Showing papers by "San Diego State University published in 1981"

An Examination of Comparative and Noncomparative Television Commercials: The Effects of Claim Variation and Repetition on Cognitive Response and Message Acceptance:

Abstract: A cognitive response approach is used to examine the effects of one- and two-sided comparative and noncomparative commercials seen over three levels of repetition. Results indicate qualitative diff...

Impacts of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) predation on plankton communities

Abstract: An investigation of the effects of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) predation was conducted in 12 experimental ponds in southern California over a period of 10 months.Gambusia essentially eliminatedDaphnia pulex andCeriodaphnia sp. populations, reducedDiaptomus pallidus andKeratella quadrata populations, had little impact onCyclops vernalis, and caused large increases inK. cochlearis, Polyarthra sp.,Synchaeta sp., andTrichocerca spp. populations and in total phytoplankton.Gambusia caused a decrease in the PIE (probability of interspecific encounter) of the planktonic crustaceans and an increase in the PIE of the planktonic rotifers. Hemiptera, such as neustonicMicrovelia sp. and nektonicBuenoa sp. andNotonecta sp., andHyla regilla tadpoles were absent from fish ponds but sometimes abundant in control ponds.Gambusia caused higher pH and oxygen levels, presumably via its effect on the phytoplankton. The impact ofGambusia on the pond ecosystems was less in winter, when fish numbers and feeding rates were low, than in summer. Results of other fish-plankton studies are summarized in tabular form. A model is proposed to account for variation in the calanoid/cyclopoid ratio; evidence is summarized suggesting that in general calanoids are more susceptible to predation by predaceous zooplankters while cyclopoids are more susceptible to fish predation. Some parallels are drawn between the effects ofGambusia predation and those of insecticide treatments.

Three investigations exploring relationships between perceived teacher communication behaviors and student learning

Abstract: This essay reports three investigations which examined the relationship between perceived teacher communication behavior and either student perceptions of teaching effectiveness or student learning. Teachers who were perceived as having greater interpersonal solidarity and a more positive communicator style (more dramatic, open, relaxed, impression leaving, and friendly) were perceived as more effective. Furthermore, positive perceptions of teacher communicator style resulted in greater student affect toward the instructor, the course content, and the overall course. It also resulted in greater student behavioral intent to use the course. The relationship of communicator style to cognitive learning, however, was less clear and basically nonexistent. The relationship between perceived teacher immediacy (a variable previously demonstrated to be highly predictive of affective and behavioral commitment) and communicator style was also examined and discussed.

General theory of metastable operation

Abstract: Metastable operation is a fundamental phenomenon of sequential networks that process asynchronous inputs. Nevertheless, because of its subtle nature and the relatively low probability of its occurrence in conventional systems, this phenomenon is neither well understood nor widely appreciated. With continuing advances in digital technology, however, there is a growing interest in large-scale highly parallel systems. Such systems are likely to involve numerous high-frequency asynchronous interactions, which may result in frequent measures to prevent such failures. In recent years, a number of researchers have been working with some success to develop techniques for dealing with this failure mode. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive theory of metastable operation that may lead to a better understanding of this phenomenon and provide theoretical support for further work in this area.

Infrared energy levels and intensities of carbon dioxide—II

Abstract: Energy levels and rotational constants are provided for all carbon dioxide infrared absorption transitions of significance for terrestrial atmospheric transmission. Constants have been recalculated using new FTS measurements in the 4.3 μm region at elevated temperature, new FTS measurements in the 15, 5, and 2 μm regions, precise laser measurements around 10 μm, and high resolution grating spectrometer measurements of isotopically enriched samples. Band centers, band strengths, and coriolis coupling constants are given for some 560 bands.

