Psychometric properties of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire

Several instruments have been designed to measure problems associated with excessive, compulsive, or addictive use of the Internet. One such instrument, the 18-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, was recently published with data supporting a three subscale model (Demetrovics et al., 2008). These researches utilized an online format with a sample taken from the general population of Hungary. We utilized an American college student sample and a paper and pencil format to perform a confirmatory factor analysis of the PIUQ. In addition, we examined the reliability and construct validity of the PIUQ by examining the scales’ relationship with several indices of psychological and physical health. CFA results indicate a barely adequate and not completely problem free three factor model for the PIUQ (χ² = 477.40; root mean square error = .097; comparative fit index = .831; Tucker Lewis coefficient = .804). Cronbach’s α for the total scale was .91 while the Cronbach’s α for each subscale were .81, .77, and .79. Construct validity for the model is demonstrated with significant correlations between the subscales and several indices of psychological and physical health. Suggestions for further research are provided.     

Assessment of working conditions in two different semiconductor manufacturing lines: Effective ergonomics interventions

This article examines two manufacturing lines producing semiconductors using different technology concepts, namely Conventional Line (CL) and Lean Production Line (LPL). Both lines manufacturing the same products were compared using various factors, including working conditions, task risks and dangers of the job, and physical body stress. Ergonomic approaches were adopted in the investigation of the two lines. Survey questionnaires were administered to 30% of the workers, and multiple statistical tests were used to determine crucial predictors and to investigate the interactions between the factors. This research has shown that improved ergonomics factors will lead to better working conditions and thus increased job satisfaction. The observed ergonomic differences of these two production lines are compared, and appropriate managerial remedial action is recommended. The interventions to both the lines should reduce accident rates, minimize waste of resources, improve work effectiveness, and provide a better working environment that enhances employees' morale and maximizes productivity and profits. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

财务报销单据智能审批系统

随着市场竞争日趋激烈,成本控制对企业的重要性日益增加.财务报销系统是企业成本支出的重要窗口,对控制企业成本起着关键性的作用.传统的财务报销管理软件侧重于业务处理,对报销支出的管控较弱,而且各级管理者在审批报销单据时常常因为缺乏相关信息而只能走过场式审批.本文目标是通过构建财务报销单据智能审批系统,为审批人提供审批决策支持,从而提高审批效率和审批质量,降低企业成本.本文对财务报销单据智能审批系统的基本功能和应用流程进行了详细介绍.     

Precarious employment, working hours, work-life conflict and health in hotel work

Precarious or temporary work is associated with adverse outcomes including low control over working hours, work-life conflict and stress. The rise in precarious employment is most marked in the service sector but little research has been done on its health effects in this sector. This study compares permanent and temporary workers in the hotel industry, where working hours are highly variable. Survey data from 150 workers from eight 3-Star hotels in urban and regional areas around Sydney were analyzed. Forty-five per cent were male and 52 per cent were female. Fifty four per cent were permanent full-time and 46 per cent were temporary workers. The effects of employment status on perceived job security, control over working hours, and work-life conflict are investigated using PLS-Graph 3.0. The effects of control over working hours, on work-life conflict and subsequent health outcomes are also explored. Temporary workers perceived themselves as less in control of their working hours, than permanent workers (β = .27). However, they also reported lower levels of work intensity (β = .25) and working hours (β = .38). The effects of low hours control (β = .20), work intensity (β = .29), and excessive hours (β = .39) on work-life conflict (r² = .50), and subsequent health effects (r² = .30), are illustrated in the final structural equation model.     

Making use of prognostics health management information for aerospace spare components logistics network optimisation

Although research has evolved significantly over the last decade, there are still a large number of Grand Challenges confronting modelling, model deployment, and model-based decision making of large-scale complex Discrete Event Logistics Systems (DELS) to be tackled, as identified and reviewed during a Dagstuhl workshop in March 2010. This paper illustrates how several of these challenges are already being addressed, based on a series of case studies from the Aerospace Spare Components Logistics domain, where consolidated operational Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) information can be used for tactical planning and optimisation of spare components logistics networks. In this setting, the growing potential of PHM technology to facilitate the maintenance and support of commercial and military aircraft emphasises the need for tools to determine the impacts and benefits of a PHM system. To achieve this, the prognostics parameters and related logistics policies were identified, modelled, and subsequently incorporated into a simulation-based decision support framework.     

