Showing papers by "University of Central Florida published in 1986"

Generating marketing strategy priorities based on relative competitive position

Abstract: The marketing manager has little or no guidance in formulating competitive strategies. This article presents a marketing strategy planning tool based on customers' perceptions of the positions of competing brands across various product attributes. The method, called “Simultaneous Importance‐Performance Analysis,” advocates focusing attention on relevant competitors' positions and attacking or defending market territory selectively. An example of its application is provided to illustrate its usefulness. The tool provides a framework for prioritizing alternative marketing strategies and is helpful in deciding on the allocation of limited marketing resources to design an efficient short‐range marketing plan. We will first discuss the nature of competitive advantage strategy and look at the marketing manager's dilemma on how to select tactics to develop a competitive advantage. We will then describe and illustrate “simultaneous importance — performance analysis,” based on importance‐performance analysis. Finally, we will suggest how this technique might be integrated into a company's strategic planning system.

Mathematical genesis of the I–K distribution for random optical fields

Abstract: The recently developed I–K distribution and its connection with other distributions is examined in the context of optical waves scattered by a turbulent medium. In particular, it is shown how the I–K distribution, K distribution, and homodyned K distribution all evolve as marginal density functions from compound or doubly stochastic Gaussian optical fields. In this setting the genesis of the I–K distribution is very similar to that of the homodyned K distribution, and there is one special case (α = 1) in which the two distributions are identical. Also, both the homodyned K and the I–K distribution are shown to reduce to the K distribution in strong-turbulence regimes. The I–K distribution is further examined as a model for the irradiance when the distribution parameter α is restricted to half-integer values, leading to simpler forms of the distribution. The special case of the I–K distribution corresponding to α = 1/2 shows a particularly good fit with experimental data over a wide range of conditions of atmospheric turbulence.

Hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer over a continuous, moving, porous, flat surface

Abstract: Exact solutions for hydromagnetic boundary-layer flow and heat transfer over a continuous, moving, flat surface with uniform suction and internal heat generation/absorption are obtained. Flow of this type represents a new class of boundary-layer problems, with solutions substantially different from those for boundary-layer flow on a flat surface of finite length. These solutions are even exact solutions of the complete Navier-Stokes equations and the energy equation.

On the electromagnetic scattering from infinite rectangular grids with finite conductivity

Abstract: -The development of a new numerical technique for the analysis of electromagnetic scattering from a rectangular wire (or strip) mesh. According to this technique the conjugate gradient method (CGM) and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) are used to solved for the aperture fields and the induced current densities. The method is efficient because 1) it makes use of the fast Fourier transform, 2) it converts a set of integrodifferential equations into a set of algebraic equations, and 3) it does not require inversion of any matrices. Unlike the moment method, the spectral iteration approach (SIT), and the averaged boundary conditions method, this technique can be used for arbitrary size and spacing between adjacent strips. The equivalent radius principle is used to determine the reflection coefficient from a wire mesh. Results, examples, and comparisons of this method with other methods support the validity of the algorithm.

A generalized genetic framework for the development of sinkholes and Karst in Florida, U.S.A.

Abstract: Karst topography in Florida is developed on the Tertiary limestones of the Floridan aquifer Post-depositional diagenesis and solution have made these limestones highly permeable, T=ca. 50,000 m2/d. Zones of megaporosity have formed at unconformities, and dissolution has enlarged joints and fractures Erosion of the overlying clastic Miocene Hawthorn group strata on one flank of a structural arch has exposed the limestone The elevated edge of the Hawthorn cover forms the Cody scarp Ubiquitous solution pipes have previously formed at joint intersections and are now filled Downwashing of the fill deeper into solution cavities in the limestone and subsidence of the overlying unconsolidated sediments causes surface collapse a subsidence doline or sinkhole This process may penetrate up to 60 m of the semi-consolidated Hawthorn cover, as occurred when the Winter Park sinkhole developed Dense clusters of solution pipes may have formed cenotes which are now found on the exposed limestone terrain

Angular distribution of fluorescence from photoionization-produced He+ (n=2).

Abstract: We report the first measurement of the angular distribution of the 304-\AA{} ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}(n=2)$ radiation following photoionization. This distribution reflects the alignment of the ion, which is related to the fraction $\ensuremath{\xi}=\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}(2p,kd)}{[\ensuremath{\sigma}(2p,ks)+\ensuremath{\sigma}(2p,kd)]}$ of $d$ component in the electron wave. The experimental angular distributions correspond to alignments of -0.62 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.03 and -0.62 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.02 at photon energies of 65.5 and 66.5 eV, respectively. These translate into ratios $\ensuremath{\xi}=0.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 \mathrm{and} 0.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$, in good agreement with close-coupling calculations.

