Showing papers by "Florida Atlantic University published in 2003"

The Specificity of Environmental Influence: Socioeconomic Status Affects Early Vocabulary Development Via Maternal Speech

Abstract: The hypothesis was tested that children whose families differ in socioeconomic status (SES) differ in their rates of productive vocabulary development because they have different language-learning experiences. Naturalistic interaction between 33 high-SES and 30 mid-SES mothers and their 2-year-old children was recorded at 2 time points 10 weeks apart. Transcripts of these interactions provided the basis for estimating the growth in children’s productive vocabularies between the first and second visits and properties of maternal speech at the first visit. The high-SES children grew more than the mid-SES children in the size of their productive vocabularies. Properties of maternal speech that differed as a function of SES fully accounted for this difference. Implications of these findings for mechanisms of environmental influence on child development are discussed. Family socioeconomic status (SES) is a powerful predictor of many aspects of child development. An aim of current research is to identify the pathways by which SES exerts its well-established influence (DeGarmo, Forgatch, & Martinez, 1999; Keating & Hertzman, 1999; Linver, Brooks-Gunn, & Kohen, 2002; National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2000). Because SES and child development are multifaceted variables and because many factors that influence child development covary with SES, the causal relations underlying SES effects on child development may be difficult to uncover (Hoff, Laursen, & Tardif, 2002). The present study focused on one reliably observed relation between SES and child development and sought to identify the underlying mechanism. The relation in focus is that between SES and early

Synthetic matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive hydrogels for the conduction of tissue regeneration: Engineering cell-invasion characteristics

Abstract: Synthetic hydrogels have been molecularly engineered to mimic the invasive characteristics of native provisional extracellular matrices: a combination of integrin-binding sites and substrates for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) was required to render the networks degradable and invasive by cells via cell-secreted MMPs. Degradation of gels was engineered starting from a characterization of the degradation kinetics (kcat and Km) of synthetic MMP substrates in the soluble form and after crosslinking into a 3D hydrogel network. Primary human fibroblasts were demonstrated to proteolytically invade these networks, a process that depended on MMP substrate activity, adhesion ligand concentration, and network crosslinking density. Gels used to deliver recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 to the site of critical defects in rat cranium were completely infiltrated by cells and remodeled into bony tissue within 4 wk at a dose of 5 μg per defect. Bone regeneration was also shown to depend on the proteolytic sensitivity of the matrices. These hydrogels may be useful in tissue engineering and cell biology as alternatives for naturally occurring extracellular matrix-derived materials such as fibrin or collagen.

A unified framework for model-based clustering

Abstract: Model-based clustering techniques have been widely used and have shown promising results in many applications involving complex data. This paper presents a unified framework for probabilistic model-based clustering based on a bipartite graph view of data and models that highlights the commonalities and differences among existing model-based clustering algorithms. In this view, clusters are represented as probabilistic models in a model space that is conceptually separate from the data space. For partitional clustering, the view is conceptually similar to the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. For hierarchical clustering, the graph-based view helps to visualize critical/important distinctions between similarity-based approaches and model-based approaches. The framework also suggests several useful variations of existing clustering algorithms. Two new variations---balanced model-based clustering and hybrid model-based clustering---are discussed and empirically evaluated on a variety of data types.

Long‐distance seed dispersal by tapirs increases seed survival and aggregates tropical trees

Abstract: The dominant models explaining tree species diversity and distribution pat- terns in tropical forests are the Janzen-Connell and Recruitment Limitation models, neither of which considers the effect of long-distance seed dispersal on seed survival, seedling establishment, or the aggregated distributions of trees empirically observed at mesoscales in tropical forests. At a neotropical forest site (Maracai Island Ecological Reserve, Roraima, Brazil), we experimentally reproduced long-distance clumped seed dispersal by tapirs for the palm Maximiliana maripa. Such dispersal protects seeds from attack by species-specific bruchid beetles by (1) covering them in protective fecal material and (2) placing them in sites distant from conspecific adult tree aggregations, where beetles are less active. En- docarps distant from parent patches survived bruchid attack at a significantly higher rate than those in parent patches, as did in-feces endocarps compared to clean endocarps. A significant interaction effect between distance from patches and feces treatment showed that feces conferred protection to seeds within a parent patch but did not appear to confer additional protection to seeds already protected by distance from the parent patch. A me- soscale map compiled from aerial photography, satellite imagery, and air- and ground- truthing revealed an aggregated pattern of M. maripa palms associated with tapir latrine sites, supporting the view that long-distance seed dispersal by tapirs is responsible for the generation of palm patches and potentially important in forest-savanna boundary dynamics. We conclude that seed shadows and survival rates can justifiably be studied at the scale of tree aggregations rather than at the scale of individual trees, and that long-distance seed dispersal is neither rare nor unpredictable once we understand the movements and behavior of large, mobile animals.

