Showing papers by "San Jose State University published in 2005"

Reading behavior in the digital environment: Changes in reading behavior over the past ten years

Abstract: Purpose – This study attempts to investigate reading behavior in the digital environment by analyzing how people's reading behavior has changed over the past ten years.Design/methodology/approach – Survey and analysis methods are employed.Findings – With an increasing amount of time spent reading electronic documents, a screen‐based reading behavior is emerging. The screen‐based reading behavior is characterized by more time spent on browsing and scanning, keyword spotting, one‐time reading, non‐linear reading, and reading more selectively, while less time is spent on in‐depth reading, and concentrated reading. Decreasing sustained attention is also noted. Annotating and highlighting while reading is a common activity in the printed environment. However, this “traditional” pattern has not yet migrated to the digital environment when people read electronic documents.Originality/value – Implications for the changes in reading behavior are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.

An algorithm for optimal partitioning of data on an interval

Abstract: Many signal processing problems can be solved by maximizing the fitness of a segmented model over all possible partitions of the data interval. This letter describes a simple but powerful algorithm that searches the exponentially large space of partitions of N data points in time O(N/sup 2/). The algorithm is guaranteed to find the exact global optimum, automatically determines the model order (the number of segments), has a convenient real-time mode, can be extended to higher dimensional data spaces, and solves a surprising variety of problems in signal detection and characterization, density estimation, cluster analysis, and classification.

THE ALIENATED CHILD:A Reformulation of Parental Alienation Syndrome

Abstract: In this article, controversies and problems with parental alienation syndrome are discussed. A reformulation focusing on the alienated child is proposed, and these children are clearly distinguished from other children who resist or refuse contact with a parent following separation or divorce for a variety of normal, expectable reasons, including estrangement. A systemic array of contributing factors are described that can create and/or consolidate alienation in children, including intense marital conflict, a humiliating separation, parental personalities and behaviors, protracted litigation, and professional mismanagement. These factors are understood in the context of the child's capacities and vulnerabilities.

First detection of [CII]158 μm at high redshift : vigorous star formation in the early universe

Abstract: We report the detection of the 2 P 3/2 → 2 P 1/2 fine-structure line of C + at 157.74 μm in SDSS J114816.64+525150.3 (hereafter J1148+5251), the most distant known quasar, at z = 6.42, using the IRAM 30-m telescope. This is the first detection of the [CII] line at high redshift, and also the first detection in a Hyperluminous Infrared Galaxy (L FIR > 10 13 L ○. ). The [CII] line is detected at a significance level of 8σ and has a luminosity of 4.4 x 10 9 L ○. . The L [CII] /L FIR ratio is 2 × 10 -4 , about an order of magnitude smaller than observed in local normal galaxies and similar to the ratio observed in local Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies. The [CII] line luminosity indicates that the host galaxy of this quasar is undergoing an intense burst of star formation with an estimated rate of 3000 M ○. yr -1 . The detection of C + in SDSS J 1148+5251 suggests a significant enrichment of metals at z ∼ 6 (age of the universe ∼870 Myr), although the data are consistent with a reduced carbon to oxygen ratio as expected from chemical evolutionary models of the early phases of galaxy formation.

The Mediating Role of Perceived Interactivity in the Effect of Actual Interactivity on Attitude Toward the Website

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to reconcile seemingly inconsistent findings regarding the effects of interactivity on communication outcomes such as attitude toward the website in two different interactivity research streams (i.e., actual interactivity vs. perceived interactivity) by proposing that perceived interactivity mediates the effect of actual interactivity on attitude toward the website. Empirical evidence supports the mediating role of perceived interactivity. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of building a theory of interactivity and providing practical insights into interactive advertising and marketing communications.

Consistency of implications of three role stressors across four countries

Abstract: Summary Relationships between role stressors (ambiguity, overload, and conflict), anxiety, commitment (affective and continuance), and turnover intention were examined. These variables were measured via a survey of 1396 nurses in a total of 15 hospitals in Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Three role stressors were expected to predict anxiety and indirectly predict intention to leave. Anxiety was expected to predict affective and continuance commitment, and anxiety, affective commitment, and continuance commitment were expected to predict intention to leave the hospital. Although mean score differences were expected across countries, direction of the relationships between variables were expected to be the same, which would indicate consistency regarding the implications of three role stressors across countries. AMOS’s structural equations modeling program was used to test a multi-group manifest variable path analysis. Results yielded support for the proposed relationships (NFI ¼ 0.93; TLI ¼ 0.89). It was tentatively concluded that stress is a culture-general process. Copyright # 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Automatic Eye Detection and Its Validation

Abstract: The accuracy of face alignment affects the performance of a face recognition system. Since face alignment is usually conducted using eye positions, an accurate eye localization algorithm is therefore essential for accurate face recognition. In this paper, we first study the impact of eye locations on face recognition accuracy, and then introduce an automatic technique for eye detection. The performance of our automatic eye detection technique is subsequently validated using FRGC 1.0 database. The validation shows that our eye detector has an overall 94.5% eye detection rate, with the detected eyes very close to the manually provided eye positions. In addition, the face recognition performance based on the automatic eye detection is shown to be comparable to that of using manually given eye positions.

