Showing papers by "San Jose State University published in 2002"

FVC2000: fingerprint verification competition

Abstract: Reliable and accurate fingerprint recognition is a challenging pattern recognition problem, requiring algorithms robust in many contexts. FVC2000 competition attempted to establish the first common benchmark, allowing companies and academic institutions to unambiguously compare performance and track improvements in their fingerprint recognition algorithms. Three databases were created using different state-of-the-art sensors and a fourth database was artificially generated; 11 algorithms were extensively tested on the four data sets. We believe that FVC2000 protocol, databases, and results will be useful to all practitioners in the field not only as a benchmark for improving methods, but also for enabling an unbiased evaluation of algorithms.

Centers of excellence in multinational corporations

Abstract: This paper seeks to understand the conditions under which ‘centers of excellence’ emerge in foreign subsidiaries of multinational firms. We define a center of excellence as an organizational unit that embodies a set of capabilities that has been explicitly recognized by the firm as an important source of value creation, with the intention that these capabilities be leveraged by and/or disseminated to other parts of the firm. Drawing on overlapping research in international business and strategic management, we argue that the formation of centers of excellence is shaped by conditions in the subsidiary's local environment as well as by various aspects of the subsidiary's relationship with other parts of the multinational firm. Based on a survey of 99 foreign units in Canada, our results highlight the fundamental role played by parent firm investment as well as the role of internal and external organizations in the development of subsidiary capabilities. Performance implications of the center of excellence phenomenon are also explored. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

FVC2002: Second Fingerprint Verification Competition

Abstract: Two years after the first edition, a new Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC2002) was organized by the authors, with the aim of determining the state-of-the-art in this challenging pattern recognition application. The experience and the feedback received from FVC2000 allowed the authors to improve the organization of FVC2002 and to capture the attention of a significantly higher number of academic and commercial organizations (33 algorithms were submitted). This paper discusses the FVC2002 database, the test protocol and the main differences between FVC2000 and FVC2002. The algorithm performance evaluation will be presented at the 16/sup th/ ICPR.

Gender and Ethnic Differences in Health Beliefs and Behaviors

Abstract: This study explored the extent to which college men and women of various racial and ethnic groups differ in their health beliefs and behaviors. Exploratory factor analyses of survey responses from a diverse sample of 1816 undergraduate students identified 21 items in six cohesive domains: Diet; Anger and Stress; Preventive Care; Medical Compliance; Substance Use; and Beliefs about Masculinity. Analyses of variance explored group differences across these domains. Findings revealed consistent gender differences, with men engaging in riskier behaviors and holding riskier beliefs than women. Main effects for ethnicity were also observed, but only for the diet domain was a gender by ethnicity interaction found. Implications for establishing gender- and ethnicity-based health promotion and disease prevention interventions are discussed.

Data mining, rough sets and granular computing

Abstract: 1: Granular Computing - A New Paradigm.- Some Reflections on Information Granulation and its Centrality in Granular Computing, Computing with Words, the Computational Theory of Perceptions and Precisiated Natural Language.- 2: Granular Computing in Data Mining.- Data Mining Using Granular Computing: Fast Algorithms for Finding Association Rules.- Knowledge Discovery with Words Using Cartesian Granule Features: An Analysis for Classification Problems.- Validation of Concept Representation with Rule Induction and Linguistic Variables.- Granular Computing Using Information Tables.- A Query-Driven Interesting Rule Discovery Using Association and Spanning Operations.- 3: Data Mining.- An Interactive Visualization System for Mining Association Rules.- Algorithms for Mining System Audit Data.- Scoring and Ranking the Data Using Association Rules.- Finding Unexpected Patterns in Data.- Discovery of Approximate Knowledge in Medical Databases Based on Rough Set Model.- 4: Granular Computing.- Observability and the Case of Probability.- Granulation and Granularity via Conceptual Structures: A Perspective From the Point of View of Fuzzy Concept Lattices.- Granular Computing with Closeness and Negligibility Relations.- Application of Granularity Computing to Confirm Compliance with Non-Proliferation Treaty.- Basic Issues of Computing with Granular Probabilities.- Multi-dimensional Aggregation of Fuzzy Numbers Through the Extension Principle.- On Optimal Fuzzy Information Granulation.- Ordinal Decision Making with a Notion of Acceptable: Denoted Ordinal Scales.- A Framework for Building Intelligent Information-Processing Systems Based on Granular Factor Space.- 5: Rough Sets and Granular Computing.- GRS: A Generalized Rough Sets Model.- Structure of Upper and Lower Approximation Spaces of Infinite Sets.- Indexed Rough Approximations, A Polymodal System, and Generalized Possibility Measures.- Granularity, Multi-valued Logic, Bayes' Theorem and Rough Sets.- The Generic Rough Set Inductive Logic Programming (gRS-ILP) Model.- Possibilistic Data Analysis and Its Similarity to Rough Sets.