Recall of Mathematical Problem Information: Solving Related Problems

Abstract: When solving a new problem, a successful problem solver presumably uses information, procedures, and more general notions that have been obtained from previous experience and training. Gestalt psychologists (Duncker, 1945; Luchins, 1942) have demonstrated that prior experience with related problems may have a negative effect in certain new problem-solving situations. In recent years, attention has been focused on identifying the circumstances under which positive transfer occurs. Reed, Ernst, and Banerji (1974) examined performance on the "Missionaries and Cannibals" problem and one of its homomorphs and reported that subjects exhibited positive transfer between the similar problems only when they were told of the relationship between the problems and only when they solved the more difficult problem of the pair first. Kulm and Days (1979) used an information-theoretic approach to study transfer between problems with related structures. They reported that significant transfer occurred when subjects solved an equivalent puzzle problem (Missionaries and Cannibals) but not an equivalent algebraic problem. However, significant transfer was reported when solving a similar algebraic problem but not a similar puzzle problem. The solution of related problems appeared to help subjects focus on relevant strategies, but different problem contexts appeared to interfere with transfer. Simon and Hayes (1976) also reported that the "cover story," or problem context, may have a significant effect on a subject's problem-solving performance. All the investigations cited above involved college students and, with the exception of an algebraic problem in the Kulm and Days study, all involved the solution of puzzle problems-Missionaries and Cannibals, Tower of Hanoi, and their isomorphs or homomorphs. The present study sought to extend this work by using school-age subjects and mathematical word problems of the kind usually encountered in school. Furthermore, the study looked specifically at the role of memory in transfer between related problems.

Effective Parental Coping Following the Death of a Child from Cancer

Abstract: One of the consistent suggestions given in the literature for helping the child with cancer deal with the anxieties relative to the illness is to have the family and physician respond as openly and honestly as possible to the child’s questions, at the child’s level of development and readiness (Adams, 1980; Futterman & Hoffman, 1973; Kagen-Goodheart, 1977; Kellerman, 1980; O’Malley & Koocher, 1980; Schulman & Kupst, 1980; Slavin, 1980; Sourkes, 1977; Spinetta, 1977, 1978; Spinetta & Deasy-Spinetta, 1980). With openness and honesty regarding the diagnosis and prognosis a more common policy in our present treatment of children with cancer, concern has shifted from the issue of telling or not telling, to the issue of maintaining an open pattern of communication at a level that is both consistent and supportive.

Precipitation over the Atlantic Ocean, 30°S to 70°N

Abstract: New estimates of rainfall over the Atlantic Ocean between 30°S to 70°N have been constructed based an a technique that uses the present weather observations taken by ships. Annual and quarterly rainfall maps are presented. Between the equator and 60°N, the average annual rainfall depth is 1034 mm and the annual volume is 3.93 × 104km3. Compared to the Pacific, the Atlantic is significantly drier and has less extreme values. Maps of amplitude and phase show that most of the North Atlantic cast of 60°W experiences a inter peak rainfall. The South Atlantic experiences its peak rainfall in the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Modeling Gradual Dam Breaches

Abstract: A simulation model of the gradual failure of an earth dam has been formulated, developed and tested with real-life data. A significant feature of the model is its ability to account for the growth of the breach and the eventual draining of the reservoir. Concepts of water and sediment routing are used in conjunction with a channel geometry descriptor to arrive at a self-contained mathematical model of the breach enlargement and the ensuing flood wave. Unsteady flow elements of the simulation are an implicit numerical solution of the complete Saint Venant equations coupled with a sequential sediment routing technique. This approach provides an increased rational basis for determining outflow hydrographs from postulated earth dam breaches.

AFGL trace gas compilation: 1980 version.

Abstract: A new edition of the AFGL trace gas compilation is now available. Absorption line parameters of positions, intensities, and half-widths are given for the major bands of thirteen gases covering the spectral region from 0 to 10,000/cm. In addition to updating the original gases (NO, SO2, NO2, and NH3), the molecules HNO3, OH, HF, HCl, HBr, HI, ClO, OCS, and H2CO have been added to the compilation. The sources for the additions and modifications are described.

Comparative performance in discrimination learning tasks in two New World primates (Saimiri sciureus andCallicebus moloch)

Abstract: Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) and titi monkeys (Callicebus moloch) were tested in three two-choice visual discrimination experiments. Although, on average, squirrel monkeys performed more accurately than titis, the range of response accuracies in the two species overlapped considerably in all three experiments and changes in response accuracy over test sessions and across experiments were similar in the two species. Thus, the species shared several behavioral characteristics expected of New World primates in this setting. Squirrel monkeys’ performance appeared to be more affected than titis’ by task difficulty, and squirrel monkeys were individually less consistent than titis. These differences were associated with higher activity levels and briefer overt attentiveness to the repetitive task in squirrel monkeys and, conversely, with lower activity levels, slower working speeds, and sustained interest in the task in titis. The associated differences are discussed in relation to each species performance in other laboratory settings and the characteristic patterns of foraging and use of space in nature.

