Showing papers by "University of Akron published in 1998"

Hand held dataform reader having strobing ultraviolet light illumination assembly for reading fluorescent dataforms

Abstract: A portable data collection device having a modular imaging-based dataform reader. The dataform reader includes a two dimensional imaging assembly adapted to image and decode a dataform printed using ink that fluoresces when illuminated by ultraviolet light. The imaging assembly includes a two dimensional photosensor array and is actuatable to generate a signal representative of reflected illumination from a target area of the imaging assembly and further includes an illumination assembly having a strobing ultraviolet light source. The illumination assembly includes a pair of flash tube strobe lights which have their output illumination filtered through respective ultraviolet filter thereby permitting only illumination in the ultraviolet range to exit the dataform reader and illuminate the imaging target area. The high intensity, strobing light of the ultraviolet light source permits a reduced exposure period. A targeting illumination assembly is also provided to aid in aiming the device at a target dataform. The targeting illumination assembly and illumination assembly are alternately energized to reduce reflected glare. Fluorescence from the dataform is focused by an optic assembly onto the photosensor array forming an image of the dataform. Image processing circuitry is provided for processing and decoding the image of the dataform.

The cognitive flexibility scale: Three validity studies

Abstract: The complexities of everyday life reinforce the need to be cognitively flexible. Cognitive flexibility refers to a person's awareness of communication alternatives, willingness to adapt to the situation, and self‐efficacy in being flexible. Three studies were conducted to establish further the validity of the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Martin & Rubin, 1995). In Study One, cognitive flexibility was positively related to two other identified constructs of communication competence, assertiveness and responsiveness. In Study Two, respondents’ assessments of their own cognitive flexibility were positively related to ratings from their friends. In Study Three, a positive relationship was found between being cognitively flexible and confidence in performing communication behaviors.

Programmable shelf tag and method for changing and updating shelf tag information

Abstract: A shelf tag comprising a liquid crystal display having optical states which are stable without power and an interface that allows for each character element to be programmed easily by sweeping a programming device across the character element contacts with all power and signal requirements being supplied to the shelf tag by the programming device. The programming device can be integrated with a portable transaction computer equipped with a bar code reader or can be embodied in a stand-alone apparatus capable of receiving user input, displaying information and interfacing to the shelf tags. A method of using the shelf tags, the programming device and a radio frequency computer local area network are presented which automates many typical business applications such as inventory updating and simultaneously changing prices advertised on the shelf tags.

The Relationship between Boards of Directors and Initial Public Offerings in the Biotechnology Industry

Abstract: Utilizing the entire population of public biotechnology firms from 1980-1994, three models were tested to determine If a relationship exists between the size and composition of the board of directo...

Synthetically spun silk nanofibers and a process for making the same

Abstract: A silk nanofiber composite network produced by forming a solution of silk fiber and hexafluroisopropanol, wherein the step of forming is devoid of any acid treatment, where the silk solution has a concentration of about 0.2 to about 1.5 weight percent silk in hexafluroisopropanol, and where the silk is selected from Bombyx mori silk and Nephila clavipes silk; and electrospinning the solution, thereby forming a non-woven network of nanofibers having a diameter in the range from about 2 to about 2000 nanometers.

Na+ Binding to Cyclic and Linear Dipeptides. Bond Energies, Entropies of Na+ Complexation, and Attachment Sites from the Dissociation of Na+-Bound Heterodimers and ab Initio Calculations

Abstract: The Na+ affinities of simple cyclic and linear dipeptides and of selected derivatives are determined in the gas-phase based on the dissociations of Na+-bound heterodimers [peptide + Bi]Na+, in whic...

Multi-communication access point

Abstract: An access point is provided for use in a wireless network having a system backbone and a plurality of mobile terminals. The access point includes a communication circuit coupling the access point to the system backbone, and a first transceiver for wirelessly communicating with at least one of the plurality of mobile terminals on a first communication channel. In addition, the access point includes a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with at least another of the plurality of mobile terminals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel.

Graduate Students' Training Experiences with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues

Abstract: The doctoral training experiences of 69 counseling and 38 clinical psychology graduate students in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues prior to internship were examined. Descriptive statistics revealed that training in these issues was inadequate. A majority of respondents did not feel that their course work prepared them well to work with LGB clients. Less training was provided in bisexual issues than gay or lesbian issues. Comparisons between clinical and counseling respondents indicated that counseling programs had better records of training in LGB issues. Multiple regressions revealed several predictors of respondents' feelings of preparation to work with LGB clients, including formal training experiences, encouragement to explore heterosexist biases, modeling by trainers, and personal experiences and contacts. Results varied by target group (i.e., patterns of prediction differed for preparation to work with lesbian women, gay men, or bisexual people). Implications for training and suggestions for...

