A test of basic psychological needs theory in young soccer players: Time-lagged design at the individual and team levels

Within the framework of basic psychological needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) with a time-lagged design was used to test a mediation model examining the relationship between perceptions of coaches’ interpersonal styles (autonomy supportive and controlling), athletes’ basic psychological needs (satisfaction and thwarting), and indicators of well-being (subjective vitality) and ill-being (burnout), estimating separately between and within effects. The participants were 597 Spanish male soccer players aged between 11 and 14 years (M = 12.57, SD = 0.54) from 40 teams who completed a questionnaire package at two time points in a competitive season. Results revealed that at the individual level, athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support positively predicted athletes’ need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), whereas athletes’ perceptions of controlling style positively predicted athletes’ need thwarting (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). In turn, all three athletes’ need satisfaction dimensions predicted athletes’ subjective vitality and burnout (positively and negatively, respectively), whereas competence thwarting negatively predicted subjective vitality and competence and relatedness positively predicted burnout. At the team level, team perceptions of autonomy supportive style positively predicted team autonomy and relatedness satisfaction. Mediation effects only appeared at the individual level.

Relationship between sport commitment and sport consumer behavior

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sport commitment and three types of sport consumer behaviors: participation frequency, sporting goods and media consumption. A survey was conducted among sport participants of both individual and team sports, fitness and outdoor activities (n= 900). The survey included questions related to demographic information, measures of sport commitment and sport consumption behavior. The results analyzed trough structural equation modeling showed that the sport commitment influences positively the participation frequency, sporting goods consumption and media consumption. Implications of these results are discussed and suggestions for future research on sport consumers are provided.

Análise de dados gemelares: uma aventura guiada para investigadores das ciências do desporto

Este tutorial pretende apresentar, de forma sumária: 1) a importância dos estudos gemelares em Educação Física e Ciências do Desporto; 2) a estrutura básica deste tipo de delineamento; 3) as etapas da análise descritiva inicial; 4) os procedimentos de análise em grau crescente de complexidade - da análise de variância, à modelação de estruturas de covariância; 5) bem como a relevância da exploração da disocordância intrapar de gêmeos monozigóticos. Esta processologia, baseada num tutorial, recorrerá aos valores do fenótipo índice de atividade física nos tempos de lazer, com base numa amostra de 207 pares de gêmeos mono e dizigóticos. Todas as etapas da análise são comentadas e será interpretado o signifi cado dos resultados, salientando o fato do fenótipo em causa ser explicado pelos fatores genéticos em cerca de 63%.

Validez de contenido de un cuestionario para evaluar las etapas del cambio de comportamiento en estilos de vida en escolares, Colombia: Estudio FUPRECOL

Estudio de validación en escolares pertenecientes a instituciones educativas oficiales de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Se diseñó y aplicó el CCC-FUPRECOL que indagó por las etapas de cambio para la actividad física/ejercicio, consumo de frutas, verduras, drogas, tabaco e ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas, de manera auto-diligenciada por formulario estructurado.

Relación entre estrés y desórdenes músculo esqueléticos en trabajadores de una empresa de transporte terrestre de pasajeros, Bogotá, 2015.