Beliefs in Paranormal Phenomena and Locus of Control: A Field Study

Abstract: Beliefs in paranormal phenomena and their relationship to locus of control were investigated for four groups that varied in terms of their involvement with paranormal practices. Subjects completed a questionnaire designed to assess degree of involvement and beliefs in paranormal phenomena, locus of control, sociopolitical attitudes, and demographic characteristics. It was predicted and found that (a) paranormal beliefs increased as involvement increased; (b) internality increased as involvement increased; and (c) involvement and locus of control interacted so that with high and moderate involvement, paranormal beliefs were associated with an internal locus of control, whereas with low involvement, there was a slight tendency for paranormal beliefs to be related to an external locus of control. Analyses of the paranormal beliefs questionnaire and the relationship between paranormal beliefs and sociopolitical attitudes, demographics, and locus of control scores are also reported. Re-evaluation of previous studies of personality dimensions associated with esoteric belief systems that have relied solely on low-involveme nt (student) samples is suggested.

Delayed seed dispersal in Pinus torreyana (Torrey pine)

Abstract: Torrey pine exhibits a pattern of seed release intermediate between an open and closed-cone species. It was found that the cones open at maturity, but that seed fall from some cones continues for up to 13 years. Approximately 77% of the total seed crop was present in age classes one or more years past the time of seed maturity.

School Funding and Student Achievement: an Empirical Analysis:

Abstract: This article presents the results of an empirical analysis of the relationship between school funding and student achievement across school districts in Cali- fornia. Student achievement is measured by district average scores on ien standardized tests. The model controls for standard socioeconomic factors and entry-level student performance. It is found that changes in expenditure patterns, e.g., equalization of funding per student, would have a statistically sig nificant effect on test scores.

Detritus utilization by Mytilus edulis

Abstract: Feeding expriments showed that salt marsh vascular plant detritus is a poor food for Mytilus edulis . In laboratory experiment tissue weight of mussels increased slightly when Spartina foliosa and Salicornia virginica detritus was added to background seawater rich in organic matter. However, mussels lost weight when detritus was added to background seawater with a lower organic matter content. Aged and unaged plant material were equally poor in food value for M. edulis . Mussels in the Tijuana Estuary grew substantially during the period of the laboratory experiments.

School Behavior Problems of Learning Disabled and Normal Girls and Boys

Abstract: Girls and boys aged 7 to 12 years, identified as either learning disabled or normal, were rated by their teachers on the Behavior Problem Checklist. Analysis of these ratings revealed that school b...

Paleogeography and Sedimentology of Upper Cretaceous Turbidites, San Diego, California

Abstract: Upper Cretaceous (Campanian and Maestrichtian) marine strata of the Rosario Group in the San Diego area include the Point Loma Formation and overlying Cabrillo Formation. These units contain six facies associations: (1) shelf and lagoonal sandstone, (2) slope and basin-plain(?) mudstone, (3) outer-fan lobe sandstone, (4) middle-fan channel-fill sandstone, (5) middle-and inner-fan interchannel and channel-margin thin-bedded turbidites and mudstone, and (6) inner-fan channel-fill conglomerate and sandstone. The facies associations define a deep-sea fan deposited by westward-flowing sediment gravity flows that transported sediments derived chiefly from batholithic and prebatholithic metamorphic rocks of the Peninsular Ranges. The sedimentary basin initially deepened abruptly, partly aided by eustatic sea-level rise. The fan then prograded westward into the basin, with a retrogradational phase recorded in the uppermost part of the sequence, which is erosionally truncated by transgressive lower Eocene conglomerate. The fan was deposited along the eastern edge of a forearc basin similar to that of the Great Valley sequence in northern California. The western part of the fan, which probably contained mostly outer-fan lobe and associated basin-plain deposits, appears to have been truncated by late Cenozoic strike-slip faulting associated with the San Andreas fault system. The fan and remnants of the western part of the basin and associated subduction complex may be present on the northwest in the Channel Islands region or still farther north.

On Ethnographic Studies and Multicultural Education.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to review and assess the contributions of current ethnographic studies, with a focus on microethnographic research, to a better understanding of the educational process in multicultural settings. In pursuing this purpose, the paper addresses the development of microethnographic research methods, the characteristics and findings of current microethnographic studies, and the overall state of the art of this field as it relates to education in multicultural settings.

Comparative field water relations of four co-occurring chaparral shrub species.