On reducing broadcast redundancy in ad hoc wireless networks

Abstract: Unlike in a wired network, a packet transmitted by a node in an ad hoc wireless network can reach all neighbours. Therefore, the total number of transmissions (forward nodes) is generally used as the cost criterion for broadcasting. The problem of finding the minimum number of forward nodes is NP-complete. Among various approximation approaches, dominant pruning by H. Lim and C. Kim (2001) utilizes 2-hop neighbourhood information to reduce redundant transmissions. In this paper, we analyze some deficiencies of the dominant pruning algorithm and propose two better approximation algorithms: total dominant pruning and partial dominant pruning. Both algorithms utilize 2-hop neighbourhood information more effectively to reduce redundant transmissions. Simulation results of applying these two algorithms show performance improvements compared with the original dominant pruning. In addition, two termination criteria are discussed and compared through simulation.

The Legislative Road to Silicon Valley

Abstract: Must policymakers seeking to replicate the success of Silicon Valley's venture capital market first replicate other US institutions, such as deep and liquid stock markets? Or can legal reforms alone make a significant difference? In this paper, we compare the economic and legal determinants of venture capital investment, fundraising and exits. We introduce a cross-sectional and time series empirical analysis across 15 countries and 13 years of data spanning an entire business cycle. We consider three legal variables. First, we employ an aggregate index of legal and fiscal variables that, unlike those used in previous studies, pertains specifically to venture capital. Secondly, we investigate the role of government subsidy programs designed to jump start venture capital markets. Thirdly, the paper focuses on the role of bankruptcy law, hitherto ignored in the literature. We show that the legal environment matters as much as the strength of stock markets; that government programmes more often hinder than help the development of private equity, and that temperate bankruptcy laws stimulate entrepreneurial demand for venture capital. Our results provide generalizable lessons for legal reform.