A New View of Women's Sexual Problems

Abstract: * PART I: A NEW VIEW OF WOMEN'S SEXUAL PROBLEMS * A New View of Women's Sexual Problems * PART II: COMMENTARIES ON THE DOCUMENT: A NEW VIEW OF WOMEN'S SEXUAL PROBLEMS * "A New View of Women's Sexual Problems"-A Family Physician's Response * The Taming of the Screw: Reflections on "A New View of Women's Sexual Problems" * Evidence for the Importance of Relationship Satisfaction for Women's Sexual Functioning * Beyond STD Prevention: Implications of the New View of Women's Sexual Problems * The New View and Latina Sexualities: "Pero no soy una maquina!" * Reaching the Hard to Reach: Implications of the New View of Women's Sexual Problems * Sex Therapy with "A New View" * An Israeli Sex Therapist Considers a New View of Women's Sexual Problems * New View of Women's Sexuality: The Case of Costa Rica * New View of Women's Sexuality: The Case of India * PART III: NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THEORY AND RESEARCH ON WOMEN'S SEXUALITIES * Arriving at a "New View" of Women's Sexual Problems: Background, Theory, and Activism * Embodying Orgasm: Gendered Power Relations and Sexual Pleasure * A New Paradigm for Women's Sexual Orientation: Implications for Therapy * On the Outside Looking In: In Search of Women's Sexual Experience * Gendered Messages in Sex Ed Films: Trend and Implications for Female Sexual Problems * A Research Inquiry into Some American Women's Sexual Concerns and Problems * Not Tonight Dear, I'm Deconstructing a Headache: Confessions of a Lesbian Sex Therapist * Epilogue: The Demiurge Remaps the Semi-Urge * What's in a Disorder: A Cultural Analysis of Medical and Pharmaceutical Constructions of Male and Female Sexual Dysfunctions * Female Adolescent Sexuality: An Argument for a Developmental Perspective on the New View of Women's Sexual Problems * Orgasms for Sale: The Role of Profit and Politics in Addressing Women's Sexual Satisfaction * Index * Reference Notes Included

Cigarette Smoking and the Desire to Quit Among Individuals Living with HIV

Abstract: Among individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), studies have found that smokers are at greater risk than nonsmokers to develop bacterial pneumonia, oral lesions and acquired immun...

The effects of soy-derived phytoestrogens on serum lipids and lipoproteins in moderately hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.

Abstract: Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). This increase is due primarily to elevated cholesterol concentrations accompanying the loss of endogenous estrogen secretion. Recently, the consumption of soy foods has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol concentrations. Phytoestrogens (PE) have been proposed as the responsible agents of the hypocholesterolemic effect of soy foods. However, few studies have investigated the effect of PE supplementation on serum lipoproteins. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of PE supplementation (150 mg) on serum lipids and lipoproteins in moderately hypercholesterolemic, elderly, postmenopausal women. Thirty-six subjects were randomized into two groups and received either a 150-mg PE supplement/d (n = 20) or a placebo (n = 16). Serum samples obtained at baseline and 2 months were analyzed for total triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol using standard Lipid Research Clinic procedures. In addition, total triacylglycerol and cholesterol were measured after 6 months of treatment. The t test and ANOVA were employed to compare the two groups. The results (mean +/- SEM) indicated no significant differences in total triacylglycerol (1.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.2 mmol/liter), total cholesterol (6.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.5 +/- 0.2 mmol/liter), or high density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.1 mmol/liter) between the placebo and the PE groups, respectively, after 2 months of treatment. Moreover, total triacylglycerol and cholesterol remained unchanged after 6 months. Our findings suggest that PE supplementation with 150 mg/d over a 6-month period does not significantly alter serum lipoproteins in postmenopausal women and, therefore, may not effectively reduce the risk of CAD in this population.

Comparison of Kinetic Theory and Hydrodynamics for Poiseuille Flow

Abstract: Comparison of particle (DSMC) simulation with the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations for pressure-driven plane Poiseuille flow is presented and contrasted with that of the acceleration-driven Poiseuille flow. Although for the acceleration-driven case DSMC measurements are qualitatively different from the NS solution at relatively low Knudsen number, the two are in somewhat better agreement for pressure-driven flow.