Pathways to college for former foster youth: understanding factors that contribute to educational success.

Abstract: This article presents early descriptive findings from the Pathways to College study, a multimethod and multiphase study of emancipated foster youth. Results based on a sample of 216 emancipated foster youth attending a four-year university indicate that many of their experiences are characteristic of individuals manifesting resilience in the face of adversity. At the same time, results indicate that although the youth are successful academically, they may be vulnerable in other areas. This article examines the participants' responses, comparing them to other studies to understand the factors that affect the academic performance of former foster youth.

Former foster youth attending college: resilience and the transition to young adulthood.

Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to further research and theory development in the area of risk and resilience by exploring factors associated with academic success among former foster youth--a group at high risk for developmental failure. Using data obtained from in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 former foster youth currently attending a 4-year university, the study described in this article explored factors related to their academic success. Results indicated that factors at the individual, family, and community levels and encompassing more than 1 system at a time were integral in understanding developmental pathways of these youth. Results further suggested that resilience in 1 developmental or functional domain was not necessarily reflected in others. Findings are discussed in terms of conceptual and theoretical directions for further research in the area of resilience and the transition to young adulthood, with a particular emphasis on former foster youth.

A prototype on RFID and sensor networks for elder healthcare: progress report

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and sensor networks are both wireless technologies that provide limitless future potentials. While the industry has witnessed rapid growth in developing and applying RFID technology, and the network research community has devoted tremendous efforts in sensor networks, these two communities would benefit greatly by learning from each other. In pursuing this effect, a project utilizing and integrating both technologies is described. The goal is to build an in-home elder healthcare system that monitors patients' medication in take. This would help addressing the challenge of a growing aging population.

Impact of aircraft size and seat availability on airlines¿ demand and market share in duopoly markets

Abstract: We build a nested logit model to study the roles of aircraft size, together with service frequency, seat availability and fare, in airlines’ market share and total demand in non-stop duopoly markets. We find that airlines can obtain higher returns in market share from increasing service frequency than from increasing aircraft size, and our study confirms an S -curve effect of service frequency on airlines’ market share. We find that the available capacity per flight––net of capacity absorbed by connecting passengers––affects market share in the same manner whether it is derived from a larger proportion of a smaller aircraft or smaller proportion of a larger one.

Contrasting Community Building in Sponsored and Community Founded Open Source Projects

Abstract: Prior characterizations of open source projects have been based on the model of a community-founded project. More recently, a second model has emerged, where organizations spinout internally developed code to a public forum. Based on field work on open source projects, we compare the lifecycle differences between these two models. We identify problems unique to spinout projects, particularly in attracting and building an external community. We illustrate these issues with a feasibility analysis of a proposed open source project based on VistA, the primary healthcare information system of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This example illuminates the complexities of building a community after a code base has been developed and suggests that open source software can be used to transfer technology to the private sector.

Work environmental factors and retention of nurses.

Abstract: Perceptions of the work environment were studied among acute care nurses working in a large county hospital who left their units during an 18-month period, compared to those who stayed. Analysis using Moos' work environment subscales suggests that the nurses who remained in their units perceived less work pressure and had greater perception of peer cohesion, supervisor support, and autonomy than nurses who left. Moos' Work Environment Scale suggests that a supportive work environment enables nurses to provide quality patient care, enhance their own self-esteem, increase job satisfaction, and provide cost savings to their employers. Such an environment promotes retention of skilled, caring, knowledgeable, and experienced nurses who provide better patient care with fewer complications, and reduces the economic and social costs of healthcare for both providers and consumers.

Coping and social support for parents of children with autism.

Abstract: Autism in children has increased significantly in the past 15 years. The challenges and stressors associated with providing services and caring for a child with autism affect families, educators, and health professionals. This descriptive study used a survey to collect data on parents' perceptions of coping strategies and social support. Instruments included the Social Support Index and the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales. One half of the families identified serious stressors in addition to autism. Acquiring social support and reframing were the most frequently used coping strategies. The school nurse is in a position to identify needs and refer families to local support groups and agencies, facilitating social support and development of coping strategies.