Introducción. Los conductores de transporte terrestre de pasajeros están expuestos a factores de riesgo inherentes a su labor, por lo que la intervención sobre estos factores es un aspecto relevante en las empresas de transporte público dado que dicha actividad afecta la calidad de vida de los mismos. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de estrés en el lugar de trabajo y los factores de riesgo biomecánicos asociados en trabajadores de una empresa de transporte terrestre de pasajeros. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal con datos secundarios procedentes de una población de 219 empleados, de los cuales 13 eran administrativos y 206 laboraban en la operación de una empresa de transporte terrestre de pasajeros. Las variables incluidas fueron socio demográficas, laborales, variables relacionadas con la medición de estrés y síntomas osteomusculares. El análisis estadístico incluyó medidas de tendencia central y dispersión y para identificar los factores asociados con el estrés se utilizaron pruebas de asociación Chi2 y prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: La edad promedio de los participantes fue de 43 años (DS 10 años), siendo en su mayoría trabajadores de sexo masculino (96,3%). Se presentaron síntomas y factores de riesgo biomecánicos en cuello y espalda en un 55.5%. Se encontró asociación significativa entre estrés con los síntomas en pies (p=0,009), con los factores de riesgo biomecánicos, se encontró relación significativa con el tiempo que permanece adoptando las posturas de inclinación hacia delante (p=0,000) y hacia atrás (p=0,001) de espalda/tronco y las posturas en muñecas, (p=0,000), y a la exposición de los conductores a superficies vibrantes (asientos de vehículo) (p=0,021). No se encontró asociación significativa entre estrés y la postura de sedente. Conclusiones: Con este estudio se encontró una prevalencia de estrés de 78% en el lugar de trabajo y de los factores de riesgo biomecánicos asociados a antigüedad, postura y repetitividad de movimientos, con repercusiones en cuello y espalda lumbar, por lo tanto, se requiere de un seguimiento a las condiciones de salud y trabajo para los empleados del sector transporte.

Analyzing consumer-based brand equity on Facebook: the impact of brand gender

In recent years, Facebook and other social media have become key players in branding activities. However, empirical research is still needed about the way in which consumer-based brand equity is created on social media. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between masculine and feminine brand personality and brand equity, on Facebook, and to analyze the mediating role of consumer-brand engagement and brand love on this relationship. Data were collected using an online survey with 614 valid responses. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Results support 7 of the 11 hypotheses with significant relationship between analyzed constructs. This study confirms the advantages of a clear gender positioning and extends prior research by suggesting that brands with a strong brand gender identity will encourage brand love. Results also highlight that brand love has a mediating role on the relationship between brand gender and overall brand equity.

Customer Loyalty toward grocery retailing service: a multidimensional approach to costumer perceived value

Structured abstract Purpose: To deepen, in grocery retail context, the roles of consumer perceived value and consumer satisfaction, as antecedents’ dimensions of customer loyalty intentions. Design/Methodology/approach: Also employing a short version (12-items) of the original 19-item PERVAL scale of Sweeney & Soutar (2001), a structural equation modeling approach was applied to investigate statistical properties of the indirect influence on loyalty of a reflective second order customer perceived value model. The performance of three alternative estimation methods was compared through bootstrapping techniques. Findings: Results provided i) support for the use of the short form of the PERVAL scale in measuring consumer perceived value; ii) the influence of the four highly correlated independent latent predictors on satisfaction was well summarized by a higher-order reflective specification of consumer perceived value; iii) emotional and functional dimensions were determinants for the relationship with the retailer; iv) parameter’s bias with the three methods of estimation was only significant for bootstrap small sample sizes. Research limitations:/implications: Future research is needed to explore the use of the short form of the PERVAL scale in more homogeneous groups of consumers. Originality/value: Firstly, to indirectly explain customer loyalty mediated by customer satisfaction it was adopted a recent short form of PERVAL scale and a second order reflective conceptualization of value. Secondly, three alternative estimation methods were used and compared through bootstrapping and simulation procedures.

Strategic Orientations, Dynamic Capabilities, and Firm Performance: an Analysis for Knowledge Intensive Business Services

The strategic orientations of a firm are considered crucial for enhancing firm performance and their impact can be even greater when associated with dynamic capabilities, particularly in complex and dynamic environments. This study empirically analyzes the relationship between market, entrepreneurial and learning orientations, dynamic capabilities, and performance using an integrative approach hitherto little explored. Using a sample of 209 knowledge intensive business service firms, this paper applies structural equation modeling to explore both direct effects of strategic orientations and the mediating role of dynamic capabilities on performance. The study demonstrates that learning orientation and one of the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation have a direct positive effect on performance. On the other hand, dynamic capabilities mediate the relationships between some of the strategic orientations and firm performance. Overall, when dynamic capabilities are combined with the appropriate strategic orientations, they enhance firm performance. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the knowledge economy, given the important role knowledge intensive business services play in such a dynamic and pivotal sector.

