Grupos estratégicos: su influencia en el desempeño y la eficiencia de la industria bancaria venezolana y su relación con la cobertura geográfica

Esta investigación se centra en determinar los grupos estratégicos (GE) de la industria bancaria venezolana y su influencia sobre el desempeño en el sector, así como su relación con la cobertura y la exclusión geográfica, durante el período 2008-2010. El test M de Box demostró que hubo inestabilidad financiera durante este lapso de tiempo, por ello se evaluó el comportamiento de los GE en cada año de estudio. La muestra se constituyó para el año 2008 por 58 entidades financieras, en el año 2009 por 52 entidades bancarias y para el período 2010 por sólo 39 instituciones. Antes de la aplicación del análisis cluster a las variables de alcance de la estrategia y recursos comprometidos, se realizó un análisis de componentes principales para determinar la relación entre estas variables y detectar valores atípicos; mientras que para distinguir las estrategias que caracterizaron a los grupos se siguió el procedimiento de uso común propuesto por Amel y Rhoades (1988), y se reforzó con la realización de las pruebas de contraste de medias o medianas ANOVA, Scheffé, Kruskal-Wallis y U de Mann-Whitney. Se empleó el paquete estadístico SPSS (versión 15.0) y el software de sistema de información geográfica Arcgis (versión 9.2) para lograr el objetivo propuesto. Los resultados indican que: 1) Al aplicar un procedimiento estadístico es posible detectar gradaciones en la implementación o evasión de las estrategias o del compromiso de recursos por parte de los GE, 2) En momentos de inestabilidad financiera los bancos cambian de estrategia y por tanto de GE, con el fin de obtener un buen desempeño, o al menos sobrevivir, 3) Sólo hubo evidencia parcial de la validez predictiva de los grupos estratégicos, 4) Al menos en Venezuela, los GE bancarios tienden a adoptar una estrategia de cobertura geográfica acorde con su estrategia financiera y, además que, los GE difieren en el nivel de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en la lucha contra la exclusión financiera geográfica. ABSTRACT This research focuses on identifying strategic groups (SG) of the Venezuelan banking industry and its influence on the performance in the sector and its relationship with geographical coverage and exclusion, during the period 2008-2010. Box M test showed that there was financial instability during this period, so the behavior of SG in each year of study was evaluated. The sample was established for 2008 by 58 financial institutions, in 2009 by 52 banks and for the period 2010 to only 39 institutions. Before applying the cluster analysis variables scope of the strategy and committed resources, principal component analysis was performed to determine the relationship between these variables and outliers; while distinguishing strategies that characterized the group proposed by Amel and Rhoades (1988) commonly used procedure was followed and reinforced by the performance of tests contrast mean or median ANOVA, Scheffé, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. SPSS (version 15.0) and software Arcgis geographic information system (version 9.2) was used to achieve the objective. The results indicate that: 1) By applying a statistical procedure can detect gradations in implementation or avoidance strategies or resource commitment by SG, 2) In times of financial instability banks change their strategy and therefore SG, in order to get a good performance, or at least survive, 3) There was only partial evidence for the predictive validity of strategic groups, 4) At least in Venezuela, banking SG tend to adopt a strategy of geographical coverage according to their financial strategy and also that the SG differ in the level of corporate social responsibility in the fight against financial exclusion Geographic.

Immunohistochemical detection of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts in Parkinson disease.

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress and mitochondrial respiratory failure with attendant decrease in energy output are implicated in nigral neuronal death in Parkinson disease (PD). It is not known, however, which cellular elements (neurons or glial cells) are major targets of oxygen-mediated damage. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) was shown earlier to react with proteins to form stable adducts that can be used as markers of oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. We report here results of immunochemical studies using polyclonal antibodies directed against HNE-protein conjugates to label the site of oxidative damage in control subjects (ages 18-99 years) and seven patients that died of PD (ages 57-78 years). All the nigral melanized neurons in one of the midbrain sections were counted and classified into three groups according to the intensity of immunostaining for HNE-modified proteins--i.e., no staining, weak staining, and intensely positive staining. On average, 58% of nigral neurons were positively stained for HNE-modified proteins in PD; in contrast only 9% of nigral neurons were positive in the control subjects; the difference was statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test; P < 0.01). In contrast to the substantia nigra, the oculomotor neurons in the same midbrain sections showed no or only weak staining for HNE-modified proteins in both PD and control subjects; young control subjects did not show any immunostaining; however, aged control subjects showed weak staining in the oculomotor nucleus, suggesting age-related accumulation of HNE-modified proteins in the neuron. Our results indicate the presence of oxidative stress within nigral neurons in PD, and this oxidative stress may contribute to nigral cell death.

