Development and Test of a Theory of Applicant Reactions to Branched Situational Judgment Tests

Branched situational judgment tests (BSJTs) are a recent innovation in personnel selection. Yet, there is little research supporting their use. Data from a qualitative pilot study indicated that BSJTs are expected to result in more positive applicant reactions. Using a grounded theory approach, Study 1 developed a theoretical model of the impact of branching on applicant reactions. Several perceived procedure characteristics were theorized to mediate the relationship between both the general use of branching as well as different branching features and applicant perceptions. Study 2 empirically tested the model developed in Study 1. Results indicated that consistency of administration mediated the relationship between general branching and motivation and the relationship between general branching and procedural justice. Although branching in general resulted in increased motivation, it resulted in decreased perceptions of fairness. Consistency of administration also mediated the relationship between the use of parallel branching, a specific branching feature, and procedural justice, as well as between parallel branching and test attitude. BSJTs that utilized parallel branches resulted in more positive perceptions of fairness and test attitude. Looping had a positive impact on perceptions of fairness, though this relationship was not mediated by opportunity to perform. Limitations and practical implications are discussed

Improving Clinical Competence With Electronic Medical Record Training in Nursing Students: A Benchmark Study

Nursing students are required to do many clinical hours based on their program, the Board of Nursing and their accrediting body. During these clinicals, students are faced with challenges that cause safety concerns due to lack of exposure or knowledge regarding policies and procedures. What seems like a simple task, could be life altering because of inadequate competency. Performing at an expected level of education and demonstrating integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgement defines competency according to the American Nurses Association (ANA) (2018). Nursing programs are expected to produce competent students, and competent nurses upon graduation. Displaying competency in electronic medical record (EMR) systems is necessary for students to adequately participate in clinicals, and complete assignments. Barriers exist for students to have EMR access and training. However, the benefits of EMR training should be prioritized over barriers. Benefits are not limited to, but include accurate documentation, improved decision-making skills, and students report an increased confidence level (Forman et al., 2020). These skills can contribute to the students’ active learning and participation. Documentation of patient assessments, interventions, care plans, and medication administration all occur in the EMR. The implementation of EMR training for nursing students will focus on these skills so that accurate documentation can occur. Patient safety will also be a focus point. Students will be able to review pertinent medical records in order to make the best decision for patients

The Machines Aren’t Taking Over (Yet): An Empirical Comparison of Traditional, Profiling, and Machine Learning Approaches to Criterion-Related Validation

Criterion-related validation (CRV) studies are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of selection procedures. However, traditional CRV studies require significant investment of time and resources, as well as large sample sizes, which often create practical challenges. New techniques, which use machine learning to develop classification models from limited amounts of data, have emerged as a more efficient alternative. This study empirically investigates the effectiveness of traditional CRV with a variety of profiling approaches and machine learning techniques using repeated cross-validation. Results show that the traditional approach generally performs best both in terms of predicting performance and larger group differences between candidates identified as top or non-top performers. In addition to empirical effectiveness, other practical implications are discussed

Estimation of Shear Wave Velocity Profiles Employing Genetic Algorithms and the Diffuse Field Approach on Microtremors Array: Implications on Liquefaction Hazard at Port of Spain, Trinidad

This book chapter explains the methodology to determine the shear wave velocity VS profile employing microtremors array data at Port of Spain, Trinidad, and its implication in the seismic amplification and liquefaction hazard in the city. We divide this study into five sections; firstly, we introduce a description of the spectral autocorrelation method and the genetic algorithm schemes to retrieve the Vs and thickness of soil layers. Secondly, we validate the soil profiles via inspection of the ellipticity pattern at such sites; we also compared the observed horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (H/V) with the synthetic ones derived by the Diffuse Field Approach and 1D theoretical SH wave amplification functions. Thirdly, we compute the shear wave velocity in the first 30 m obtained from our genetic inversion and compared with the ones estimated by the empirical formulas based on geomorphological conditions. Fourthly, we present a preliminary liquefaction hazard map based on the level of H/V microtremor ratios and the fundamental period of vibration. Finally, we conclude with further recommendations for planning purposes in the city of Port of Spain

