Showing papers by "University of Colorado Colorado Springs published in 1990"

The Effect of a Market Orientation on Business Profitability

Abstract: Marketing academicians and practitioners have been observing for more than three decades that business performance is affected by market orientation, yet to date there has been no valid measure of ...

Evidence for terror management theory II: The effects of mortality salience on reactions to those who threaten or bolster the cultural worldview.

Abstract: Three experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis, derived from terror management theory, that reminding people of their mortality increases attraction to those who consensually validate their beliefs and decreases attraction to those who threaten their beliefs. In Study 1, subjects with a Christian religious background were asked to form impressions of Christian and Jewish target persons. Before doing so, mortality was made salient to half of the subjects. In support of predictions, mortality salience led to more positive evaluations of the in-group member (the Christian) and more negative evaluations of the out-group member (the Jew). In Study 2, mortality salience led to especially negative evaluations of an attitudinally dissimilar other, but only among subjects high in authoritarianism. In Study 3, mortality salience led to especially positive reactions to someone who directly praised subjects' cultural worldviews and especially negative reactions to someone who criticized them. The implications of these findings for understanding in-group favoritism, prejudice, and intolerance of deviance are discussed.

Apparatus and method for accessing events, areas and activities

Abstract: An access control system and method is provided for an activities center wherein activities are available for customers. The control system employs a plurality of access cards, a comptroller processor, at least one credit station and a plurality of access stations. Each access card is encoded for a respective customer, and the comptroller processes data, creates customer account files correlated to each customer's account file identifier, stores the customer account files, verifies customer account files to determine availability of credit and issues either approval or disapproval. The credit station reads an account file identifiers on an access cards and signals the processor to open the customer account file. An access station is associated with each activity and reads an access card to signal the comptroller processor to open the customer account file. Debit circuitry within each access station generates a debt signal corresponding to a selected cost debt for the respective activity, and the comptroller processor then generates approval or disapproval depending on the customer account credit for that activity. The access station has receiving circuitry responsive to the approval or disapproval signals from the comptroller processor to grant or deny customer access to the selected activity. A plurality of types of credit are used, and the comptroller processor maintains corresponding subaccounts, and the customers may allocate payment at the credit station among the types of credit available.

Instructional communication in the televised classroom: The effects of system design and teacher immediacy on student learning and satisfaction

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of conveyance system design and social presence, in the form of teacher immediacy behavior, on perceived student learning and satisfaction in the televised classroom. Results indicate that system design and teacher immediacy behavior strongly impact student learning and satisfaction. System variables such as interactivity and clear audio and video transmission positively influenced perceived learning and satisfaction. Further, instructors who engaged in immediate behaviors such as encouraging involvement, offering individual feedback, maintaining relaxed body posture and using vocal variety were viewed more favorably.

IPS-2: the second generation of a parallel program measurement system

Abstract: IPS, a performance measurement system for parallel and distributed programs, is currently running on its second implementation. IPS's model of parallel programs uses knowledge about the semantics of a program's structure to provide two important features. First, IPS provides a large amount of performance data about the execution of a parallel program, and this information is organized so that access to it is easy and intuitive. Secondly, IPS provides performance analysis techniques that help to guide the programmer automatically to the location of program bottlenecks. The first implementation of IPS was a testbed for the basic design concepts, providing experience with a hierarchical program and measurement model, interactive program analysis, and automatic guidance techniques. It was built on the Charlotte distributed operating system. The second implementation, IPS-2, extends the basic system with new instrumentation techniques, an interactive and graphical user interface, and new automatic guidance analysis techniques. This implementation runs on 4.3BSD UNIX systems, on the VAX, DECstation, Sun 4, and Sequent Symmetry multiprocessor. >

Thrust generation by an airfoil in hover modes

Abstract: A small airfoil is operated in combined harmonic plunging and pitching motions to generate thrust in a still air environment. By full utilization of dynamic stall vortices large thrust coefficients were attained. The vortical signature of thrust is a simple vortex street with the character of a jet stream.