The handbook of ad hoc wireless networks

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Body, Personal, and Local Ad Hoc Wireless Networks, Marco Conti Multicasting Techniques in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Xiao Chen and Jie Wu Quality of Service in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Satyabrata Chakrabarti, and Amitabh Mishra Power-Conservative Designs in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks, Yu-Chee Tseng and Ting-Yu Lin Performance Analysis of Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Anurag Kumar and Aditya Karnik WIRELESS TRANSMISSION TECHNIQUES Coding for the Wireless Channel, Ezio Biglieri Unicast Routing Techniques for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Roberto Beraldi and Roberto Baldoni Satellite Communications, Matthew Sadiku WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND PROTOCOLS Wireless Communication Protocols, Pascal Lorenz An Integrated Platform for Ad Hoc GSM Cellular Communications, George N. Aggelou IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth: An Architectural Overview, Sal Yazbeck ROUTING TECHNIQUES IN AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKS - PART I Position-Based Routing in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks, Jorg Widmer, Martin Mauve, Hannes Hartenstein, and Holger Fubler Structured Proactive and Reactive Routing for Wireless Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Ahmed Safwat, Hossam Hassanein, and Hussein Mouftah Hybrid Routing: The Pursuit of an Adaptable and Scalable Routing Framework for Ad Hoc Networks, Prince Samar, Marc R. Pearlman, and Zygmunt Haas ROUTING TECHNIQUES IN AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKS - PART II Adaptive Routing in Ad Hoc Networks, Yantai Shu, Oliver Yang, and Lei Wang Position Based Ad Hoc Routes in Ad Hoc Networks, Silvia Giordano and Ivan Stojmenovic Route Discovery Optimization Techniques in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks, Boon-Chong Seet, Bu-Sung Lee, and Chiew-Tong Lau APPLICATIONS OF AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKS Location-Aware Routing and Applications in Mobile Ad Hoc Wireless Networks, Yu-Chee Tseng and Chih-Sun Hsu Mobility Over TCP/IP, Jose Ferreira de Rezende, Michele Lima, and Nelson Fonseca An Intelligent On-Demand Multicast Routing Protocol in Ad Hoc Networks, Kuochen Wang and Chaou-Tang Chang GPS-based Reliable Routing Algorithms in Ad Hoc Networks, Young-Joo Suh, Won-Ik Kim, and Dong-Hee Kwon POWER MANAGEMENT IN AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKS Power-Aware Wireless Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Ahmed Safwat, Hossam Hassanein, and Hussein Mouftah Energy Efficient Multicast in Ad Hoc Networks, Hee Yong Youn, Chansu Yu, Ben Lee, and Sangman Moh Energy-Conserving Grid Routing Protocol in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Jang-Ping Sheu, Cheng-Ta Hu, and Chi-Min Chao Routing Algorithms for Balanced Energy Consumption in Ad Hoc Networks, Hee Yong Youn, Chansu Yu, and Ben Lee CONNECTION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKS An Efficient Resource Discovery Algorithm for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Jiangchuan Liu, Kazem Sohraby, Qian Zhang, and Bo Li An Integrated Platform for Quality-of-Service Support in Mobile Multimedia Clustered Ad Hoc Networks, George N. Aggelou Quality of Service Models for Ad Hoc Wireless Networks, Xiao Hannan, Chua Kee Chaing, and Seah Winston Scheduling of Broadcasts in Multihop Wireless Networks, Jang-Ping Sheu, Pei-Kai Hung, and Chih-Shun Hsu SECURITY AND PRIVACY ASPECTS IN AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKS Security in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks - A Survey, Amitabh Mishra and Ketan M. Nadkarni Securing Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Panagiotis Papadimitratos and Zygmunt Haas Security Issues in Ad Hoc Networks, Dan Zhou

Relationship of type of product, shopping orientations, and demographics with preference for shopping on the internet

Abstract: This research examines whether (1) consumers' shopping orientations are significantly related to their preference for shopping online, (2) consumers' demographic characteristics are significantly related to preference for shopping online, (3) relationships of shopping orientation and demographic variables with purchase preferences on the Internet will vary by the type of products (i.e., search, experience, or credence). Deriving from the product classification theory, products are classified into four categories: search products, two types of experience products, and credence products. Data were collected through self-administered surveys from adult population in two metropolitan areas in the Southern United States. The findings significantly support the study's hypotheses that shopping orientations such as convenience and recreational shopper and demographic variables such as gender, education, and household income were significantly related to consumer's online purchase preference. The researchers' findings also confirm that the relationships of shopping orientation and demographic variables with purchase preference for shopping online significantly differ by product category. More specifically, convenience and recreational orientations were positively related to preference for shopping online for experience-1, experience-2, and credence product types, though the directional relationship between recreational shopper orientation and preference for shopping on the Internet was positive rather than negative as hypothesized. The results and discussion section also includes implications drawn from the findings.

Web advertising: gender differences in beliefs, attitudes and behavior

Abstract: Previous research suggests males and females exhibit different beliefs about and attitudes toward traditional media advertising along with different advertising stimulated consumer behaviors However, little is known about gender differences in consumer beliefs about Web advertising versus other media, attitude toward Web advertising, or Web advertising associated consumer behavior Survey results indicate males and females differ significantly on several dimensions with males exhibiting more positive beliefs about Web advertising and more positive attitudes toward Web advertising than females Additionally, males are more likely than females to purchase from the Web and surf the Web for functional and entertainment reasons, whereas females are more likely to surf the Web for shopping reasons

The Justice Motive: Where Social Psychologists Found It, How they Lost It, and Why They May Not Find It Again:

Abstract: Beginning shortly after the 2nd World War, 3 lines of research associated with relative deprivation, equity theory, and just world contributed to the description of the influence of the justice motive in people's lives. By the late 1960s, these converging lines of research had documented the importance of people's desire for justice; nevertheless, contemporary social psychologists typically portray this justice-driven motivation as simply a manifestation of self-interest. The explanation for this failure to recognize a distinct and important justice motive points to the widespread reliance on research methods that elicit the participant's thoughtfully constructed narratives or role-playing responses. According to recent theoretical advances, these methods generate responses that reflect normative expectations of rational self-interest, and fail to capture the important effects of the emotionally generated imperatives of the justice motive.