Family-Centered Care: Do We Practice What We Preach?

Abstract: Objective: To determine nurses' perceptions and practices of identified elements of family‐centered care. Design: Descriptive. Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatrics, and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in an acute care hospital. Participants: Sixty-two licensed nurses, 37 working in the NICU and 25 working in pediatrics or the PICU. Main Outcome Measures: Scores for the Necessary and Current scales of the Family‐Centered Care Questionnaire. Results: Scores representing current nursing practice of family‐centered care were significantly lower than those representing its necessity (p= .000). Nurses with 10 years or fewer of neonatal or pediatric experience scored significantly higher on both the total Necessary Scale (p= .02) and total Current Scale (p= .017) than did those with 11 years or more. Nurses who work in the NICU scored significantly lower on the total Necessary Scale (p= .013) than did nurses who work in pediatrics or PICU. Conclusions: Although nurses agree the identified elements of family‐centered care are necessary, they do not consistently apply those elements in their everyday practice. Years of experience and clinical work setting influenced both perceptions and practices of family-centered care.

Wayfinding choremes-a language for modeling conceptual route knowledge

Abstract: The emergent interest in ontological and conceptual approaches to modeling route information results from new information technologies as well as from a multidisciplinary interest in spatial cognition. Linguistics investigates verbal route directions; cartography carries out research on route maps and on the information needs of map users; and computer science develops formal representations of routes with the aim to build new wayfinding applications. In concert with geomatics, ontologies of spatial domain knowledge are assembled while sensing technologies for location-aware wayfinding aids are developed simultaneously (e.g. cell phones, GPS-enabled devices or PDAs). These joint multidisciplinary efforts have enhanced cognitive approaches for route directions. In this article, we propose an interdisciplinary approach to modeling route information, the wayfinding choreme theory. Wayfinding choremes are mental conceptualizations of functional wayfinding and route direction elements. With the wayfinding choreme theory, we propose a formal treatment of (mental) conceptual route knowledge that is based on qualitative calculi and refined by behavioral experimental research. This contribution has three parts: First, we introduce the theory of wayfinding choremes. Second, we present term rewriting rules that are grounded in cognitive principles and can tailor route directions to different user requirements. Third, we exemplify various application scenarios for our approach.

Gas-phase water in the surface layer of protoplanetary disks

Abstract: Recent observations of the ground-state transition of HDO at 464 GHz toward the protoplanetary disk of DM Tau have detected the presence of water vapor in the regions just above the outer disk midplane (Ceccarelli et al.). In the absence of nonthermal desorption processes, water should be almost entirely frozen onto the grain mantles, and HDO undetectable. In this Letter we present a chemical model that explores the possibility that the icy mantles are photodesorbed by FUV (6 eV ≤ hν ≤ 13.6 eV) photons. We show that the average interstellar FUV field is enough to create a layer of water vapor above the disk midplane over the entire disk. Assuming a photodesorption yield of 10-3, the water abundance in this layer is predicted to be ~3 × 10-7, and the average H2O column density is ~1.6 × 1015 cm-2. The predictions are very weakly dependent on the details of the model, like the incident FUV radiation field, and on the gas density in the disk. Based on this model, we predict a gaseous HDO/H2O ratio in DM Tau of ~1%. In addition, we predict the ground-state transition of water at 557 GHz to be undetectable with Odin and/or with the Herschel Space Observatory Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI).

Incoming international students and the library: a survey

Abstract: Purpose – To assess incoming international students' library and computer experience before coming to the US, and to determine their current library needs.Design/methodology/approach – A study was undertaken to assess incoming international students' exposure to libraries, computer literacy skills, and to determine their library needs. Results from a survey conducted in August 2003 include demographic information about incoming students, computer and library use before coming to the US, library concepts that are new to them, and opinions about the library.Findings – Survey results show that international students arrive in the US with high levels of computer literacy and that most incoming students have used a library in their home country. Findings suggest that international students would benefit from specialized library information competence and orientation programs.Research limitations/implications – This study was conducted just over 3 weeks after the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Library opened its doo...