Epidemiologic differences between chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Abstract: To assess the prevalence, demographics, and transmission patterns of genital chlamydia infection, we screened 3,078 patients, and compared identified cases (N = 511) to gonorrhea cases (N = 291) diagnosed in the same setting. Chlamydia cases were younger and more likely to be White than their gonorrhea counterparts. Chlamydia cases were distributed diffusely; geographic overlap between the two diseases was only about 40 percent. Gonococcal coinfection was noted in less than 10 percent of patients with chlamydia. Nearly half of men with chlamydia and four-fifths of women were asymptomatic and most cases were identified through screening or contact tracing. Populations at high risk for chlamydia are seemingly different from those for gonorrhea. Differences may be due to control interventions (active for gonorrhea, passive for chlamydia). Chlamydia case reporting and control initiatives are recommended.

Lexical priming deficits as a function of age.

Abstract: The effects of age on implicit memory were assessed in elderly young adults using 2 priming procedures. Subjects also completed the WAIS-R, 3 tests to assess frontal lobe function, and 2 recall and 2 recognition tests of explicit memory. In Experiment 1, subjects were exposed to the low-frequency member of a homophone pair in a test purported to assess general knowledge. Subsequently, subjects completed a spelling test that contained the previously presented homophones to assess priming. Young subjects demonstrated priming (p less than .01). Elderly subjects demonstrated a high baseline that may have obscured priming. In Experiment 2, subjects from each decade of life from the 20s through the 80s were given a word-stem completion test of priming. All age conditions demonstrated an effect of priming (p less than .01). However, subjects in their 70s and 80s demonstrated lower priming scores (p less than .05). Elderly subjects were also impaired on immediate-and delayed-recall tests. These results suggest an age-related decline in both implicit and explicit memory.

QUIETEST: a quiescent current testing methodology for detecting leakage faults

Abstract: A hierarchical leakage fault analysis methodology is proposed for IDDQ (quiescent power supply current) testing of VLSI CMOS circuits. A software system, QUIETEST, has been developed on the basis of this methodology. The software can select a small number of test vectors for IDDQ testing from the provided functional test set. Therefore, the total test time for IDDQ measurements can be reduced significantly to make IDDQ testing of VLSI CMOS circuits feasible in a production test environment. For two VLSI circuits QUIETEST was able to select less than 1% of functional test vectors from the full test set for covering as many leakage faults as would be covered if IDDQ was measured upon the application of 100% of the vectors. >

Three metal personalization of application specific monolithic microwave integrated circuit

Abstract: A (GaAs-resident) application specific monolithic microwave integrated circuit (ASMMIC) is fabricated through the use of footprints that include a portion of the metallization through which the circuit components within the wafer are to be interconnected. The metallization is a three layers structure, the first two layers of which include strategically arranged reactance circuit components (MIM) capacitors. A first of the three metal layers is formed on a first surface of the substrate which contains a plurality of semiconductor device regions and conductive material for ohmic contact to the regions, so that portions of the first metal layer are in ohmic contact with the conductive material. The first metal layer provides the bottom plate of the MIM capacitors. A dielectric layer, which serves as the dielectric insulator of the MIM capacitors, is formed on second portions of the first metal layer. A second, intermediate metal layer is selectively formed on the second portions of the first metal layer, to provide top plate segments of MIM capacitors. Personalization of the footprint is effected by an air bridge metal layer interconnecting the first and second metal layers and thereby semiconductor device regions of the semiconductor structure with capacitive reactance elements formed by the first and second metal layers.

Assumptions implicit in remote sensing data acquisition and analysis

Abstract: The literature contains many examples of image acquisition and analysis which have been inappropriately applied and which have led to empirical results which may not be reproducible, or which are not conclusive. In this paper, we deal with eleven major assumptions which are implicit in the acquisition and in the analysis of passively sensed digital image data. It is hoped that an enumeration of such assumptions might lead to improved rules for image acquisition and analysis.