A fault-tolerant and deadlock-free routing protocol in 2D meshes based on odd-even turn model

Abstract: We propose a deterministic fault-tolerant and deadlock-free routing protocol in two-dimensional (2D) meshes based on dimension-order routing and the odd-even turn model. The proposed protocol, called extended X-Y routing, does not use any virtual channels by prohibiting certain locations of faults and destinations. Faults are contained in a set of disjointed rectangular regions called faulty blocks. The number of faults to be tolerated is unbounded as long as nodes outside faulty blocks are connected in the 2D mesh network. The extended X-Y routing can also be used under a special convex fault region called an orthogonal faulty block, which can be derived from a given faulty block by activating some nonfaulty nodes in the block. Extensions to partially adaptive routing, traffic and adaptivity-balancing using virtual networks, and routing without constraints using virtual channels and virtual networks are also discussed.

Concepts and Categorization

Abstract: Whenever people think of an object as something (e.g. that Fido is a dog, a pet, or loyal), they are categorizing it using their internal concepts. A concept is a mental representation that allows different things to be treated equivalently for some purpose. People learn concepts to facilitate communication, to make useful predictions about their world, to create mental building blocks for expressing more sophisticated thoughts, and to form efficient representations for objects and situations. We discuss five approaches to how concepts are learned and represented: rules, prototypes, exemplars, category boundaries, and theories. Whereas some of these approaches leave the impression that concepts are isolated mental structures, connections between concepts are also critically important. We discuss connections between concepts and perception that link categorization to object recognition and serve to ground concepts in the world. Consistent with this connection, concepts and perceptual processes mutually influence one another. We also describe connections between concepts and language that allow concepts to subserve abstract communication, and for language needs to reciprocally affect concepts. Finally, we predict future directions for concept learning research, including formal computational modeling and educational applications. Keywords: categorization; concept learning; exemplars; induction; prototypes; representation; rules; theories

Gender identity and adjustment in middle childhood.

Abstract: This article has two purposes. The first is to present a brief (and speculative) account of the developmental origins of the several components of gender identity featured in the multidimensional model of gender identity proposed by Egan and Perry (2001). The second is to offer additional empirical support for the construct and discriminant validity of the various gender identity dimensions. Children (M age = 11.5 years) were assessed for 4 components of gender identity: (a) felt gender typicality, (b) contentment with gender assignment, (c) felt pressure for gender conformity, and (d) intergroup bias (the sentiment that one's own sex is superior). Gender typicality, gender contentedness, and felt pressure (but not intergroup bias) related to indexes of psychosocial adjustment in specific and theoretically meaningful ways. The case for a multidimensional approach to gender identity is strengthened.

Broadcasting in ad hoc networks based on self-pruning

Abstract: We propose a general framework for broadcasting in ad hoc networks through self-pruning. The approach is based on selecting a small subset of hosts (also called nodes) to form a forward node set to carry out a broadcast process. Each node, upon receiving a broadcast packet, determines whether to forward the packet based on two neighborhood coverage conditions. These coverage conditions depend on neighbor connectivity and history of visited nodes, and in general, resort to global network information. Using local information such as k-hop neighborhood information, the forward node set is selected through a distributed and local pruning process. The forward node set can be constructed and maintained through either a proactive process (i.e., "up-to-date") or a reactive process (i.e., "on-the-fly"). Several existing broadcast algorithms can be viewed as special cases of the coverage conditions with k-hop neighborhood information. Simulation results show that new algorithms, which are more efficient than existing ones, can be derived from the coverage conditions, and self-pruning based on 2- or 3-hop neighborhood information is relatively cost-effective.

Helping Students Improve Academic Achievement and School Success Behavior.