Reconceptualizing Multicultural Counseling Universal Healing Conditions in a Culturally Specific Context

Abstract: Some tension appears to exist in the literature between the emic, or culturally specific, and etic, or universal, approaches to counseling with culturally different clients. Prompted by the lack of clear theoretical models for multicultural counseling, as well as by the inability of specific factors to explain treatment effectiveness in general, we suggest that consideration of the common factors found in psychotherapy and healing across cultures provides a useful way to bridge the gap between culturally specific and universal approaches. We believe that the skeleton of universal healing factors requires the flesh of cultural knowledge, resulting in the formulation of multicultural counseling as universal healing processes taking place in a culturally sensitive context. We propose that this perspective (a) may serve as a framework for unifying the diverse body of multi-cultural counseling literature, (b) has some empirical support, and (c) may be useful in guiding future multicultural research, training, ...

Programmable shelf tag system

Abstract: An electronic pricing and display system using programmable electronic shelf tags. Programmable electronic shelf tags are used in connection with apparatus for programming the electronic shelf tags. Pricing and product information is stored in databases of a computer system for such purposes as inventory control and updating pricing information. A portable programming device is used to transmit programming data Methods are provided for fast and convenient modification of large numbers of electronic shelf tags located throughout a facility (e.g., a retail store).

Method and apparatus for bonding an active tag to a patch and a tire

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding an active tag to a patch and assembling the patch to a tire is set forth. A patch assembly and a method for securing an electronic monitoring device having electronic and mechanical components for monitoring at least one engineering condition within a tire, comprising an rigid tag assembly encapsulating the electronic monitoring device, bonded to a vulcanized rubber patch which is secured to the inner cavity of a tire utilizing a layer of dual cure bonding rubber.

Appropriateness and Effectiveness of Communication Channels in Competent Interpersonal Communication

Abstract: We examined perceived appropriateness and effectiveness of six communication channels (face-to-face, telephone, voice mail, electronic mail, letter, fax) used in relation to interpersonal communication motives (inclusion, affection, control, relaxation, escape, pleasure) in other-directed and self-directed need-fulfillment situations. In study 1, respondents selected the channel they thought would best communicate standard messages and rated it on effectiveness and appropriateness. In study 2, respondents rated the effectiveness and appropriateness of all six communication channels by considering scenarios that reflected the two need-fulfillment directions of all six motives. Analyses revealed significant main effects for direction, channel, and motive, and significant interaction effects.

The buffering effect of a computer support network on caregiver strain.

Abstract: ComputerLink was a computer support network for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. In a 12-month experiment, 102 caregivers were randomly assigned to an experimental group that had access to ComputerLink or to a control group that did not. This investigation examined whether caregivers in the experimental group had greater reductions in four types of care-related strain by the end of the 1-year study. ComputerLink reduced certain types of strain if caregivers also had larger informal support networks, were spouses, or did not live alone with their care receivers. More frequent use of the communication function was related to significantly reduced strain for caregivers who were initially more stressed and for non-spouse caregivers. Greater use of the information function was related to significantly lower strain among caregivers who lived alone with care receivers. Overall, ComputerLink appeared to be an effective tool for reducing strain for some caregivers.

Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Reflectivity Studies of Albumin Adsorbed onto Self-Assembled Monolayers of Hexadecyltrichlorosilane

Abstract: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray reflectivity (XR) have been used together to provide a detailed and direct look at the structure of human serum albumin protein adsorbed onto well-characterized self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces at several protein concentrations. The duration of SAM deposition was also varied to investigate the influence of the density of hydrocarbon chains in the SAM on protein binding tenacity. Concurrent study of adsorption to bare silicon wafers with native oxide surfaces provided a comparison with a hydrophilic surface similar to widely studied glass and quartz surfaces. Both AFM and XR measurements showed that after adsorption, rinsing, and drying, the surfaces of all substrates were covered with no more than a single layer of adsorbed protein. Thin dense protein layers were seen for the substrates exposed to protein concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL. Partial surface coverage by protein aggregates having larger thicknesses was seen for substrates exposed to lower conce...