Two-electron wave functions in hyperspherical coordinates

Abstract: In order to investigate the potential precision of quantitative calculations using hyperspherical coordinates, we have reexamined this method in detail. By developing an analytic solution of the angular equation in the form of a series expansion in the variable x = tan(..cap alpha../2), we are able to isolate the numerical errors in the solution from those caused by the truncation of the angular momentum expansion and by the exclusion of radial coupling terms, which we then examine separately. This new method enables us to extend the calculation of the potential curves and channel functions to the large-R region and to obtain asymptotic expansions for the potential curves and radial couplings. From these we determine general expressions for the boundary conditions of the radial equation. Finally, we present the first nonadiabatic result for the ground-state energy of helium.

A note on the critical values used in stepwise tests for multiplicative components of interaction

Abstract: A result is presented concerning the null distribution of a statistic used to determine the number of multiplicative components in a fixed two-way model. This result suggests critical values which are compared with previously suggested critical values.

Hydromagnetic Stokes flow in a rotating fluid with suspended small particles

Abstract: An initial value investigation is made of the motion of an incompressible, viscous conducting fluid with embedded small spherical particles bounded by an infinite rigid non-conducting plate. Both the plate and the fluid are in a state of solid body rotation with constant angular velocity about an axis normal to the plate. The flow is generated in the fluid-particle system due to non-torsional oscillations of a given frequency superimposed on the plate in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The operational method is used to derive exact solutions for the fluid and the particle velocities, and the wall shear stress. The small and the large time behaviour of the solutions is discussed in some detail. The ultimate steady-state solutions and the structure of the associated boundary layers are determined with physical implications. It is shown that rotation and magnetic field affect the motion of the fluid relatively earlier than that of the particles when the time is small. The motion for large times is set up through inertial oscillations of frequency equal to twice the angular velocity of rotation. The ultimate boundary layers are established through inertial oscillations. The shear stress at the plate is calculated for all values of the frequency parameter. The small and large-time behaviour of the shear stress is discussed. The exact solutions for the velocity of fluid and the wall shear stress are evaluated numerically for the case of an impulsively moved plate. It is found that the drag and the lateral stress on the plate fluctuate during the non-equilibrium process of relaxation if the rotation is large. The present analysis is very general in the sense that many known results in various configurations are found to follow as special cases.

Computationally efficient bounds for the Catalan numbers

Abstract: Easily computable lower and upper bounds are found for the Catalan numbers C n = 1 n + 1 ( 2 n n ) . Each represents a good approximation to Cn and their average improves the approximation appreciably.

Fiber Optic Fluid Level Sensor

Abstract: A fiber optic fluid level sensor based on transmission attenuation due to bending loss is described. Fibers formed with reverse curvatures of decreasing radii will induce an increasing amount of lower mode light loss to the cladding as the light propagates along the multimode fiber. The sensor is arranged in the fluid in a vertical orientation such that the light travels along the fiber from the bottom or low fluid point to the top or full point. As the fluid covers increasing lengths of the exposed fiber, it strips ever more power from the cladding (assuming the fluid refractive index is greater than the cladding). Data taken with a sensor of this configuration show a monotonic decrease of output intensity as a function of increasing fluid level. As much as a -14dB change occurred over a one-foot fluid level change. Comparison of these results with a mathematical model shows good agreement.© (1986) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

The validity of the vascular "cold patch" in the diagnosis of chronic headache.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS “Cold patches” in the external carotid territory previously have been described to have been associatedwith vascular-related headaches. This study utilizes electronic thermography to examine the relationship.A sample of 275 patients diagnosed as having: vascular, scalp muscle contraction, cluster, post-traumaticor psychogenic headaches, as well as 45 headache-free individuals, served as subjects. Each subject wasadministered electronic thermography to determine if “cold patches” were present in the external carotidterritory. A “cold patch” was defined as a region more than 0.5°C cooler than the surrounding area.Chi Square analysis determined that vascular headache patients displayed a significantly greater number(p<.001) of “cold patches” than did normal individuals, or patients having scalp muscle contraction,psychogenic, or post-traumatic type I headaches. Mixed headaches involving a vascular component alsodisplayed a significantly greater number (p< .001) of “cold patches,” as did cluster disorders (p<.001), andpost-traumatic type III headaches (p<.001).This evidence supports a valid relationship between "cold patches" and vascular-related headaches. It issuggested that the vascular “cold patch” be included as part of the criteria in assessing headaches.