Detection of Water in the Shocked Gas Associated with IC 443: Constraints on Shock Models

Abstract: We have used the Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) to observe the ground-state 110 → 101 transition of ortho-H2O at 557 GHz in three of the shocked molecular clumps associated with the supernova remnant IC 443. We also observed simultaneously the 487 GHz line (3,1 → 3,2) of O2, the 492 GHz line (3P1 → 3P0) of C I, and the 550 GHz line (J = 5 → 4) of 13CO. We detected the H2O, C I, and 13CO lines toward the shocked clumps B, C, and G. In addition, ground-based observations of the J = 1 → 0 transitions of CO and HCO+ were obtained. Assuming that the shocked gas has a temperature of 100 K and a density of 5 × 105 cm-3, we derive SWAS beam-averaged ortho-H2O column densities of 3.2 × 1013, 1.8 × 1013, and 3.9 × 1013 cm-2 in clumps B, C, and G, respectively. Combining the SWAS results with our ground-based observations, we derive a relative abundance of ortho-H2O to CO in the postshock gas of between 2 × 10-4 and 3 × 10-3. On the basis of our results for H2O, published results of numerous atomic and molecular shock tracers, and archival Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) observations, we conclude that no single shock type can explain these observations. However, a combination of fast J-type shocks (~100 km s-1) and slow C-type shocks (~12 km s-1) or, more likely, slow J-type shocks (~12-25 km s-1) can most naturally explain the postshock velocities and the emission seen in various atomic and molecular tracers. Such a superposition of shocks might be expected as the supernova remnant overtakes a clumpy interstellar medium. The fast J-type shocks provide a strong source of ultraviolet radiation, which photodissociates the H2O in the cooling (T ≤ 300 K) gas behind the slow shocks and strongly affects the slow C-type shock structure by enhancing the fractional ionization. At these high ionization fractions, C-type shocks break down at speeds ~10-12 km s-1, while faster flows will produce J-type shocks. Our model favors a preshock gas-phase abundance of oxygen not in CO that is depleted by a least a factor of 2, presumably as water ice on grain surfaces. Both freezeout of H2O and photodissociation of H2O in the postshock gas must be significant to explain the weak H2O emission seen by SWAS and ISO from the shocked and postshock gas.

Allegations and substantiations of abuse in custody‐disputing families1

Abstract: In this study of 120 divorced families referred for child custody evaluations and custody counseling, multiple allegations of child abuse, neglect, and family violence were raised in the majority of cases. About half of the alleged abuse was substantiated in some way with one fourth involving abuse perpetrated by both parents. Different kinds of allegations were raised against mothers compared with fathers. Implications of these findings for social policy, family court interventions, and the provision of coordinated services within the community are discussed.

Albedo of the south pole on Mars determined by topographic forcing of atmosphere dynamics.

Abstract: The nature of the martian south polar cap has remained enigmatic since the first spacecraft observations. In particular, the presence of a perennial carbon dioxide ice cap, the formation of a vast area of black 'slab ice' known as the Cryptic region and the asymmetric springtime retreat of the cap have eluded explanation. Here we present observations and climate modelling that indicate the south pole of Mars is characterized by two distinct regional climates that are the result of dynamical forcing by the largest southern impact basins, Argyre and Hellas. The style of surface frost deposition is controlled by these regional climates. In the cold and stormy conditions that exist poleward of 60 degrees S and extend 180 degrees in longitude west from the Mountains of Mitchel (approximately 30 degrees W), surface frost accumulation is dominated by precipitation. In the opposite hemisphere, the polar atmosphere is relatively warm and clear and frost accumulation is dominated by direct vapour deposition. It is the differences in these deposition styles that determine the cap albedo.

The Work of Sex Work: Elite Prostitutes' Vocational Orientations and Experiences

Abstract: Based on data obtained from open-ended interviews with call girls and escorts, this article examines prostitutes' views of prostitution as paid work. Although the meaning of conventional work has been widely studied, far less attention has been paid to “crime as work,” particularly crime involving women and sexual labor. This article examines the meaning of work for elite prostitutes by exploring prostitutes' work/career orientations; their analyses of their market and relationships with customers; their views of prostitution compared to other work; and what factors influence their choices to engage in prostitution.

Alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and other substance use among lesbian and bisexual women.

Abstract: Relationships between sexual orientation and a wide range of substance use and problem variables were examined based on data from the 2000 National Alcohol Survey. Lesbians, bisexuals, and heterosexually identified women who report same-sex partners were compared to exclusively heterosexual women in relation to alcohol consumption, use of tobacco and other drugs, bar-going, alcohol-related problems, and past substance abuse treatment. Substance use patterns were complex and varied between sexual orientation groups. These differences underscore the importance of developing lesbian- and bisexual-sensitive prevention and treatment services and of including measures of sexual orientation identity and behavior in population-based surveys.