Composite roofing members having improved dimensional stability and related methods

Abstract: A composite recovery board (10) containing a foam core (11) of polyisocyanurate, polyurethane materials or mixtures thereof; a facer (15), applied to one major surface (13) of the foam core, where the facer includes polymer materials, reinforced polymer materials, cellulosic materials, paper, aluminum foil or trilaminates thereof, wherein the reinforced polymer material and the cellulosic material are reinforced with glass strands, glass fibers, or mixtures thereof; and, gypsum board (14), applied to the opposite major surface (12) of the foam core. A method of reroofing a roof by applying composite recovery boards of the present invention to a roof deck; and, applying a weather protective layer over the recovery boards. A continuous method of making a composite recovery board by feeding gypsum board (14) into a laminator assembly (21); depositing a foamable polymer liquid (36) onto the gypsum board; feeding a facer material (15) into the laminator assembly above the foamable polymer liquid; allowing the polymer liquid to rise between the gypsum board and facer material forming polymer foam of a pre-determined thickness; curing the polymer foam under heat (44) to create the composite board; and cutting the composite board to desired lengths.

Student perceptions of instructor immediacy in conventional and distributed learning classrooms

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether perceptions of instructor immediacy differed between students enrolled in conventional and distributed learning classrooms. Students enrolled in conventional and distributed learning classrooms did not perceive a significant difference in instructor verbal immediacy, but they did perceive a significant difference in instructor nonverbal immediacy.

Organo-soluble polyimides : Synthesis and polymerization of 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4', 5,5'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride

Abstract: 2,2‘-Bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4‘,5,5‘-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (6FBPDA) was synthesized from 1-iodo-4,5-dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene via a six-step synthetic route. The dianhydride was polymerized with eight different substituted 4,4‘-diaminobiphenyls in refluxing m-cresol containing isoquinoline to afford a series of fluorinated aromatic polyimides. The polyimides were soluble in polar aprotic, ether and ketone solvents. They had intrinsic viscosities that ranged from 1.70 to 6.72 dL/g in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or m-cresol at 30 °C. The polymers underwent 5% weight losses when subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis between 440 and 570 °C in air and nitrogen atmospheres. The polymers could be solution cast into water-white, flexible, tough films which exhibited “in-plane” structural anisotropy. Their glass transition temperatures along the directions parallel to the film surface (in-plane) ranged from 327 to 345 °C (thermal mechanical analysis). Multiple relaxation processes associated with segme...

Police academy training: are we teaching recruits what they need to know?

Abstract: Police recruit training has come under scrutiny recently by both practitioners and academics who question the quality of education recruits receive prior to beginning their jobs. Past researchers have questioned whether the training adequately prepares recruits to be effective police officers. This study analyses the content of one police academy to determine if the training is sufficient. This was done by actually attending an academy training program as a recruit to determine what occurs within the academy setting. By comparing the content of this academy to the required elements identified in academic and practitioner’s literature, it was determined that this police academy is providing quality training to potential officers within time and budgetary constraints.

The role of perceived system knowledge in predicting appraisal reactions, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment.

Abstract: Summary There is a very large research base in Applied Psychology on the importance of affective reactions on organizational functioning. Likewise, performance appraisal has been a heavily researched area within the field. The present field studies attempt to bridge our understanding of these two areas by studying the relationship between performance appraisal process variables and employee affective reactions. In particular, the current studies examine the effects of a relatively new performance appraisal variable, Perceived System Knowledge (Williams and Levy, 1992), on appraisal reactions and job attitudes. In both studies, there was a strong relationship between employees' levels of perceived system knowledge and their appraisal reactions and job attitudes. In Study 1, when controlling for performance rating, PSK was positively related to appraisal reactions, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. The findings from Study 1 were replicated in the second study which employed a longitudinal design. In addition, Study 2 found a relationship between PSK and fairness perceptions. Implications for these results and suggestions for approaching performance appraisal from an organizational perspective are proposed. ? 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modification of thermoplastic vulcanizates using random propylene copolymers

Abstract: Random propylene thermoplastic copolymers can be used to increase the elongation to break and toughness of thermoplastic vulcanizates. Semi-crystalline polypropylene is a preferred thermoplastic phase. The rubber can be olefinic rubbers. Random thermoplastic polypropylene copolymers are different from conventional Ziegler-Natta propylene copolymers as the compositional heterogeneity of the copolymer is greater with Ziegler-Natta copolymers. This difference results in substantial differences in properties (elongation to break and toughness) between thermoplastic vulcanizates modified with random thermoplastic propylene copolymers and those modified with conventional Ziegler-Natta propylene copolymers. An increase in elongation to break results in greater extensibility in the articles made from a thermoplastic vulcanizate.