Improving the differential file technique via batch operations for tree structured file organizations

Abstract: This paper presents a combined algorithm to perform batch insertion, deletion, and update for tree structured files. The efficiency of the algorithm is analyzed for performing updates only and insertions only. A cost analysis example is reviewed to demonstrate that batch operations for tree structured files achieve the advantages of a differential database representation and, at the same time, avoid the drawbacks previously attributed to the use of differential files.

Dealing with the Problems of Teacher Isolation.

Abstract: (1986). Dealing with the Problems of Teacher Isolation. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 59, No. 7, pp. 320-322.

Personality characteristics of subjects high and low in apprehension about communication.

Abstract: Subjects who were either high or low in apprehension about communication completed the 16 PF questionnaire. An analysis of variance was utilized to compare subjects' apprehension and personality characteristics. Subjects high and low in apprehension differed significantly on seven personality factors, but highly apprehensive subjects' scores still fell within the first standard deviation for the normal United States population. Subjects low in apprehension about communication scored outside the first standard deviation on three personality factors. High apprehension then is not necessarily associated with negative personality characteristics, while low apprehension about communication is associated with several positive attributes.

Nonlinear study of convective heat transfer and fluid flows induced by travelling thermal waves

Abstract: A nonlinear study is made of the convective heat transfer and the fluid flow in an incompressible viscous fluid confined to a vertical wavy channel in four different geometrical configurations. The flow is generated by the periodic thermal waves prescribed at the wavy walls of the channel. The problem is solved by a perturbation technique with the assumption that the solution consists of a mean part and a perturbed part. The mean, perturbed and the total solutions are numerically evaluated for various values of the physical parameters involved in the problem. The mean solution is found to be in good agreement with that obtained by Vajravelu and Sastri [4]. The perturbed part of the solution is made of the contributions from the waviness of the channel walls and the travelling thermal waves. Of all the parameters, the heat source parameter plays an important role in augmenting (diminishing) the skin friction (the heat transfer) at the wally=1. Several interesting properties of the flow field and the heat transfer are discussed. The results of this analysis are also graphically presented.

Challenger 10 and our schoolchildren: Reflections on the Catastrophe

Abstract: (1986). Challenger 10 and our schoolchildren: Reflections on the Catastrophe. Death Studies: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 95-118.

Content Validation: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

Abstract: Content validation presents several conceptual and methodological difficulties for researchers and practitioners. There is litte specificity concerning what constitutes key concepts such as "behavior domain" and "representative sample." Thus, it is often difficult to know which aspects of a posi tion can be content validated and which cannot. Concurrently, content validation methodology suffers from uncertainty, especially the nature of the rating process that links the most critical tasks to the top rated KSA's. Some initial insights into clarifying the conceptual issues as well as a pro posed methodology are discussed.

Theory of laser-induced phenomena on conventional and phase-conjugated surfaces

Abstract: Laser-induced processes on conventional and phase-conjugated surfaces are investigated theoretically. Resonance fluorescence of two-level atoms on smooth and rough surfaces are reviewed. The new phenomenon of a radiative dipole at a phase-conjugated surface (PCS), in which the lifetime of the dipole can be virtually infinite under certain conditions, is examined. A PCS originates from the interference of two laser beams incident upon an absorbing layer, and this effect is discussed in terms of a phenomenological model and a hydrodynamic theory in which laser-induced periodic structure and the PCS reflectivity are analyzed. Finally, practical applications of these new phenomena occurring on PCS are discussed.

Estimating the Speedup in Parallel Parsing.

Abstract: A method for estimating the speedup for asynchronous bottom-up parallel parsing is presented. Two models for bottom-up parallel parsing are proposed, and the speedup for each of the two models is estimated. The speedup obtained for model A is a very close to the simulation result already available in literature; however, the model is restrictive because it can only communicate with its immediate left and right neighbors. This increases the processor coordination and interprocessor communication times. Model B, while showing a greater speedup time, is expensive to construct when the number of processors is large. >

Characterization Of A Liquid Crystal Television Display As A Spatial Light Modulator For Optical Processing

Abstract: The recent availability of inexpensive, video-addressable liquid crystal displays has generated interest in the use of such devices for optical processing applications. This paper will present some pertinent performance characteristics for a device of this type, the Radio Shack (Tandy Corp.) Pocketvision. Specific characteristics to be considered are screen transmission, linearity, modulation depth, modulation transfer function (MTF), temporal response and optical flatness. Examples of device performance as a coherent and incoherent processing element will be briefly considered.