Estudo das características clínicas, comportamentais e dos parâmetros salivares de pacientes portadores de lesões cervicais não cariosas e um grupo controle

A saliva é um fluido biológico com importante papel nos fenômenos que ocorrem na cavidade bucal. O efeito da sua composição sobre as perdas de estruturas dentais de origem não cariosa, como o desgaste dental, tem sido estudado. No entanto, há conflitos nos resultados apresentados por esses estudos, mostrando uma dificuldade em identificar os fatores salivares que possam proteger ou intensificar a evolução do processo. Assim, o presente estudo se propôs a analisar as características clínicas, comportamentais e de alguns parâmetros salivares em dois grupos experimentais: pacientes que apresentam lesões cervicais não cariosas (LCNCs) (n=20) e um grupo controle (n=20). Foram coletados dados clínicos e comportamentais através de um exame clínico e de uma entrevista, a seguir amostras de saliva estimulada e não-estimulada foram coletadas e analisados: pH, capacidade tampão, fluxo salivar, concentração de proteínas totais, atividade da amilase salivar, concentração de ureia salivar e a concentração dos íons sódio, fósforo, potássio, magnésio e cálcio. A capacidade tampão foi medida pela titulação da saliva com uma solução de HCL 0,01N; o fluxo salivar se deu pela relação entre o volume de saliva e o tempo de coleta (ml/min); as concentrações de proteínas totais, ureia e a atividade da amilase foram determinadas por método colorimétrico; as concentrações dos íons cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, potássio e sódio foram determinadas por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma acoplado indutivamente (ICP-OES). Os resultados foram submetidos aos testes Qui-quadrado, teste t e Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). As características relacionadas aos hábitos de higiene dental, dieta ácida, hábitos parafuncionais, presença de distúrbios gástricos, secura bucal e prévio tratamento periodontal, não mostraram relação com a presença de lesões cervicais não cariosas. Os pacientes portadores de LCNCs se queixaram mais de sensibilidade dental (p=0,0014). Foi observado um maior número de lesões cervicais de pequena profundidade (79%), em formato de cunha (72%), apresentando hipersensibilidade dentinária (HD) (86%), localizados nos dentes posteriores (88,18%) e na maxila (66,14%), sendo os pré-molares os dentes mais afetados (56,69%). Os níveis de cálcio na saliva não-estimulada do grupo de pacientes com LCNCs foi significativamente maior em relação ao controle (p=0,041). A concentração de potássio na saliva estimulada foi significativamente maior no grupo controle (p=0,028). As variáveis fluxo salivar, pH, capacidade tampão, concentração de proteínas totais, ureia, amilase, sódio, magnésio e fósforo não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos. Conclui-se que os fatores comportamentais não interferiram no aparecimento das lesões cervicais não cariosas. As LCNCs são pouco profundas, em formato de cunha, acometem mais dentes superiores e pré-molares e são acompanhadas de HD. As concentrações de cálcio e potássio podem interferir na formação das LCNCs.

Análise biomecânica de resistência à fratura em dentes caninos artificiais de cães, com restauração metálica fundida e retentores intrarradiculares retos e curvos com núcleo - Estudo comparativo com análise por elementos finitos

