Tattoo Torment

刺青是一项古老的传统，至今已有两千多年的历史。古时候，人们多用它来表明身份；现如今，它则成了张扬个性的一种手法。不过，在做刺青前一定要有充分的心理准备，如果哪天后悔了，想去掉都难!     

基于标准的评核：教育领域人力资本和能力提升的工具与方法

本文概述了一种评核概念和理论，即基于标准的评核。这种评核模式通过把学生的成绩和他们的知识、课程标准联系起来，给学生的学习成绩赋予意义。它有效地将评核的焦点从对成绩排名的关注（仅仅把学生的表现与同学相比较）转移到了对学生学习进步的关注上来。本文关注这一转变过程，并为这一评核方式的实施提供可能的策略。同时，本文认为这一评核体系将会对教育中人力资本和能力提升产生深远的影响。     

Self-determination theory and physical activity among breast cancer survivors

The study aim was to examine constructs of autonomy support and competence as well as the motivation continuum from the self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework for understanding physical activity (PA) motivation and behavior in breast cancer survivors. Questionnaires assessing demographics, medical factors, PA, motivation continuum, perceived autonomy support, and competence were completed by 558 breast cancer survivors. Results showed that lymphedema (chi2 = 7.9, p < .01) (chi2 = 4.6, p < .05) were associated with meeting PA guidelines. Moreover, survivors meeting PA guidelines reported more identified regulations and intrinsic motivation (p < .01), autonomy support (p < .01), and competence (p < .01). Forced entry hierarchical regression analysis showed that SDT constructs explained 20.2% (p < .01) of the PA variance. Significant independent SDT predictors included identified regulation (Beta = .14, p < .05) and competence (Beta = .23, p < .01), with autonomy support approaching significance (Beta = .9, p = .057). SDT may be a useful model for understanding PA motivation and behavior in breast cancer survivors.     

Career evolution and knowledge of elite coaches of swimmers with a physical disability

In the last decade there has been an increase in empirical research on coaches of elite able-bodied athletes, while coaches of athletes with a disability have generally been overlooked. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to address this oversight by examining the career evolution and knowledge of these coaches. Six elite coaches of swimmers with a physical disability were interviewed using an unstructured, open-ended interview format. Results revealed information pertaining to the coaches' backgrounds, career evolution, and knowledge in training and competition. As well, all coaches stressed the importance of coaching their athletes as an elite swimmer as opposed to coaching a swimmer with a disability.     

HPT in Academic Curricula: Survey Results

The purpose of this research was to determine to what extent human performance technology (HPT) is being taught in academic programs that traditionally emphasized training—programs such as instructional systems, training and development, human resource development, and adult learning. A written survey was used to collect data from 82 academic programs. Results indicate that while training (and the related areas of needs assessment and evaluation) continues to dominate curricula at these institutions, non-training performance improvement strategies (and the broader performance analysis that leads to their selection) are frequently taught as well. No correlations were found between the extent of teaching HPT topics and the variables of program size, program type, location, degrees offered, or faculty membership in NSPI (now called the International Society for Performance Improvement). Future research could investigate the driving and restraining forces that determine HPT's impact on the curriculum and the effects that current curricula have on program graduates.     

Why has the investment performance of technology-specialist, European venture capital funds been so poor?

This paper seeks to identify and model the key parameters which impact on the commercial performance of a specialist, technology focused, early-stage, venture capital fund. Using both input (costs) and output (expected values) data provided by a number of specialist, independent venture capital firms, a spreadsheet model of a 10 year term fund is developed. These figures are used to generate Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV) performance calculations for the investment commitments of both the institutional, limited partners and venture capitalist, general partner. The generically defined model allows the user to address both conceptual and pragmatic questions regarding the relationship between fund structure and performance. The model is further developed to determine the effect on fund performance of two venture capital related, ‘indirect' State support schemes (guarantee and leverage options). Iterative interrogations of the model demonstrate the sensitivity of economic returns to the scale of the investment activity. State supported schemes mitigate but do not remove the negative performance consequences of small fund size. A fund with under £15 million (US$25 million or ECU21 million) under management is of increasing economic vulnerability.