Alcohol-induced impairment of behavioral control : differential effects on engaging vs. disengaging responses

Abstract: Rationale Model-based assessments of behavioral control have been used to study the acute effects of alcohol on the ability to execute and inhibit behavioral responses. Response inhibition appears more vulnerable to the impairing effects of alcohol than response execution. Current information processing models have yet to account for this observation.

The Coso geothermal field: A nascent metamorphic core complex

Abstract: Investigation of the Coso Range using seismicity, gravity, and geochemistry of rocks and fluids, supports the interpretation that the structure hosting the geothermal resource is a nascent metamorphic core complex. The structural setting is a releasing bend in a dextral strike-slip system that extends from the Indian Wells Valley northward into the Owens Valley. This tectonic setting results in NW-directed transtension, which is accommodated by normal and strike-slip faulting of the brittle upper 4–6 km of the crust, and shearing and ductile stretching below this depth, accompanied by shallow igneous intrusions. Focal mechanisms of some small earthquakes that have occurred from 1996 to the present beneath the Coso Range exhibit depth-dependent rotation of seismic P and T axes, indicating that the local orientations of the principal stresses likely favor resolved shear stress on low-angle faults. These small earthquakes occur near the base of seismicity, which we interpret as coincident with the brittle-ductile transition. Geochemical results show a significant asthenospheric influence in the isotopic composition of rocks and fluids, indicating that the crust is thinned within the Coso structure. Thinned upper crust is underlain by a more dense mafic body at depths of 10 km or less. This is consistent with observed gravity anomalies and models. The mafic body may represent cumulates left over from the fractional crystallization of rhyolite, which occurs as endogenous domes at Coso, or it could be a sheeted-dike complex in the upper mid-crustal area. Transtension began at 2–3 Ma, and continues today. Using a long-term crustal deformation rate of 2 mm/yr, we infer that the basal detachment fault commonly observed in fully exhumed metamorphic core complexes will reach the surface in two to four million years.

Protein sequence entropy is closely related to packing density and hydrophobicity

Abstract: We investigated the correlation between the Shannon information entropy, 'sequence entropy', with respect to the local flexibility of native globular proteins as described by inverse packing density. These are determined at each residue position for a total set of 130 query proteins, where sequence entropies are calculated from each set of aligned residues. For the accompanying aggregate set of 130 alignments, a strong linear correlation is observed between the calculated sequence entropy and the corresponding inverse packing density determined at an associated residue position. This region of linearity spans the range of C(alpha) packing densities from 12 to 25 amino acids within a sphere of 9 angstrom radius. Three different hydrophobicity scales all mimic the behavior of the sequence entropies. This confirms the idea that the ability to accommodate mutations is strongly dependent on the available space and on the propensity for each amino acid type to be buried. Future applications of these types of methods may prove useful in identifying both core and flexible residues within a protein.

First-principles calculation of intrinsic defect formation volumes in silicon

Abstract: We present an extensive first-principles study of the pressure dependence of the formation enthalpies of all the known vacancy and self-interstitial configurations in silicon, in each charge state from $\ensuremath{-}2$ through $+2$. The neutral vacancy is found to have a formation volume that varies markedly with pressure, leading to a remarkably large negative value ($\ensuremath{-}0.68$ atomic volumes) for the zero-pressure formation volume of a Frenkel pair $(V+I)$. The interaction of volume and charge was examined, leading to pressure-Fermi level stability diagrams of the defects. Finally, we quantify the anisotropic nature of the lattice relaxation around the neutral defects.

Modeling the interannual variability and trends in gross and net primary productivity of tropical forests from 1982 to 1999

Abstract: The role of tropical ecosystems in global carbon cycling is uncertain, at least partially due to an incomplete understanding of climatic forcings of carbon fluxes. To reduce this uncertainty, we simulated and analyzed 1982–1999 Amazonian, African, and Asian carbon fluxes using the Biome-BGC prognostic carbon cycle model driven by National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis daily climate data. We first characterized the individual contribution of temperature, precipitation, radiation, and vapor pressure deficit to interannual variations in carbon fluxes and then calculated trends in gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP). In tropical ecosystems, variations in solar radiation and, to a lesser extent, temperature and precipitation, explained most interannual variation in GPP. On the other hand, temperature followed by solar radiation primarily determined variation in NPP. Tropical GPP gradually increased in response to increasing atmospheric CO 2 . Confirming earlier studies, changes in solar radiation played a dominant role in CO 2 uptake over the Amazon relative to other tropical regions. Model results showed negligible impacts from variations and trends in precipitation or vapor pressure deficits on CO 2 uptake.