Abstract: This article describes a study evaluating the impact of school-counselor-led interventions on student academic achievement and school success behavior. A group counseling and classroom guidance model called student success skills (SSS) was the primary intervention. The focus of the SSS model was on three sets of skills identified in several extensive reviews of educational research as being critical to school success: cognitive, social, and self-management skills. Students in grades five, six, eight, and nine participated. Positive effects on multiple measures were found. ********** A research project involving school counselors and students in fifth, sixth, eight, and ninth grades was implemented to determine the impact of school-counselor-led groups and classroom guidance on student academic achievement and behavior. The need for more accountability research related to school counselor services has been well documented. Whiston & Sexton (1998) represents the most current review of outcome research related to school counseling. In the 50 studies reviewed (1988-1995), tentative support was found for career planning, group counseling, social skills training, and peer counseling. Forty-three percent of the studies used standardized instruments or instruments that had been used in previous research. Thirty percent of the studies used instruments developed by the author of that particular study. The review concluded that a broad range of activities school counselors perform often result in positive change for students. Due to methodological limitations and the small number of outcome studies, Whiston & Sexton also concluded that there was a very limited reliable and valid body of research related to school counseling services. Four years later, Whiston (2002) responded to a special issue of the Professional School Counselor that focused on the past, present, and future of school counseling. Whiston made three major points that highlight the need for school counselors to measure the impact of their services. The first point was that although we can agree that counselors are helpful to students and have a significant influence on their development, there is not sufficient documentation, in the counseling literature, of the positive effects of school counselor services. The second point was that the school counseling profession is at risk because we do not have substantial research showing that school counseling programs produce positive results for children. The third point that Whiston made was that, in the current era of accountability, there will be increased demands for evidence that shows school counselors have a positive influence on student performance. Other researchers have also called for more school counseling accountability research, especially related to student performance (Fairchild, 1993; Fairchild, 1994; Otwell & Mullis 1997). One particular review of research reinforces the need for additional research related to school counselors' impact on student performance. Prout & Prout (1998) conducted a meta-analysis of 17 school-based studies, with 550 subjects, covering a 10-year period and found an effect size of .97 across all studies and outcome variables. A .97 effect size means that students receiving the interventions were significantly better off than approximately 97% of the comparison students. Almost all of the studies involved group counseling and all were conducted in schools. However, most interventions were not led by school counselors. While this review of research is important to school counselors because it highlights the positive aspects of counseling interventions in schools, it also highlights two weaknesses which need to be addressed. First, although most of the outcome research reviewed was conducted in schools, the research usually involved school psychologists or other mental health providers other than school counselors. Further, most of the outcome measures were self-reports, with little evidence of a strong link between counseling interventions and improvements in academic performance. …

The Paradox of American Power: Why the World’s Only Superpower Can’t Go it Alone: Joseph S. Nye, Jr.; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002, 222 pages

Abstract: International history unfolds in distinct eras. The task of policymakers, analysts, and scholars is to make sense of the main and defining characteristics of an era such that successful foreign pol...

Broadcasting in ad hoc networks based on self-pruning

Abstract: We propose a general framework for broadcasting in ad hoc networks through self-pruning. The approach is based on selecting a small subset of hosts (also called nodes) to form a forward node set on carry out a broadcast process. Each node, upon receiving a broadcast packet, determines whether to forward the packet or not based on two neighborhood coverage conditions proposed in this paper. These coverage conditions depend on neighbor connectivity and history of visited nodes, and in general, resort to global network information. Using local information such as k-hop neighborhood information, the forward node set is selected through a distributed and local pruning process. The forward node set can be constructed and maintained through either a proactive process (i.e., "up-to-date") or a reactive process (i.e., "on-the-fly"). Several existing broadcast algorithms can be viewed as special cases of the coverage conditions with k-hop neighborhood information. Simulation results show that new algorithms, which are more efficient than existing ones, can be derived from the coverage conditions, and self-pruning based on 2- or 3-hop neighborhood information is relatively more cost-effective.

Confirmatory Analysis of Computer Self-Efficacy

Abstract: Computer user self-efficacy plays a key role in self-motivation and affects potential usage of information systems technology. Previous research on self-efficacy has focused on perceptions of capability regarding specific computer-related knowledge and skills. This study extends previous exploratory work on computer self-efficacy. Using a sample of 414 college students, a proposed 4-factor self-efficacy model is tested. Results demonstrate support for the hypothesized model.