Granular Computing on Binary Relations Analysis of Conflict and Chinese Wall Security Policy

Abstract: In this paper, a study of the granular computing on binary relations is presented. The result is applied to the analysis of conflict of interests relation(CIR) and the Chinese wall security policy (CWSP).

Nonmigrating tides in the thermosphere of Mars

Abstract: [1] The vertical propagation of nonmigrating (i.e., longitude-dependent or non–Sun-synchronous) solar diurnal and semidiurnal tides into the thermosphere of Mars is investigated through numerical simulation. The waves are generated in the NASA Ames Mars general circulation model (MGCM) through solar radiative, topographic, and nonlinear processes using a comprehensive physics package and including a diurnal cycle. At an altitude near 70 km, zonal wave number decompositions of the diurnal and semidiurnal tidal fields are performed, and each wave component is extended from 70 to 250 km using a linear steady state global scale wave model for Mars (Mars GSWM). Conditions representative of aerocentric longitudes Ls = 30 (near equinox) and Ls = 270 (Southern Hemisphere summer solstice) are considered. Modeled total relative density variations of order ±10–40% near 125 km are analyzed in terms of the zonal wave numbers (ks) seen from the Sun-synchronous perspective of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) accelerometer experiment, and yield reasonable agreement in amplitude and phase with the density measurements. The model indicates the two most important waves responsible for ks = 3 to be the eastward-propagating diurnal and semidiurnal oscillations with zonal wave numbers s = 2 (∼15–40%) and s = 1 (∼8%), respectively. The eastward-propagating diurnal component with s = 1 (∼15%) and the semidiurnal standing (s = 0) oscillation (∼4–23%) are concluded to be the main contributors to the ks = 2 longitudinal density variation seen from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS). The standing (s = 0) diurnal oscillation (∼4–5%) and the westward-propagating semidiurnal component with s = 1 (∼5–8%) emerge as the most likely contributors to ks = 1. Other waves that may make important secondary contributions include the westward-propagating semidiurnal oscillations with s = 3 (∼4–6%) and s = 4 (∼3–9%). In addition, above 100 km the wind and temperature fields associated with the above waves represent ∼15–30% perturbations on the Sun-synchronous wind and temperature fields driven in situ by EUV and near-IR solar radiation absorption. Nonmigrating tides primarily arise from zonal asymmetries in wave forcing associated with Mars' topography; our results show for the first time that the dynamical effects of Mars' topography extend throughout the atmospheric column to Mars' exobase (∼200–250 km).

Review Modern magnetic materials in data storage

Abstract: The current status of the technology of magnetic recording as used in disk drives is reviewed. The emphasis is on the magnetic materials used in the application and on some of the technical problems that may limit the increase in areal density. The new technology of magnetic random access memory (MRAM), which has evolved from the magnetic recording application, is also reviewed. A wide range of magnetic materials is essential for the advance of magnetic recording and the MRAM technology. For the magnetic-recording application the requirements are for high-magnetization, soft magnetic materials for write heads, new antiferromagnetic alloys with high blocking temperatures, large coupling to ferromagnetic films and low susceptibility to corrosion for pinning films in giant magnetoresistive sensors, and for the MRAM application, the requirement is for new ferromagnetic alloys with large values of tunneling polarization ratio. A significant limitation to magnetic recording is found to be the inconsistent demands on media thickness: small media thicknesses are required for large values of signal-to-noise ratio, while large values of thickness are required to reduce the impact of the superparamagnetic effect, which results in the potential for data loss over time. Both of these requirements are discussed. Multilayer ferromagnetic films for recording surfaces are shown to allow both large signal-to-noise ratio and adequate resistance to data loss.

Moving the discourse on identities in intercultural communication: Structure, culture, and resignifications

Abstract: In this essay, we seek to provide a focused critique of theories of identity within intercultural communication literature. In addition, we propose ways of revising/extending identity theorizing in the field through the use of alternative communication‐based frameworks or theoretical lenses that give the construct, “identity,”; a more dynamic and multi‐faceted re‐reading; and finally, we offer empirical examples of the use of such alternative frameworks in three brief case studies drawn from the three authors’ individual works. This essay will therefore surface both the structural constraints as well as the subjective re‐creative processes involved in the constructing, construing, performing, and negotiating of identities. Ultimately, we seek to show how the concept, “identity,”; might be engaged more adequately taking into consideration its cultural, historical, and political embeddedness in multiple contexts using the lens of communication.