Modeling the structural breakdown of solder paste using the structural kinetic model

Solder paste is the most important strategic bonding material used in the assembly of surface mount devices in electronic industries. It is known to exhibit a thixotropic behavior, which is recognized by the decrease in apparent viscosity of paste material with time when subjected to a constant shear rate. The proper characterization of this time-dependent rheological behavior of solder pastes is crucial for establishing the relationships between the pastes structure and flow behavior; and for correlating the physical parameters with paste printing performance. In this article, we present a novel method which has been developed for characterizing the time-dependent and non-Newtonian rheological behavior of solder pastes and flux mediums as a function of shear rates. We also present results of the study of the rheology of the solder pastes and flux mediums using the structural kinetic modeling approach, which postulates that the network structure of solder pastes breaks down irreversibly under shear, leading to time and shear-dependent changes in the flow properties. Our results show that for the solder pastes used in the study, the rate and extent of thixotropy was generally found to increase with increasing shear rate. The technique demonstrated in this study has wide utility for R&D personnel involved in new paste formulation, for implementing quality control procedures used in solder-paste manufacture and packaging; and for qualifying new flip-chip assembly lines.

A hierarchical structural model of assessing innovation and project performance

Research in construction innovation highlights construction industry as having many barriers and resistance to innovations and suggests that it needs champions. A hierarchical structural model is presented, to assess the impact of the role of the project manager (PM) on the levels of innovation and project performance. The model adopts the structural equation modelling technique and uses the survey data collected from PMs and project team members working for general contractors in Singapore. The model fits well to the observed data, accounting for 24%, 37% and 49% of the variance in championing behaviour, the level of innovation and project performance, respectively. The results of this study show the importance of the championing role of PMs in construction innovation. However, in order to increase their effectiveness, such a role should be complemented by their competency and professionalism, tactical use of influence tactics, and decision authority. Moreover, senior management should provide adequate resources and a sustained support to innovation and create a conducive environment or organizational culture that nurtures and facilitates the PM’s role in the construction project as a champion of innovation.

Analysis of distance learner value assessment of distance education in engineering

Numerous research studies have evaluated whether distance learning is a viable alternative to traditional learning methods. These studies have generally made use of cross-sectional surveys for collecting data, comparing distance to traditional learners with intent to validate the former as a viable educational tool. Inherent fundamental differences between traditional and distance learning pedagogies, however, reduce the reliability of these comparative studies and constrain the validity of analyses resulting from this analytical approach. This article presents the results of a research project undertaken to analyze expectations and experiences of distance learners with their degree programs. Students were given surveys designed to examine factors expected to affect their overall value assessment of their distance learning program. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to analyze the correlations among variables of interest to support hypothesized relationships among them. Focusing on distance learners overcomes some of the limitations with assessments that compare off- and on-campus student experiences. Evaluation and modeling of distance learner responses on perceived value for money of the distance education they received indicate that the two most important influences are course communication requirements, which had a negative effect, and course logistical simplicity, which revealed a positive effect. Combined, these two factors accounted for approximately 47% of the variability in perceived value for money of the educational program of sampled students. A detailed focus on comparing expectations with outcomes of distance learners complements the existing literature dominated by comparative studies of distance and nondistance learners.

Genetic effects on the cerebellar role in working memory: Same brain, different genes?

Over the past several years, evidence has accumulated showing that the cerebellum plays a significant role in cognitive function. Here we show, in a large genetically informative twin sample (n= 430; aged 16-30. years), that the cerebellum is strongly, and reliably (n=30 rescans), activated during an n-back working memory task, particularly lobules I-IV, VIIa Crus I and II, IX and the vermis. Monozygotic twin correlations for cerebellar activation were generally much larger than dizygotic twin correlations, consistent with genetic influences. Structural equation models showed that up to 65% of the variance in cerebellar activation during working memory is genetic (averaging 34% across significant voxels), most prominently in the lobules VI, and VIIa Crus I, with the remaining variance explained by unique/unshared environmental factors. Heritability estimates for brain activation in the cerebellum agree with those found for working memory activation in the cerebral cortex, even though cerebellar cyto-architecture differs substantially. Phenotypic correlations between BOLD percent signal change in cerebrum and cerebellum were low, and bivariate modeling indicated that genetic influences on the cerebellum are at least partly specific to the cerebellum. Activation on the voxel-level correlated very weakly with cerebellar gray matter volume, suggesting specific genetic influences on the BOLD signal. Heritable signals identified here should facilitate discovery of genetic polymorphisms influencing cerebellar function through genome-wide association studies, to elucidate the genetic liability to brain disorders affecting the cerebellum.