The little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata: distribution, impact, and control.

Abstract: The little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, has been increasing in importance as an exotic pest. Here we review published and unpublished information on its distribution, ecology, impact, and control. Wasmannia auropunctata occurs throughout most of the warmer parts of the New World, from subtropical Argentina to subtropical Mexico and through much of the Caribbean, though it is not clear whether this species is native to this entire region. During the past century, exotic populations of W. auropunctata have become established in numerous other places, including the Galapagos Islands, West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and possibly the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo), Melanesia (New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and possibly Tuvalu), Polynesia (Wallis and Futuna and Hawaii), the mainland US (Florida and possibly California), and on subtropical Atlantic islands (the Bahamas and Bermuda). The latitudinal range of known outdoors populations of W. auropunctata is from 32o40'S in Argentina to 32o20'N in Bermuda. Wasmannia auropunctata is also a greenhouse pest in more temperate regions, such as England and Canada. In many areas, W. auropunctata can be a significant agricultural pest, not only stinging agricultural workers, but also enhancing populations of Homoptera. Homoptera cause damage both through sapping plants of nutrients and by increasing the occurrence of diseases, including viral and fungal infections. In addition, W. auropunctata has negative impacts on many animals, both invertebrates and vertebrates, though most reports on such impact have been anecdotal. The impacts of W. auropunctata populations seem to be most severe on tropical islands where it is not native, such as the Galapagos, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands. Reports of widespread blindness in both domestic and native mammals caused by W. auropunctata stings deserve serious attention. Chemical control of W. auropunctata may be possible for small exotic populations spread over a few dozen hectares or less. For large exotic infestations, the only hope for long-term control appears to be classical biocontrol.

The profit efficiency of small US commercial banks

Abstract: This study investigates the profit efficiency (PROFEFF) of small banks (those under $500 million in total assets) for 1990–96. Assuming that small banks and large banks use the same production technology, we find, consistent with Berger and Mester [J. Bank. Finance 21 (1997) 875], that small banks are more profit efficient than large banks. Small banks in non-metropolitan statistical areas (non-MSA) areas are consistently more profit efficient than small banks in MSAs. Cross-sectional analysis of the correlates of the PROFEFF estimates suggests that structure–performance factors, relationship–development factors, and expense-preference behavior play an important role in explaining the PROFEFF of small US commercial banks.

Forward-node-set-based broadcast in clustered mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract: A taxonomy of broadcast protocols in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is given where protocols are classified into four groups: global, quasi-global, quasi-local, and local. The taxonomy also divides protocols based on the nature of algorithms: probabilistic and deterministic. The locality of maintenance also plays an important role in evaluating the protocol. An important objective in designing a broadcast protocol is to reduce broadcast redundancy to save scarce resources such as energy and bandwidth and to avoid the broadcast storm problem. This objective should be achieved without introducing excessive overhead and time delay, measured by sequential rounds of information exchanges. This is done by choosing a small forward node set that forms a connected dominating set (CDS) to carry out a broadcast process. In this paper, a clustered network model is proposed in which each node is a clusterhead in the clustered architecture. Clusterheads are connected by carefully selecting non-clusterhead nodes locally at each clusterhead to connect clusterheads within the 2.5-hop coverage, a novel notion proposed in this paper. Information of neighbor clusterheads is piggybacked on the broadcast packet to further reduce each forward node set. It is shown that this approach is quasi-local with locality of maintenance. In addition, this approach has a constant approximation ratio to the minimum connected dominating set (MCDS) and generates a small forward node set in the average case. Comparisons are also done through simulation with representative protocols from each of the four groups of protocols based on the proposed taxonomy. We also simulate the proposed broadcast protocol in a dynamic network and analyze its performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interpersonal Conflict, Agreeableness, and Personality Development

Abstract: This multimethod research linked the Big-Five personality dimensions to interpersonal conflict in childhood. Agreeableness was the personality dimension of focus because this dimension has been associated with maintaining positive interpersonal relations in adolescents and adults. In two studies, elementary school children were assessed on the Big-Five domains of personality. Study 1 (n=276) showed that agreeableness was uniquely associated with endorsements of conflict resolution tactics in children as well as parent and teacher reports of coping and adjustment. Study 2 (n=234) revealed that children's perceptions of themselves and others during conflict was influenced by their agreeableness regardless of their partner's agreeableness. Observers also reported that pairs higher in agreeableness had more harmonious, constructive conflicts. Overall findings suggest that of the Big-Five dimensions, agreeableness is most closely associated with processes and outcomes related to interpersonal conflict and adjustment in children.