Thermodynamic Conditions for the Surface-Stimulated Crystallization of Atmospheric Droplets

Abstract: We attempt to explain the experimental and molecular dynamics simulation evidence that suggests that the freezing of atmospheric aerosols occurs beginning at the droplet surface By using the capillarity approximation, we derive the reversible work of formation of a crystal nucleus in the cases where it forms homogeneously within a (supercooled) bulk liquid and where it forms “pseudoheterogeneously” at the surface Comparing the works of formation in these two cases, one obtains a condition that must hold in order for pseudoheterogeneous (surface) crystallization to be thermodynamically more favorable than homogeneous (bulk) crystallization This condition is satisfied when at least one crystal facet is only partially wettable by its own melt 1 Surface versus Bulk Nucleation This paper may be regarded as a sequel to the preceding paper, 1 in which the analysis of existing laboratory data on the freezing of droplets of aqueous HNO3 into NAT and NAD particles suggests a nucleation process that is surface based Here, we present a theoretical analysis to determine conditions under which the surface-stimulated mode of crystallization is thermodynamically favored over the volume-based mode

Simulation of the atmospheric thermal circulation of a martian volcano using a mesoscale numerical model

Abstract: Mesoscale (<100 km) atmospheric phenomena are ubiquitous on Mars, as revealed by Mars Orbiter Camera images. Numerical models provide an important means of investigating martian atmospheric dynamics, for which data availability is limited. But the resolution of general circulation models, which are traditionally used for such research, is not sufficient to resolve mesoscale phenomena. To provide better understanding of these relatively small-scale phenomena, mesoscale models have recently been introduced. Here we simulate the mesoscale spiral dust cloud observed over the caldera of the volcano Arsia Mons by using the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modelling System. Our simulation uses a hierarchy of nested models with grid sizes ranging from 240 km to 3 km, and reveals that the dust cloud is an indicator of a greater but optically thin thermal circulation that reaches heights of up to 30 km, and transports dust horizontally over thousands of kilometres.

Optical spectroscopy and visible stimulated emission of Dy 3 + ions in monoclinic α − KY ( WO 4 ) 2 and α − KGd ( WO 4 ) 2 crystals

Abstract: The complex crystallographic, spectroscopic, and laser properties of ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{3+}$ ions in $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{KY}({\mathrm{WO}}_{4}{)}_{2}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{KGd}({\mathrm{WO}}_{4}{)}_{2}$ single crystals are investigated. Individual Stark levels for many of the ${}^{2S+1}{L}_{J}$ manifolds of ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{3+}$ ${(4f}^{9})$ ions in these monoclinic tungstates are obtained from luminescence and absorption spectra up to \ensuremath{\approx}28 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ at \ensuremath{\approx}15 K. A crystal-field splitting analysis for the majority of these manifolds is performed. The rms deviation between 73 experimental and calculated ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{3+}$ Stark levels for both crystals was \ensuremath{\approx}10 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. Theoretical calculations of intermanifold intensity parameters are carried out by methods using the Judd-Ofelt approach with regard to interconfiguration interaction. All luminescence channels originating from levels of the metstable ${}^{4}{F(3)}_{9/2}$ state are compared with measured data. Pulsed stimulated emission in the visible range at the wavelengths of two lasing channels ${}^{4}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{{F(3)}_{9/2}}}^{6}{H}_{13/2}$ and ${}^{4}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{{F(3)}_{9/2}}}^{6}{H}_{11/2}$ of ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{3+}$ ions are excited and identified. On the basis of observed spectroscopic data we determine the peak cross section for all observed induced transitions as well. We conclude that ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{3+}$-doped monoclinic tungstates $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{KGd}({\mathrm{WO}}_{4}{)}_{2}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{KY}({\mathrm{WO}}_{4}{)}_{2}$ are very attractive crystalline materials for generating visible laser light.

Laboratory Evidence for Surface Nucleation of Solid Polar Stratospheric Cloud Particles

Abstract: Nitric acid-containing cloud particles, known as polar stratospheric clouds, play an important role in the springtime ozone destruction over the polar regions. Nitric acid initially condenses in the polar stratosphere to form supercooled solution droplets of mainly nitric acid and water with trace amounts of sulfuric acid. Nitric acid dihydrate (NAD) and nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) later crystallize from this supercooled solution phase to form solid polar stratospheric cloud particles. Until now, experimental data on this crystallization process has been analyzed under the assumption that NAD and NAT nucleation took place in the interior volume of a cloud droplet. However, in this paper, reanalysis of experimental data on the homogeneous freezing rates of concentrated aqueous nitric acid solution droplets provides substantial support for the occurrence of nucleation “pseudoheterogeneously” at the air -aqueous nitric acid solution interface of the droplet. Furthermore, in a following paper, theory that provides compelling evidence for such interfacial nucleation is developed. Together, the reanalysis of laboratory data in this paper and the supporting theoretical arguments in the following paper suggest that the homogeneous nucleation process occurring in atmospheric droplets may be a surface- rather than a volume-related rate process.