Os cães, por fatores diversos, acabam por apresentar dentes fraturados com ou sem exposição de polpa. Estas fraturas basicamente são identificadas como fraturas recuperáveis não complicadas, recuperáveis complicadas ou irrecuperáveis. As fraturas recuperáveis (localizadas apenas no esmalte e dentina) são tratadas com dentística restauradora. As recuperáveis complicadas (com lesões em esmalte, dentina e exposição do canal radicular) passam por tratamento endodôntico, podendo ser seguidas de restaurações metálicas. Os dentes mais comumente acometidos são os dentes caninos, superiores ou inferiores. Este trabalho em dentes artificiais simulando considerável destruição de sua porção coronal objetivou testar, após a adaptação da restauração metálica fundida, a resistência às fraturas no dente canino. Os dentes artificiais foram padronizados com uma técnica de replicação de raízes artificiais em molde de resina acrílica quimicamente ativada. Oitenta réplicas iguais de resina composta fotopolimerizável, padronizadas em tamanho e forma, foram construídas a partir desta técnica. Antes da reconstrução protética, aplicou-se o tratamento endodôntico, desobturação, preparo do canal radicular e moldagem. Proteticamente, um pino intrarradicular reto e outro curvo, ambos com núcleo para sustentar a coroa metálica fundida foram cimentados na porção coronal de cada raiz-réplica. Os núcleos e coroa metálica foram ambos ferulados ou estojados. Avaliou-se os dois tipos de restauração com pino intrarradicular curvos ou retos cimentados com cimento de fosfato de zinco ou resinoso para identificar o melhor conjunto restaurador. Os testes de resistência biomecânica de 80 raízes-réplicas foram divididos em 4 grupos com 20 corpos de prova para cada um dos grupos. Grupo 1: das raízes-réplicas com pino intrarradicular curvo cimentados com cimento resinoso. Grupo 2: das raízes-réplicas com pino intrarradicular curvo cimentados com cimento de fosfato de zinco. Grupo 3: das raízes-réplicas com pino intrarradicular reto cimentados com cimento resinoso. Grupo 4: das raízes-réplicas com pino intrarradicular reto cimentados com cimento de fosfato de zinco. Estes grupos foram submetidos a teste de força com pré-carga de 1,5 N, com velocidade de avanço constante de 0,05 mm por minuto em ponto pré- determinado (mésio-lateral vestibularizada) até ocorrência de fratura do conjunto ou parte dele em uma Máquina Universal Kratos. Com a avaliação biomecânica e estudo estatístico de Kruskall-Wallis, identificou-se que os dados obtidos não seguiram distribuição normal. Esta diferença mostrou-se com o p<0,05 na interpretação do teste. No caso de dados não paramétricos o post-hoc do Kruskal-Wallis foi o teste de U de Mann-Withney. Paralelamente, um estudo com análise de elementos finitos comparou os resultados obtidos. Não houve diferença significativa sobre o tipo de cimento utilizado ou que favorecesse o uso do pino reto ou do pino curvo, recaindo a escolha para o operador decidir de acordo com a melhor indicação para cada caso clínico

The Developmental Experiences of Adolescent Females in Structured Basketball Programs

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether adolescent females had unique developmental experiences in different types of basketball programs. The Youth Experiences Survey 2.0 [YES] (Hansen & Larson, 2005) was used to measure the learning experiences of 14 and 15 year old females (n = 212) who were enrolled in a school, recreational, or competitive basketball program. Interviews with organization representatives were conducted to determine the structure of each basketball program (n= 16) from which participants were drawn. One-way ANOVAs and Bonferroni comparisons were used to compare YES 2.0 positive experience scale scores of participants in school, recreational and competitive basketball programs. Results revealed that females in recreational programs had significantly lower scores than those in competitive and school programs on numerous positive experiences scales. Mann-Whitney U tests found that those in school and competitive programs reported higher stress levels. Interview results indicate that four characteristics of competitive and school programs may contribute to participants in these programs reporting more growth experiences: 1) time commitment, 2) coaches’ training and background, 3) competition, and 4) volunteer opportunities.

Evaluation of a Post Discharge Intervention on 30-Day Re-admission and Emergency Room Use in Patients with Diabetes A Pilot Program

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Relationships between sirolimus dosing, concentration and outcomes in renal transplant recipients

Aim To explore relationships between sirolimus dosing, concentration and clinical outcomes. Methods Data were collected from 25 kidney transplant recipients (14 M/11 F), median 278 days after transplantation. Outcomes of interest were white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, and haematocrit (HCT). A naive pooled data analysis was performed with outcomes dichotomized (Mann-Whitney U-tests). Results Several patients experienced at least one episode when WBC (n = 9), PLT (n = 12), or HCT (n = 21) fell below the lower limits of the normal range. WBC and HCT were significantly lower (P < 0.05) when sirolimus dose was greater than 10 mg day(-1), and sirolimus concentration greater than 12 mu g l(-1). No relationship was shown for PLT and dichotomized sirolimus dose or concentration. Conclusions Given this relationship between sirolimus concentration and effect, linked population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling using data from more renal transplant recipients should now be used to quantify the time course of these relationships to optimize dosing and minimize risk of these adverse outcomes.

