Challenges In Managing Virtual Teams

Many organizations are taking advantage of the opportunities to utilize new technologies to become more effective and efficient.  One of the newer types of approaches to be used is the “virtual team.”  These are teams that are comprised of members who do not work at the same place or even at the same time.  They may be spread across many time zones and may be located all over the world.  These types of teams are made possible by advances in computer-mediated communication and software that allows people to work collaboratively on projects without being co-located or even working at the same time.  Obviously, managing teams of this sort presents many, and sometimes unique, challenges.  This paper addresses these issues, analyzes them, and offers suggestions for relevant management strategies

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Coping Among Career Professional Firefighters

This study explores the relationship between years of service for professional firefighters and the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Further, the study examines the specific coping mechanisms that the firefighters use to deal with the stress of their jobs.  In order to assess the presence of PTSD symptoms, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Civilian Version (PCL—CV) was employed, and the Brief COPE Survey was also used to assess the different types of coping strategies that were reported by firefighters.  The subjects were 91 paid, career firefighters from two different communities in Upstate New York.  Results clearly showed that firefighters who have more years of service also demonstrated a higher frequency of symptoms suggestive of PTSD.  Further, results of the Brief COPE survey demonstrated that firefighters who have more years on the job tend to utilize more negative and inefficient coping approaches.  The implications of these results and suggestions for helping fire departments deal with these issues are discussed

Automatic and frequency-programmable systems for feeding TMR: state of the art and available technologies

La tecnica di razionamento TMR (Total Mixed Ration) per bovine da latte si \ue8 molto diffusa grazie ai vantaggi offerti. La meccanizzazione si basa su carri miscelatori azionati da operatore. Alcuni limiti sono associabili alla bassa frequenza di distribuzione (1-2 volte/giorno). La recente diffusione di sistemi automatici per la preparazioone e distribuzione di TMR consente di introdurre inedite possibilit\ue0 di gestione dell'alimentazione. Circa 15 costruttori operanti su diversi concetti progettuali sono stati individuati. Tra le principali innovazioni vi \ue8 la possibilit\ue0 di variare la frequenza di distribuzione, modulare la razione, controllare gli orari di distribuzione, stimolare l'attivit\ue0 delle bovine, gestire l'ingestione di sostanza secca. Il lavoro presenta una panoramica sullo stato dell'arte della tecnologia e propone una classificazione dei robot per TMR

Literacy in Kindergarten: Using the Montessori Method in Combination with the Daily 5 Method

Abstract This action research project was conducted to investigate the impact of merging the literacy program The Daily 5 with the Montessori Method of reading instruction. This project was intended to study the independent reading stamina of the students. It was conducted in a public Montessori School with kindergarten aged students from an early childhood classroom. There were 13 students participating, six girls and seven boys. Pre-assessment data was gathered in the forms of a parent survey and a baseline student reading assessment. Student stamina was recorded on a daily log and student reflections were recorded once a week. After the project was complete, the parents and students were surveyed for final reflection. The results show that when students are able to choose their own books, their stamina for reading improves. More research needs to be done to investigate the impact of the other four areas from the Daily 5 model in combination with Montessori Literacy

Occupational Stress And Job Satisfaction In White- And Blue-Collar Workers

The relationship between job satisfaction and stress has been examined in numerous settings. In the present study, a two-part occupational stress survey was given to140 subjects in white- and blue-collar occupations.  Twelve possible stressor variables divided into three levels of stress: independent; group; and organizational were analyzed.  A factorial ANOVA analysis was conducted, and revealed that there was a significant main effect result for types of stress experienced by the workers in the two types of organizations, but there were no differences between the organizations in terms of amount or types of stress, nor were there any differences between male and female employees.  The relationship between stress and job satisfaction was discussed, and suggestions were made as to ways organizations can improve job satisfaction by paying attention to some of the sources of stress

Monitering and Addressing Light Pollution at Utah State University

Many outdoor light fixtures illuminate in all directions, meaning that a large portion of light is emitted upwards. This excess light - light pollution - represents wasted energy and money, decreases public safety, is a health hazard for humans as well as wildlife, and inhibits the view of the night sky. In order to quantify the anthropogenic contribution of local light pollution, I studied detection methods at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory though a summer REU in 2013. Upon my return to USU, I monitored the night sky brightness from September 2013 to April 2015 at Utah State University. Due to its popularity in citizen science, I used a Sky Quality Meter and a Pocket Lux Meter. Seasonal variations were found in Logan, Utah, due to presence of snow. Through this research, I was also able to obtain a Blue Goes Green grant to replace several outdoor fixtures with night-sky friendly alternatives

The Psychology Of Work: Changes In The 21st Century

Work is something common to all of humanity and it always has been.  Throughout human history there have been many major revolutions in the world of work that have changed how people work and the types of things that they produce.  The Agricultural Revolution changed how people produced and used food and changed how and where they lived.  Similarly, when humans started producing pottery and metal tools and weapons there were additional changes in work and what kinds of things people did to support and protect themselves.  The Industrial Revolution resulted in significant changes in the nature of work, but also where people worked and lived and they kinds of products they were now able to produce.  More recently, the Information Revolution has also dramatically changed the nature of work and what people do while at work.This paper will review the nature of work and look at this topic as an important part of the psychology of humans and how work has changed over the centuries and millennia and what it looks like today.  By work we mean, “A purposeful activity that is intended to facilitate survival, comfort, protection of the society, and self-fulfillment.”  In addition to examining the history and evolution of work, this paper examines the functional nature of work and how that has changed and evolved as well.  In addition, the motivational basis of work will be examined and the various reasons why people work will also be explored as well.  One of the principal foci of this paper will be a thorough examination of how work is changing in the 21st century and looking at how globalization and technology have changed the world of work and the psychological importance of work today

Mapping Light Pollution at Utah State University

One of the beauties of modern civilization is seeing the city lighting at night. It provides a feeling of security and is indicative of the power and endeavors of humanity, but over-lighting is a form of pollution. Many outdoor light fixtures spread light in all directions, sending a majority of the light into the sky, away from where we want the light to be on the ground. This light spreading upward is not only wasted light, but it is wasted energy and money, destroys our ability to view the night sky, and has profound effects on nocturnal creatures. The direct harm to certain species then affects the ecosystem it interfaces with, causing damage on a much larger scale than expected. Small changes in lighting practices would positively affect energy use and economies, ecosystems, and the efficiency of astronomical endeavors. This project analyzes the light pollution on Utah State University campus and what can be done with collaboration of the collegiate administration to amend the lighting in Logan