Genetic analysis of structural brain connectivity using DICCCOL models of diffusion MRI in 522 twins

Genetic and environmental factors affect white matter connectivity in the normal brain, and they also influence diseases in which brain connectivity is altered. Little is known about genetic influences on brain connectivity, despite wide variations in the brain's neural pathways. Here we applied the 'DICCCOL' framework to analyze structural connectivity, in 261 twin pairs (522 participants, mean age: 21.8 y ± 2.7SD). We encoded connectivity patterns by projecting the white matter (WM) bundles of all 'DICCCOLs' as a tracemap (TM). Next we fitted an A/C/E structural equation model to estimate additive genetic (A), common environmental (C), and unique environmental/error (E) components of the observed variations in brain connectivity. We found 44 'heritable DICCCOLs' whose connectivity was genetically influenced (α2>1%); half of them showed significant heritability (α2>20%). Our analysis of genetic influences on WM structural connectivity suggests high heritability for some WM projection patterns, yielding new targets for genome-wide association studies.

Structural capital, innovation capability, and company performance in technology-based colombian firms

[EN] In today s economy, innovation is considered to be one of the main driving forces behind business competitiveness, if not the most relevant one. Traditionally, the study of innovation has been addressed from different perspectives. Recently, literature on knowledge management and intellectual capital has provided new insights. Considering this, the aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of different organizational conditions i.e. structural capital on innovation capability and innovation performance, from an intellectual capital (IC) perspective. As regards innovation capability, two dimensions are considered: new idea generation and innovation project management. The population subject to study is made up of technology-based Colombian firms. In order to gather information about the relevant variables involved in the research, a questionnaire was designed and addressed to the CEOs of the companies making up the target population. The sample analyzed is made up of 69 companies and is large enough to carry out a statistical study based on structural equation modelling (partial least squares approach) using PLS-Graph software (Chin and Frye, 2003). The results obtained show that structural capital explains to a great extent both the effectiveness of the new idea generation process and of innovation project management. However, the influence of each specific organizational component making up structural capital (organizational design, organizational culture, hiring and professional development policies, innovation strategy, technological capital, and external structure) varies. Moreover, successful innovation project management is the only innovation capability dimension that exerts a significant impact on company performance.

Projection-Based Statistical Inference in Linear Structural Models with Possibly Weak Instruments

It is well known that standard asymptotic theory is not valid or is extremely unreliable in models with identification problems or weak instruments [Dufour (1997, Econometrica), Staiger and Stock (1997, Econometrica), Wang and Zivot (1998, Econometrica), Stock and Wright (2000, Econometrica), Dufour and Jasiak (2001, International Economic Review)]. One possible way out consists here in using a variant of the Anderson-Rubin (1949, Ann. Math. Stat.) procedure. The latter, however, allows one to build exact tests and confidence sets only for the full vector of the coefficients of the endogenous explanatory variables in a structural equation, which in general does not allow for individual coefficients. This problem may in principle be overcome by using projection techniques [Dufour (1997, Econometrica), Dufour and Jasiak (2001, International Economic Review)]. AR-types are emphasized because they are robust to both weak instruments and instrument exclusion. However, these techniques can be implemented only by using costly numerical techniques. In this paper, we provide a complete analytic solution to the problem of building projection-based confidence sets from Anderson-Rubin-type confidence sets. The latter involves the geometric properties of “quadrics” and can be viewed as an extension of usual confidence intervals and ellipsoids. Only least squares techniques are required for building the confidence intervals. We also study by simulation how “conservative” projection-based confidence sets are. Finally, we illustrate the methods proposed by applying them to three different examples: the relationship between trade and growth in a cross-section of countries, returns to education, and a study of production functions in the U.S. economy.