Physiological and performance responses to overtraining in elite judo athletes.

Abstract: To determine the effect of large and sudden increases in training volume on performance characteristics and the feasibility of using overtraining syndrome symptoms to monitor performance changes, 15 elite judo athletes were examined through 10 wk of training. Athletes performed their regular regimens of resistance (3 d.wk-1), interval (2 d.wk-1), and judo (5 d.wk-1) training in weeks 1-4. Interval and resistance training volumes increased by 50% in weeks 4-8 and returned to baseline in weeks 9-10. Judo training volume was unchanged in weeks 1-8 but increased by 100% in weeks 9-10. Assessments were made in weeks 2, 4, 8, and 10. Isokinetic strength of elbow and knee extensors and flexors increased significantly from weeks 2 to 4 (3-13%), was unchanged from weeks 4 to 8, and decreased significantly (6-12%) from weeks 4 to 10. Total time for 3 x 300 m intervals increased (P less than 0.05) between weeks 2 and 4 and between weeks 4 and 8, while total time for 5 x 50 m sprints decreased (P less than 0.05) from weeks 8 to 10 (less than 2%). Body fat percentage decreased (P less than 0.05) from weeks 2 to 10. Body weight, submaximal and maximal aerobic power, resting (sleeping) systolic and diastolic pressures, resting (sleeping) submaximal and maximal heart rates, exercising blood lactate levels, and vertical jump performance did not change significantly with increases in training volume. These results suggest that 6 wk of overtraining may affect some but not all aspects of performance and that performance may be affected before symptoms of the overtraining syndrome appear.

Regional Comparison of the Shapes of Later Acheulean Handaxes

Abstract: This article documents an unexpected regional difference in the shapes of later Acheulean hand-axes. Almost 1,200 handaxes from 17 sites located in Europe, East Africa, India, and the Near East were measured using a polar coordinate technique and compared using discriminant analysis and analysis of variance. One group of handaxes, those from Israel, clearly stood apart. The reasons for this distinction are unclear but may relate to raw material, time, or, perhaps, cultural tradition.

Ensuring creative approaches in information system design

Abstract: Improvement in computing capability is one way to aid US companies in recapturing competitive edge. The easy applications have been computerized; the difficult ones lie ahead. Creative approaches are needed to computerize those difficult applications. Yet IS has apparently little interest in the subject of creativity; less than a half-dozen articles on the subject have been published in the 35-year history of the discipline. The author reviewed the literature in other disciplines of art, science, engineering, psychology and education, to determine how creativity techniques had been utilized in those disciplines. The research revealed that many of those techniques are useful for the IS field. Definitions of creativity are provided, then three classifications of creativity research are reviewed: Rothenberg, Ackoff/Vergara, and Rosner/Abt. Creativity techniques are illustrated for general problem solving. The author advocates the use of creativity techniques in the information system development process at four points: near the conclusion of requirements definition, logical design, physical design and program design. Use of creativity techniques at each of these points is illustrated. By delaying convergence on a solution, new approaches and new alternatives can be generated and evaluated. These approaches can produce the systems needed to assist US companies in international competition.

Childhood sexual abuse among chronic pain patients.

Abstract: Recent literature indicates a relationship between history of sexual abuse and subsequent psychological and social dysfunction. Less thoroughly examined are the possible abuse-related physical effects. This article examines the prevalence of sexual abuse among 135 chronic pain patients. History of abuse for all patients was determined during initial interview. Twenty-eight percent reported child sexual abuse, with history of victimization more significant for women (39%) than men (7%). The abused and nonabused groups of women differed on such variables as marital status, occupation, history of rape and substance abuse, and age of hospitalization. The relationship between sexual abuse and chronic somatic reactions was discussed.