Abstract: The seasonal course of water relations was measured in the field in Adenostoma fasciculatum, Quercus dumosa, Ceanothus greggii, and Arctostaphylos glauca, four prominent members of the southern California chaparral vegetation. Ceanothus greggii and A. glauca developed similar seasonal patterns of minimum leaf water potentials, as estimated by xylem pressure measurements, which were much less negative than A. fasciculatum and Q. dumosa growing in close proximity on the same pole-facing slope site. Adenostoma fasciculatum on an adjacent equator-facing slope developed more negative water potentials than did A. fasciculatum on the pole-facing slope.Leaf conductance differed between species, and by leaf age class and slope exposure within a species. The greatest differences were measured between leaf age classes in A. fasciculatum on the pole-facing slope, with new leaves showing the greatest conductances early in the season. The same trend was measured in A. fasciculatum on the equator-facing slope, but the differences were less between leaf age classes and diminished earlier in the season than in A. fasciculatum on the pole-facing slope. The analysis of daily hysteresis in the leaf conductance-water potential relation suggests that early in the season when water is available, stomatal behavior is simultaneously governed by a complex of environmental factors, while late in the season stomatal behavior becomes increasingly dominated by tissue water status.

The Transformation of the American Office: Changes in Employment and Technology

Abstract: Between 1870 and 1930 production methods in American offices changed substantially as mechanical devices were introduced and work was subdivided and routinized. This paper explores connections between these technological advances and changes in clerical emplyment, particularly the employment of women in offices. A close correspondence is found between the timing of changes in the sex composition of clerical employment and the adoption of new techniques. It is argued that the new technology led to increased hiring of female clerical workers by reducing the form-specific skill requirements for clerical jobs.

Modeling Circulation in Depth-Averaged Flow

Abstract: The clarification of the physical mechanisms leading to the generation of circulation in free surface flow is sought by using a depth-averaged two-dimensional mathematical model. The depth-averaged two-dimensional governing equation set is used as a basis for the development of a finite difference model employing a multioperational procedure to advance the values of the dependent variables in time. Two geometric configurations are extensively tested regarding the mathematical model itself and the boundary conditions. It is found that proper modeling of the effective stresses is a necessary condition for the resolution of steady, closed-streamline circulation in depth-averaged mathematical models. In addition, a competition exists between convective inertia and bed resistance. Circulating flow is inhibited when bed resistance predominates. The type of boundary condition specification is found to have a significant effect in the resulting flow pattern.

Effects of nicotine on two types of motor activity in rats.

Abstract: Effects of injections of two doses of nicotine (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg body wt) were tested on general activity (in a photocell chamber) and on locomotor activity (in an activity wheel) in male and female rats of two ages (40 and 90 days). Behavior was monitored under light and dark conditions at 15, 30, and 45 min post-injection over a period of 12 days. A general excitatory effect of nicotine was observed in the photocell chamber, with the high dosage greatly increasing activity for younger and female animals. In the activity wheel an initial depressant effect was observed followed by excitation at the lower dose. No evidence for tolerance or difference between light and dark test conditions was found.

Sexual Segregation, Cliques, and Social Power in Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri) Groups

Abstract: This report presents two studies of captive squirrel monkeys living in mixed-sex social groups: In the first study, we quantified social interaction patterns and spacing in two groups during their regular daily feeding period. Dispersal of food was rapid, owing to the animals' tendencies to drop items on the cage floor, and competitive interactions were infrequent. Adult males and females were spatially segregated, and between-sex interactions were relatively infrequent. Dyadic proximity data indicated that each group contained several cliques of from two to three individuals, usually of the same sex. Members of a clique not only spent more time near each other, but favored the same areas in the cage, even when they were not in proximity. Measures of proximity and agonism were positively correlated. In the second study, the same groups were presented with either one or two bottles of fruit drink, a highly desired, non-dispersible resource, or with one or two bottles of plain water. During water-bottle sessions, between-sex interactions were no more frequent or agonistic than they were in the normative study; in the highly competitive fruit-drink sessions, however, males frequently directed agonistic behavior against females and against each other, and they successfully dominated access to the fruit-drink bottles. In contrast, female agonism was directed mainly toward other females. Our observations suggest that membership in a clique may provide a competitive advantage. In one group, a clique consisting of a mother and her daughter successfully excluded other females from the fruit-drink bottles; in another group, the only females to compete vigorously against males were members of the same clique; after one of the two males in this group was removed, females for the first time made occasional joint attacks on the remaining adult male, and he appeared to become less assertive and successful in competitive tests. We suggest that the social and spatial peripherality of males is not simply the result of coercive exclusion by females, but also reflects a "choice" by males to avoid interacting with females under most circumstances. When male motivation is strong, however, they readily approach females, aggress against them, and assert themselves successfully in competitive interactions, even against a substantial female majority.