The functional impact of developmental co-ordination disorder during adolescence and early adult life

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the functional impact that coordination problems have during adolescence and early adult life. In particular, this study aimed to investigate the impact coordination deficits have on day-to-day functioning, activity levels, self-concept with respect to coordination, leisure pursuits, occupational types, accidents and injuries, as well as experiences learning to drive. RELEVANCE: This study may enable clinicians to identify at risk situations, such that appropriate prevention and targeting of treatment can occur. SUBJECTS: The participants involved in this study comprised two groups; 40 subjects previously diagnosed with DCD, and their matched controls. METHODS: Participants were initially contacted by mail for their consent to the study. Consenting participants were then contacted via telephone, and interviewed. ANALYSES: Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Chi squared analysis and Mann Whitney U test was also used to compare groups. RESULTS: During both age periods, the number of DCD subjects participating in sport was significantly less than the number of controls. Although in the 12-14 years age category, the two groups displayed similar results for the type of sport chosen, the 18 – 20 years age group, showed significant differences, with the number of DCD subjects participating in High level coordination activities, being significantly less than controls. Self-perception with respect to coordination was also significantly different amongst groups with more DCD subjects, having perceived themselves as being clumsy. Similarly, a significantly greater number of DCD subjects admitted to tripping over themselves regularly. Some differences have also been noted in the experiences of subjects learning to drive. First, the number of DCD subjects, who had difficulties learning to drive was significantly greater than controls. Second, a much greater number of Control subjects, compared to DCD subjects were successful in obtaining drivers license. Finally, also of interest is the 58% of DCD subjects who have experienced an accident whilst driving, compared to the 35% of controls. The last result of this study was that whilst there was no significant difference between groups, in the number of broken bones, dislocated joints, sprain, burns, stitches, or other significant injuries, the number of control subjects suffering muscle strains was significantly greater than the number of DCD subjects. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that DCD has many implications on day-to-day functioning, both in adolescence and early adulthood. Findings have shown despite the significant sensory-motor deficits displayed by DCD subjects, the impact that this has on day-to-day functioning may be reduced by lifestyle modification.

The two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation schedule: factors affecting maternal intention to vaccinate

BACKGROUND: In the light of sub-optimal uptake of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination, we investigated the factors that influence the intentions of mothers to vaccinate. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of 300 mothers in Birmingham with children approaching a routine MMR vaccination was conducted using a postal questionnaire to measure: intention to vaccinate, psychological variables, knowledge of the vaccine, and socioeconomic status. The vaccination status of the children was obtained from South Birmingham Child Health Surveillance Unit. RESULTS: The response rate was 59%. Fewer mothers approaching the second MMR vaccination (Group 2) intended to take their children for this vaccination than Group 1 (mothers approaching the first MMR vaccination) (Mann-Whitney U = 2180, P < 0.0001). Group 2 expressed more negative beliefs about the outcome of having the MMR vaccine ('vaccine outcome beliefs') (Mann-Whitney U = 2155, P < 0.0001), were more likely to believe it was 'unsafe' (chi 2 = 9.114, P = 0.004) and that it rarely protected (chi 2 = 6.882, P = 0.014) than Group 1. The commonest side-effect cited was general malaise, but 29.8% cited autism. The most trusted source of information was the general practitioner but the most common source of information on side-effects was television (34.6%). Multiple linear regression revealed that, in Group 1, only 'vaccine outcome beliefs' significantly predicted intention (77.1% of the variance). In Group 2 'vaccine outcome beliefs', attitude to the MMR vaccine, and prior MMR status all predicted intention (93% of the variance). CONCLUSION: A major reason for the low uptake of the MMR vaccination is that it is not perceived to be important for children's health, particularly the second dose. Health education from GPs is likely to have a considerable impact.

Profile of anisometropia and aniso-astigmatism in children; prevalence and association with age, ocular biometric measures, and refractive status