A terror management analysis of self-awareness and anxiety: The hierarchy of terror

Abstract: In this article, we apply terror management theory to the operation of self-awareness processes. According to the theory, self-esteem consists of accepting a cultural conception of reality and believing that one is living up to the standards of value inherent in that conception. The function of self-esteem is to buffer the anxiety that results from the awareness of human vulnerability and mortality that results from our capacity for self-awareness. We argue that self-awareness leads to comparisons with standards, and to behavior aimed at reducing any discrepancies that are detected, because of the potential for existential terror that self-awareness creates. Existential terror is seen as the emotional manifestation of the instinct for self-preservation. Management of this terror is conceptualized as the superordinate goal in a hierarchy of standards through which behavior is regulated. A hierarchical terror management model is proposed. This structure provides a unique analysis of the self-system...

Characterizing high-speed oscilloscopes

Abstract: A technique for measuring the risetimes of the fastest of these instruments, which will allow more accurate measurement of the fastest pulses, is described. The sampling process used by these oscilloscopes is essentially a brief switch closure of a few picoseconds between the signal to be measured at the oscilloscope input and a holding capacitor in the detection circuit. During this switch closure, sampling current flows from the input and is collected or integrated in a capacitor into a finite charge proportional to the input signal. The collected charge is then measured with an analog-to-digital converter. The sudden flow of sampling current during the switch closure creates an impulselike electric disturbance at the oscilloscope input. The characterization technique exploits the fact that this kickback response is a signature of the sampling process. >

System for locating probe tips on an integrated circuit probe card and method therefor

Abstract: A system for determining probe tip alignment for a probe card having a plurality of probes downwardly extending in a defined region of the probe card. Each probe has a tip assigned to a precise X, Y position in a plane spaced from the probe card. The assigned X, Y position is dictated by the topology of the integrated circuit chip for which the probe card was designed. A first memory stores the assigned X, Y position for each of the tips, a second memory stores the measured location of the plane that each of the tips is found in, and a sensor measures the actual X, Y position of an individual probe tip. The sensor is moved to the measured plane at the assigned X, Y position for each tip and obtaining, for each tip, a meausred X, Y position. A computer then displays in a monitor by means of suitable icons, all probes which have a measured X, Y position within an acceptable window of the assigned X, Y position and then displays, with suitable icons, all probe tips having a measured X, Y position exceeding the window of acceptability.

Estimating the prevalence and career longevity of prostitute women

Abstract: Reliable empiric estimates of the prevalence and career longevity of prostitute women in the United States are not currently available We analyze data from our continuous observation of such women in Colorado Springs, during nearly two decades, starting in 1970 Of the 1,022 prostitute women observed, 525% are classified as evanescent, 121% as short‐term, and 353% as long‐term residents Comparison with police prostitution records suggests that our cohort represents about four‐fifths of “true” prevalence The density of full‐time equivalent prostitutes (FTEPs) appears to be about 23 per 100,000 population By extension to the nation, we estimate that an average of about 84,000 women, or about 59,000 FTEPs, worked as prostitutes in the United States annually during the 1980s Our data suggest that prostitute women remain in prostitution for only a short time (about 4 or 5 years for long‐term prostitutes)

Equilibrium surface composition of diblock copolymers

Abstract: The surface composition of a series of symmetric diblock copolymers of polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was studied using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Each copolymer was composed of N segments where N ranged from 270 to 5200. At large N, where the system is highly segregated, the surface is composed only of PS, the lower surface energy component. For smaller N, where the system is in the weak segregation limit, both the PS and PMMA segments coexist at the surface. The surface excess ψ1 of PS in the weak segregation limit is well described by ψ1=α−βN−1/2, in good agreement with mean field predictions. The constants α and β depend on the interactions between the unlike segments on the copolymer chain and on the surface energy differences between the components. We also show that the strength of the segmental interactions in the vicinity of the surface are weaker than from those in the bulk.

