads were rated significantly higher on rapport across the board and that the contrast between female and male dyads was more pronounced in the Arab sample as compared to the German sample. Non-verbal parameters extracted from the motion capture protocols were submitted to a series of algorithms to identify dyadic activity levels and coordination patterns relevant to the perception of rapport. The results are critically discussed with regard to the role of non-verbal coordination as a constituent of rapport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent literature suggests that affective disposition theory (ADT) has difficulty explaining the appeal of protagonists that sometimes do bad things. We addressed this issue by integrating logic from attribution theory with ADT. Three studies examined whether causal factors identified in attribution theory's covariation model (consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency) affected internal/external attributions (for a character's harmful behavior) to shape liking for characters seen inflicting extreme harm. In Study 1, a 2 x 2 x 2 experiment varied (high vs low) the perceptions of consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency associated with a protagonist's harmful acts to examine their effect on liking for a well-known hero. In a 3 x 2 x 2 x 2 experiment using an unknown character, Studies 2 and 3 added to Study 1's design by varying character type (imperfect hero, morally equivocal character, villain). Findings indicate narrative cues serve as antecedent factors that prompt either internal or external attributions for a protagonist's harmful behavior. Internal attributions negatively predict character liking, whereas external attributions are positive predictors. Findings suggest that writers, when they want viewers to like characters, may use attribution theory principles to signal that external factors caused the character's harmful acts. We discuss this belief as an alternative to models that explain the appeal of protagonists who behave immorally, reasoning that initially-activated character schema can bias audiences in favor of a protagonist and minimize the importance of moral judgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]