Purpose. We describe the profile and associations of anisometropia and aniso-astigmatism in a population-based sample of children. Methods. The Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction (NICER) study used a stratified random cluster design to recruit a representative sample of children from schools in Northern Ireland. Examinations included cycloplegic (1% cyclopentolate) autorefraction, and measures of axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal curvature. ?2 tests were used to assess variations in the prevalence of anisometropia and aniso-astigmatism by age group, with logistic regression used to compare odds of anisometropia and aniso-astigmatism with refractive status (myopia, emmetropia, hyperopia). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine interocular differences in ocular biometry. Results. Data from 661 white children aged 12 to 13 years (50.5% male) and 389 white children aged 6 to 7 years (49.6% male) are presented. The prevalence of anisometropia =1 diopters sphere (DS) did not differ statistically significantly between 6- to 7-year-old (8.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9–13.1) and 12- to 13-year-old (9.4%; 95% CI, 5.9–12.9) children. The prevalence of aniso-astigmatism =1 diopters cylinder (DC) did not vary statistically significantly between 6- to 7-year-old (7.7%; 95% CI, 4.3–11.2) and 12- to 13-year-old (5.6%; 95% CI, 0.5–8.1) children. Anisometropia and aniso-astigmatism were more common in 12- to 13-year-old children with hyperopia =+2 DS. Anisometropic eyes had greater axial length asymmetry than nonanisometropic eyes. Aniso-astigmatic eyes were more asymmetric in axial length and corneal astigmatism than eyes without aniso-astigmatism. Conclusions. In this population, there is a high prevalence of axial anisometropia and corneal/axial aniso-astigmatism, associated with hyperopia, but whether these relations are causal is unclear. Further work is required to clarify the developmental mechanism behind these associations.

Quality of the written information about suicide attempters

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of the clinical records of the patients who are seen in public hospitals in Madrid after a suicide attempt in a blind observation. METHODS: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at four general public hospitals in Madrid (Spain). Analyses of the presence of seven indicators of information quality (previous psychiatric treatment, recent suicidal ideation, recent suicide planning behaviour, medical lethality of suicide attempt, previous suicide attempts, attitude towards the attempt, and social or family support) in 993 clinical records of 907 patients (64.5% women), ages ranging from 6 to 92 years (mean 37.1±15), admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt or who committed an attempt whilst in hospital. RESULTS: Of patients who attempted suicide, 94.9% received a psychosocial assessment. All seven indicators were documented in 22.5% of the records, whilst 23.6% recorded four or less than four indicators. Previous suicide attempts and medical lethality of current attempt were the indicators most often missed in the records. The study found no difference between the records of men and women (z=0.296; p=0.767, two tailed Mann-Whitney U test), although clinical records of patients discharged after an emergency unit intervention were more incomplete than the ones from hospitalised patients (z=2.731; p=0.006), and clinical records of repeaters were also more incomplete than the ones from non-repeaters (z=3.511; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical records of patients who have attempted suicide are not complete. The use of semi-structured screening instruments may improve the evaluation of patients who have self- harmed.

Without women: Masculinities, gay male sexual culture and sexual behaviors in Miami, Florida

Recent studies have reported alarmingly high rates of HIV infection and risky sexual behaviors among gay men in Miami, Florida. Previous research has suggested that the risky sexual behaviors of many gay men reflect the pursuit of intimacy and love, and that barriers to intimate relationships among gay men may stem from traditional masculinity norms. This dissertation examines the meanings which gay men ascribe to their sexual behaviors, as well as the intersections of those meanings with both traditional masculinity constructions and Miami's gay male sexual culture. ^ The study is based upon participant observation, print media content analysis, surveys and ethnographic interviews of a purposive snowball sample of 30 Cuban American, Puerto Rican, African American and Anglo gay men who reside in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Analysis of research questions was accomplished through grounded theory methods and descriptive and non-parametric statistics, including Pearson chi-square, Fisher's Exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. ^ The study shows that culturally-specified masculinity norms vary in the relative importance ascribed to heterosexual prowess, economic providership and competitiveness. These cultural differences appear important not only to the timing of sexual awareness and to the strength of homosexual stereotyping as effeminacy, but also to men's strategies in coming out as gay. The meanings men attributed to their sexual behaviors were, however, constructed in response to both inherited masculinity norms and the hypermasculine structure of Miami's gay male sexual culture. In addition to providing an ethnographic account of this subculture, the study elaborates men's issues relative to casual sex and committed relationships. Unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners during the previous twelve months was associated with growing up without one's father in the home, having been teased for effeminacy during childhood, being defensive about one's masculinity, not trusting men, having been cheated on by boyfriends, and believing that long-term gay male relationships are problematic. ^ It is concluded that the continuing epidemic of HIV infections among local gay men, as well as the hypermasculine form of the gay sexual subculture itself, are nihilistic symptoms embedded in the masculinist gender structure of the larger society. ^

Art teachers' attitudes toward the Florida Sunshine State Standards for the Visual Arts