Design and validation of an Individual Health Report (IHR)

This research focused on developing a general health report that conveys an individual’s health readings in a clear, concise and explanatory manner and demonstrating the report’s usefulness. The research examined the need for such a report and focused the design on the determined need and communication through visual display. The designed “Individual Health Report (IHR)” was evaluated using data obtained from an online survey developed for this research. The analysis involved t-tests, McNemar’s tests, linear regression and ANOVA. Results included the finding that the IHR significantly improved respondent’s ability to correctly answer questions about their health status and preventive health in general (p < 0.0001, n = 61). The study also showed that introduction of the IHR by healthcare providers would significantly improve the respondents’ view that they get the preventive healthcare information they need to make appropriate decisions (p = 0.0007, n = 61).In an era when costs of healthcare are of great concern and prevention is starting to gain traction as compared to strictly treatment, an IHR could be a very practical and beneficial step toward prevention focused healthcare. An IHR could be considered as a tool to provide increased public awareness of health status, with resulting gains in proactive and effective health management choices.

Relevance to Industry

Degraded health and associated healthcare costs are of significant concerns to industry performance and profits. As several references highlighted in this research have indicated, a lack of health literacy and awareness of critical health indicators are significant concerns in helping employees to manage their own health status. From an economic and societal perspective, it may be considered cost effective for employers to work with healthcare providers to support presentation of employee health status and results of recent healthcare evaluations by means of an IHR. An IHR of the type tested in this research can be seen to both provide clear and understandable health status information, and improve health literacy, for wide sections of the population. Presenting employee information via this type of IHR can effectively supplement healthcare information delivered by healthcare providers. The IHR tested in this research represents a form of clear information presentation and visualization that overcomes issues of jargon that degrades communication between healthcare providers and employees.     

基于PDA和WLAN的体检信息系统的设计与研究

该文主要对体检信息系统进行了研究,在此基础上,研究和设计了基于PDA和WLAN的体检信息系统,该系统解决了传统体检系统的弊端,使体检信息直接数字化,实现了移动检测,为检查者争取治疗时间,有效的提高了医疗服务质量和水平。     

ICT in higher education: evaluating outcomes for health education

Abstract This paper presents an investigation that examined and compared the effectiveness of collaborative tutorial activities carried out in both web-based and face-to-face learning environments within an undergraduate health education subject. Effectiveness of the different learning environments was measured in terms of observed learning outcomes, analysis of learner interactions and reported perceptions of the learners regarding their experience. Results demonstrated that web-based environments, with embedded collaborative activities, can effectively foster rich learning experiences that result in attaining positive learning outcomes.     

Impact of computer training courses on reduction of loneliness of older people in Finland and Slovenia

Previous research has shown loneliness as a threat for the quality of life of older people; therefore the goal of the intervention in a quasi-experimental study was to evaluate and discuss the self-reported level of loneliness of older people in Finland and Slovenia before and after a computer intervention. Intervention in a quasi-experimental study was conducted among 58 older participants at the baseline (M = 72.4 years) and 45 older participants at the follow-up research study (M = 72.9 years). Inferential statistics showed a significant difference in the reduction of loneliness between the countries, and a decreased level of loneliness of older people after completing the computer training course. Although older people experience many age-related problems which may reduce their interest in learning information and communication technology (ICT) skills, it is important that they are computer-proficient, because computer engagement can reduce the level of loneliness of older people and in this way has a positive effect on their quality of life.     

Individual differences,exercise and leisure activity in predicting affective well-being in young adults

This study focuses on the prevalence of exercise and health-related leisure activities (smoking, drinking), across groups of subjects, defined by personality and gender, in relation to subjective well-being. Results from a cross-sectional survey of 187 participants are reported. Males (n = 80) reported more drinking (p < 0.001) and smoking (p < 0.001) than females, though they also reported higher habitual physical activity levels (p < 0.001). Females (n = 107) reported more frequent use of social support coping (p < 0.01). There was a positive association between extraversion and self-reported habitual physical activity as well as alcohol consumption (even when controlling for gender). Neuroticism was not related to any of the exercise and leisure activity variables. Multiple regression analyses predicted 34% of variance for the depression-enthusiasm and 39% of the variance for the anxiety-contentment measures of affective well-being. Neuroticism (p < 0.001) and avoidance coping (p < 0.05) were the only significant predictors of both anxiety-contentment and depression-enthusiasm. It is concluded that the influence of individual differences such as personality and gender on coping behaviour and well-being is consistent with social learning theory research. Limitations of cross-sectional research designs necessitate caution with inferring causal paths. Recommendations for future research are presented concerning the use and value of repeated measures designs within research into exercise and well-being.