Tunneled catheter thrombosis: factors related to incidence.

Abstract: Quasi-experimental and descriptive methods were used to investigate thrombosis incidence in 294 tunneled central venous catheters inserted in adult clients with cancer Thrombosis incidence was measured in relation to heparin flush regimen, internal catheter tip location, and chemotherapy infusate volume Data were collected for two cohorts: 1) 145 tunneled catheters using 5 ml daily of 10 U/ml heparin flush, and 2) 51 catheters using 10 cc daily of 100 U/ml heparin flush Data were also collected for an additional 98 catheters (transitional) utilizing a combination of flush #1 and #2 from adjacent time periods Chi square analysis of the cohorts revealed no difference in thrombosis incidence by flush regimen or chemotherapy infusate volume Suboptimal internal catheter tip location and catheters placed on the left side were related to higher thrombosis incidence Practice implications include: the need for staff and patient education regarding signs and symptoms of catheter-related thrombosis, additional systematic data collection and evaluation, and support for empirical research to establish optimal vascular access device care

A variable observation time method for testing delay faults

Abstract: Test methodologies for delay faults usually observe output patterns at a single observation time, and the same observation time is used for all faults in the circuit under test. In this paper we show that use of a single observation time is not advantageous for testing delay faults, and we are able to show that the detection threshold can be dramatically improved by using a testing methodology that allows variable, fault-dependent and output-dependent observation times. A “waveform-type” simulation method is used for calculating detection thresholds for definitely detectable faults. Statistical distributions of delay fault detection thresholds are presented for ten benchmark circuits.

Differentiating creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, copyright and patenting of IS products/processes

Abstract: The terms creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and intrapreneurship, copyright, and patent are defined and compared. Then, the aspects of systems that warrant their being patented or copyrighted are discussed. In some cases the hardware components of a system can be patented and the software components copyrighted. In some cases the system can be both patented and copyrighted. It is suggested that the six concepts need to be integrated to elicit a new inventiveness among system designers. >

Dynamic ankle splint

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the mobility of the ankle joint by application of a continuous or cycled force between the lower leg and anterior portion of the heel. In a preferred embodiment, an expandable cylinder is pivotally attached to a heel cup and to a lower leg cuff. A selected and quantifiable force is applied between the heel cup and lower leg cuff by a slidable expansion of concentric sleeves within the expandable cylinder using a coiled spring.

Parametric System Identification on Logarithmic Frequency Response Data

Abstract: Gradient search methods that fit the parameters of a user-defined transfer function model to experimental Logarithmic frequency response data are presented. The methods match a model based on physically significant parameters, including natural frequencies of poles and zeroes and damping ratios of complex poles and zeroes. The algorithms construct and utilize their own analytical gradient descent functions, based on the desired model. One method attempts to fit both log magnitude and phase, while another identifies a minimum phase transfer function model from only log magnitude frequency response data. The performance of the log magnitude algorithm is shown to be superior to traditional methods using non-logarithmic frequency response data, including those used in commercially available frequency response analyzers. The algorithms are shown to perform well, especially for systems with lightly-damped dynamics.

Media effects on jurors

Abstract: This article examines the impact on jurors of exposure to media coverage of legal issues. Jurors' decisions may be influenced by a broad range of legally relevant information gleaned from media sources, including newspaper reports, radio and television news, advertising, movies, and televised crime shows and courtroom scenes. The article gives examples of these influences from real-world cases and from simulated research studies. It focuses on the impact of trial-relevant publicity on jurors in cases unrelated to the one being publicized; the ways that media representations of the justice system may influence jurors' expectations and decisions; the influence of insurance company advertisements on jurors' damage awards; and the impact of viewing pornography on jurors' decision making. The paper also explores the psychological processes by which each of these effects may occur and evaluates proposed remedies.