The State of Florida developed the Sunshine State Standards For the Arts Curriculum Framework as part of an initiative to raise student achievement in response to national calls for educational reform. The content-based art education approach used in the Sunshine State Standards reflects a viewpoint advocated by prominent art educators and professional art education organizations for more than two decades. Successful implementation of the Sunshine State Standards curriculum approach requires that art teachers be acquainted with and knowledgeable in the four foundational content areas of the arts: studio art, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics. ^ The purpose of this study was to examine art teachers' viewpoints and attitudes toward the content-based art education approach contained in the Florida Curriculum Framework Sunshine State Standards for the Visual Arts. A survey was conducted in order to obtain these viewpoints. Surveys were sent to 440 Miami-Dade County Public School art teachers. A total of 138 elementary, middle and senior high school level art teachers participated in the study. ^ Factors and variables explored in this study included teachers' level of education, type of community, and grade levels taught. The principal methods of analyses employed in the study were descriptive statistics used to display frequencies and percentages. In addition, cross tabulations with Chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine responses to the survey items. ^ The results of the study revealed that the majority of art teachers supported the content-based art education approach used in the Sunshine State Standards for the Arts. However significant differences appeared in the responses to survey items as a result of art teachers' level of education, type of community, and grade levels. The results of this study indicate a need for further examination of teacher training and professional development programs. ^

Assessing an automated, information -sharing technology in the post "9 -11" era: Do local law enforcement officers think it meets their needs?

In the wake of the “9-11” terrorists' attacks, the U.S. Government has turned to information technology (IT) to address a lack of information sharing among law enforcement agencies. This research determined if and how information-sharing technology helps law enforcement by examining the differences in perception of the value of IT between law enforcement officers who have access to automated regional information sharing and those who do not. It also examined the effect of potential intervening variables such as user characteristics, training, and experience, on the officers' evaluation of IT. The sample was limited to 588 officers from two sheriff's offices; one of them (the study group) uses information sharing technology, the other (the comparison group) does not. Triangulated methodologies included surveys, interviews, direct observation, and a review of agency records. Data analysis involved the following statistical methods: descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, factor analysis, principal component analysis, Cronbach's Alpha, Mann-Whitney tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Scheffe' post hoc analysis. ^ Results indicated a significant difference between groups: the study group perceived information sharing technology as being a greater factor in solving crime and in increasing officer productivity. The study group was more satisfied with the data available to it. As to the number of arrests made, information sharing technology did not make a difference. Analysis of the potential intervening variables revealed several remarkable results. The presence of a strong performance management imperative (in the comparison sheriff's office) appeared to be a factor in case clearances and arrests, technology notwithstanding. As to the influence of user characteristics, level of education did not influence a user's satisfaction with technology, but user-satisfaction scores differed significantly among years of experience as a law enforcement officer and the amount of computer training, suggesting a significant but weak relationship. ^ Therefore, this study finds that information sharing technology assists law enforcement officers in doing their jobs. It also suggests that other variables such as computer training, experience, and management climate should be accounted for when assessing the impact of information technology. ^

Glaisdale Beck diversion scheme - channel change and suspended sediment response

This paper describes the implementation of a novel mitigation approach and subsequent adaptive management, designed to reduce the transfer of fine sediment in Glaisdale Beck; a small upland catchment in the UK. Hydro-meteorological and suspended sediment datasets are collected over a two year period spanning pre- and post-diversion periods in order to assess the impact of the channel reconfiguration scheme on the fluvial suspended sediment dynamics. Analysis of the river response demonstrates that the fluvial sediment system has become more restrictive with reduced fine sediment transfer. This is characterised by reductions in flow-weighted mean suspended sediment concentrations from 77.93 mg/l prior to mitigation, to 74.36 mg/l following the diversion. A Mann-Whitney U test found statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between the pre- and post-monitoring median SSCs. Whilst application of one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the coefficients of sediment rating curves developed before and after the diversion found statistically significant differences (p < 0.001), with both Log a and b coefficients becoming smaller following the diversion. Non-parametric analysis indicates a reduction in residuals through time (p < 0.001), with the developed LOWESS model over-predicting sediment concentrations as the channel stabilises. However, the channel is continuing to adjust to the reconfigured morphology, with evidence of a headward propagating knickpoint which has migrated 120 m at an exponentially decreasing rate over the last 7 years since diversion. The study demonstrates that channel reconfiguration can be effective in mitigating fine sediment flux in upland streams but the full value of this may take many years to achieve whilst the fluvial system, slowly readjusts.