Cambios en la situación de las mujeres en el Caribe a través del siglo veinte

El artículo discute las transformaciones en la situación social, económica y política de las mujeres a través del siglo veinte en el Caribe. Concentra en procesos convergentes generales, divididos en tres movimientos: los cambios acontecidos a partir de la inmersión del Caribe en la internacionalización del capital durante las primeras décadas del siglo, la incorporación de las mujeres a las tendencias de desarrollo ­económico, social y nacional a partir de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y su situación a partir de la llamada segunda oleada feminista y las nuevas divisiones internacionales del trabajo desde los 1960. Se consideran los cambios en la participación laboral de las mujeres, su activación social y política, sus luchas particulares como mujeres, así como las respuestas legislativas y en políticas públicas que incidieron en sus condiciones sociodemográficas

Comparing Empirically Keyed and Random Forest Scoring Models in Biodata Assessments

Effective pre-hire assessments impact organizational outcomes. Recent developments in machine learning provide an opportunity for practitioners to improve upon existing scoring methods. This study compares the effectiveness of an empirically keyed scoring model with a machine learning, random forest model approach in a biodata assessment. Data was collected across two organizations. The data from the first sample (N=1,410), was used to train the model using sample sizes of 100, 300, 500, and 1,000 cases, whereas data from the second organization (N=524) was used as an external benchmark only. When using a random forest model, predictive validity rose from 0.382 to 0.412 in the first organization, while a smaller increase was seen in the second organization. It was concluded that predictive validity of biodata measures can be improved using a random forest modeling approach. Additional considerations and suggestions for future research are discussed

Imaging of Transmetallation and Chelation Phenomena Involving Radiological Contrast Agents in Mineral-Rich Fruits

Exogenous heavy metals or non-metallic waste products, for example lanthanide or iodinated contrast media for radiological procedures, may interfere with the biochemical pools in patients and in common food sources, creating an excess buildup of exogenous compounds which may reach toxic levels. Although the mechanisms are unknown, our experiments were designed to test if this toxicity can be attributed to “transmetallation” or “chelation” reactions freeing up lanthanides or chelated transition metals in acidic fruits used as phantoms representing the biologically active and mineral-rich carbohydrate matrix. The rapid breakdown of stable contrast agents have been reported at a lower pH. The interaction of such agents with native metals was examined by direct imaging of contrast infused fresh apples and sweet potatoes using low energy X-rays (40–44 kVp) and by magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 and 3T. The stability of the exogenous agents seemed to depend on endogenous counterions and biometals in these fruits. Proton spin echo MR intensity is sensitive to paramagnetic minerals and low energy X-ray photons are sensitively absorbed by photoelectric effects in all abundant minerals and were compared before and after the infusion of radiologic contrasts. Endogenous iron and manganese are believed to accumulate due to interactions with exogenous iodine and gadolinium in and around the infusion spots. X-ray imaging had lower sensitivity (detection limit approximately 1 part in 104), while MRI sensitivity was two orders of magnitude higher (approximately 1 part in 106), but only for paramagnetic minerals like Mn and Fe in our samples. MRI evidence of such a release of metal ions from the native pool implicates transmetallation and chelation reactions that were triggered by infused contrast agents. Since Fe and Mn play significant roles in the function of metalloenzymes, our results suggest that transmetallation and chelation could be a plausible mechanism for contrast induced toxicity in vivo

Microenterprise development, industrial labour, and the seductions of precarity

Microenterprise development is underpinned by an ideology that the solution to poverty is the integration of the poor into market relations. This article addresses the paradox that its ‘beneficiaries’ may be dispossessed industrial workers who already have a long history of participation in the capitalist economy. Exploring the transformation of garment workers in Trinidad from factory employees to home-based ‘micro-entrepreneurs’, I argue that working conditions and labour rights have deteriorated under the protective cover of seemingly laudable policies to promote economic empowerment via self-employment. Showing how microenterprise initiatives contribute to women workers’ ‘adverse incorporation’ (Phillips, 2011) into global production networks, this article calls for renewed attention to the labour politics of microenterprise development