Electronic window dressing: impression management with websites

Abstract: Businesses have embraced the Internet to reap economic advantages through the use of Websites Most Website design guidelines fail to address issues of branding and identity formation, focusing instead on concerns adapted from previous technologies However, many firms are not getting their desired results from the Website investments they have made following design guidelines reflecting graphic layout and system usability issues We suggest that Websites should be considered 'electronic storefronts' or public work areas providing frames of symbolic representations that create impressions of their sponsoring firms Our exploratory study shows that Websites influence potential customers' impressions of firms' legitimacy, innovation and caring, and that these impressions vary significantly across firms and industries Website visitors encounter symbols that are compared to mental models stored in memory and used to form impressions of the site and to draw inferences about the firm These inferences have previously been found to influence purchasing behavior Designers should be cognizant of these aspects of e-Business and executives should recognize the power of Web-based impression management Identity management must take center stage in creating a Web presence

Effect of music on chronic osteoarthritis pain in older people.

Abstract: BackgroundOsteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease in humans. It usually begins in middle age and is progressive. Chronic pain in older people presents a significant obstacle in maintaining function and independence. Previous studies have shown that music can improve motivation, elevat

Variability of Broca's area homologue in African great apes: implications for language evolution.

Abstract: The cortical circuits subserving neural processing of human language are localized to the inferior frontal operculum and the posterior perisylvian region. Functional language dominance has been related to anatomical asymmetry of Broca's area and the planum temporale. The evolutionary history of these asymmetric patterns, however, remains obscure. Although testing of hypotheses about the evolution of language areas requires comparison to homologous regions in the brains of our closest living relatives, the great apes, to date little is known about normal interindividual variation of these regions in this group. Here we focus on Brodmann's area 44 in African great apes (Pan troglodytes and Gorilla gorilla). This area corresponds to the pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and has been shown to exhibit both gross and cytoarchitectural asymmetries in humans. We calculated frequencies of sulcal variations and mapped the distribution of cytoarchitectural area 44 to determine whether its boundaries occurred at consistent macrostructural landmarks. A considerable amount of variation was found in the distribution of the inferior frontal sulci among great ape brains. The inferior precentral sulcus in particular was often bifurcated, which made it impossible to determine the posterior boundary of the pars opercularis. In addition, the distribution of Brodmann's area 44 showed very little correspondence to surface anatomy. We conclude that gross morphologic patterns do not offer substantive landmarks for the measurement of Brodmann's area 44 in great apes. Whether or not Broca's area homologue of great apes exhibits humanlike asymmetry can only be resolved through further analyses of microstructural components.

Fault Prediction Modeling for Software Quality Estimation: Comparing Commonly Used Techniques

Abstract: High-assurance and complex mission-critical software systems are heavily dependent on reliability of their underlying software applications. An early software fault prediction is a proven technique in achieving high software reliability. Prediction models based on software metrics can predict number of faults in software modules. Timely predictions of such models can be used to direct cost-effective quality enhancement efforts to modules that are likely to have a high number of faults. We evaluate the predictive performance of six commonly used fault prediction techniques: CART-LS (least squares), CART-LAD (least absolute deviation), S-PLUS, multiple linear regression, artificial neural networks, and case-based reasoning. The case study consists of software metrics collected over four releases of a very large telecommunications system. Performance metrics, average absolute and average relative errors, are utilized to gauge the accuracy of different prediction models. Models were built using both, original software metrics (RAW) and their principle components (PCA). Two-way ANOVA randomized-complete block design models with two blocking variables are designed with average absolute and average relative errors as response variables. System release and the model type (RAW or PCA) form the blocking variables and the prediction technique is treated as a factor. Using multiple-pairwise comparisons, the performance order of prediction models is determined. We observe that for both average absolute and average relative errors, the CART-LAD model performs the best while the S-PLUS model is ranked sixth.