Monolayer-protected bimetal cluster synthesis by core metal galvanic exchange reaction

Abstract: Bimetallic monolayer-protected nanoparticles have been synthesized by the core metal galvanic exchange reaction of dodecylthiolate monolayer-protected metal (Ag, Pd, Cu) clusters with the more noble metal metal thiolate complexes AuI[SCH2(C6H4)C(CH3)3] and PdII[S(CH2)11CH3)2]. The bimetal nanoparticles produced are stable and can be isolated without core aggregation or decomposition. These new materials have been examined by UV−vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Their optical properties reflect bimetal cluster formation by time-dependent shifts in the surface plasmon resonance absorbance. Transmission electron microscopy results suggest that the core metal replacement can also effect a change in nanoparticle core size. Formation of bimetallic nanoparticles appears to stabilized the less stable member of the metal pair.

Understanding of athletes' nutritional needs among athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers

Abstract: Media sources, as well as educational programs and the medical community, have delivered the consistent and easily understood message that good nutrition is an important aspect ofa healthy lifestyle. While poor nutrition can be the source ofa number ofhealth problems that develop over time (e.g., lowered resistance to infection, high cholesterol level), the effect among athletes training in a highly competitive environment may be both immediate and severe (e.g.,~~ performance, heat exhaustion). Hydration, for example, is of particular importance to athletes (Clark, 1995). A fewofthe dangers ofdehydration include impaired thermoregulation, reduced work capacity, a proportional rise in perceived exertion, and iso-osmotic hypovolemia, which reduces sweating and increases core temperature (Gisolfi, 1996). Increased demands on the body accompany training and competition, making it essential to match dietary intake with energy expenditure. It is, therefore, important to examine the extent to which those involved in athletics understand dietary needs and principles to avoid potential problems. Typically, those who do not participate in athletics consider athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers to be knowledgeable about nutrition (President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest, 1998). However, studies conducted to assess the nutritional knowledge of those involved with the athletic commu-

The Characterisation of Titan’s Atmospheric Physical Properties by The Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument (Hasi)

Abstract: The Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument (HASI) is a multi-sensor package which has been designed to measure the physical quantities characterising the atmosphere of Titan during the Huygens probe descent on Titan and at the surface. HASI sensors are devoted to the study of Titan's atmospheric structure and electric properties, and to provide information on its surface, whether solid or liquid.

Mountain biking injuries: an update

Abstract: This article reviews the available literature regarding injuries in off-road bicyclists. Recent progress in injury research has allowed the description of several patterns of injury in this sport. Mountain biking remains popular, particularly among young males, although sales and participation figures have decreased in the last several years. Competition in downhill racing has increased, while cross-country racing has decreased somewhat in popularity. Recreational riders comprise the largest segment of participants, but little is known about the demographics and injury epidemiology of noncompetitive mountain cyclists. Most mountain bikers participating in surveys reported a history of previous injuries, but prospective studies conducted at mountain bike races have found injury rates of <1%. The most common mechanism of injury involves a forward fall over the handlebars, usually while riding downhill, which can result in direct trauma to the head, torso and upper extremities. A variety of factors can be associated with this type of fall, including trail surface irregularities, mechanical failures and loss of control. In mountain bike racing the risk of injury may be higher for women than men. Minor injuries such as abrasions and contusions occur frequently, but are usually of little consequence. Fractures usually involve the torso or upper extremities, and shoulder injuries are common. Head and face injuries are not always prevented by current helmet designs. Fatal injuries are rare but have been reported. Improvements in safety equipment, rider training and racecourse design are suggested injury prevention measures. The authors encourage continued research in this sport.

Pedophiles and Cyber-predators as Contaminating Forces: The Language of Disgust, Pollution, and Boundary Invasions in Federal Debates on Sex Offender Legislation

Abstract: As a distinct class of criminals, sex offenders stand out as being particularly subject to the new “risk management” penal strategies that, according to a number of scholars, have come to dominate punishment rhetoric and practices in recent years. Nonetheless, the criminal justice policymaking that targets sex offenders appears to have a more emotionally based underside. In this paper, I examine the emotional drive that appears to undergird contemporary sex offender lawmaking, suggesting that a significant force propelling the current panoply of sex offender containment strategies is a constellation of emotional expressions of disgust, fear of contagion, and pollution avoidance, manifested in a legislative concern about boundary vulnerabilities between social spheres of the pure and the dangerous. To do so, I analyze the lawmaking discourse of U. S. legislators as they debated four proposed legislative bills directed at sex offenders during the late 1990s.