Showing papers by "University of Hartford published in 1991"

The Job Satisfaction of Older Workers

Abstract: Older workers re-entering the workforce and those changing jobs are coming to play an increasingly important role in the labor force, especially as part-time workers. Yet the work orientation and job satisfaction of these workers has not been studied. Do ‘situational’ factors such as skill and pay matter for this subgroup of workers, and if so, which ones? If significant factors exist, can their effect be explained by the mediating influence of ‘dispositional’ factors like work values? This paper explores these questions in a study of 198 older workers who had begun new, mostly part-time jobs. Regression analysis shows that the intrinsic indicators for skill and autonomy have a positive effect on job satisfaction. No extrinsic factor was significantly related to satisfaction, indicating that these workers are more than ‘instrumentally’ oriented. This support for a ‘situational’ interpretation of the impact of work, especially intrinsic features, was sustained in analyses which incorporated work values. To the extent that the growing number of part-time jobs are relatively low-skilled, and to the extent that older workers in new jobs are influenced most by intrinsically rewarding work, there appears to be a growing mismatch between an occupational niche and those who are being sought to fill it.

Assessing the Productivity of Information Technology Equipment in U.S. Manufacturing Industries

Abstract: In this paper we report results of an empirical assessment of the cost reducing impacts of recent dramatic increases in stocks of "high-tech" office and information technology equipment (0) using annual data from various two digit US manufacturing industries over the 1952-1986 time period. While there are exceptions, on balance we find that in 1986, estimated marginal benefits of investments in this 0 equipment are less than marginal costs, implying over investment in 0 capital in 1986. The sign of the estimated elasticity of demand for labor with respect to changes in the stock of 0 capital is evenly divided in the fourteen industries, but whether positive or negative, in all industries this elasticity increases in absolute magnitude over time, indicating ever greater impacts of 0 capital on the demand for aggregate labor. Finally, our estimates of the elasticity of technical progress with respect to 0-capital are very small in magnitude implying that increases in o capital have only a small impact on technical progress.

The relationship of interpersonal communication variables to academic success and persistence in college

Abstract: Recent research has considered a number of communication variables (e.g., communication competence and communication apprehension) in academic performance and college retention issues. This study extends this line of research by examining the influence of communication competence, roommate rapport, and loneliness on academic performance and student persistence. Results indicate that communication competence is important in a college student's academic and social life. In general, some dimensions of communication competence are positively related to roommate rapport and grade point average, and negatively related to loneliness and math SAT scores. Perceptions of roommate's communication competence on some dimensions are also associated with roommate rapport and negatively related to loneliness. Finally, the social confirmation dimension of communication competence differentiates persisters and non‐persisters up to four years later. These and additional findings are examined.

Ultrastructural study of the mature egg of the marine sponge Stelletta grubii (porifera demospongiae)

Abstract: Stelletta grubii is an oviparous demosponge, which, during its reproductive period from summer to autumn, has small eggs (80-90 microns) dispersed uniformly in the mesohyl. The nucleolated nucleus is surrounded by dictyosomes containing small vesicles, which contribute to form reserve material. Vesicles, numerous food vacuoles, and groups of mitochondria are observed in the granular cytoplasm. Electron-dense yolk inclusions and lipids are found peripherally. The cortical portion of the egg cytoplasm possesses vacuoles with fibrillar contents. The egg forms pseudopodia, which could permit the capture of numerous bacteria present in the surrounding mesohyl. A thick layer of collagen fibrils, including lophocytes, separates the egg from the surrounding sponge mesohyl. Ultrastructural analysis has demonstrated the presence both of cellular components capable of autosynthetic activity (nutrient vesicles) and of phagocytosis mechanisms (pseudopod capture of bacteria) for the storage of nutrients by the egg.

ASL and the family system.

Abstract: This paper examines some of the sociological implications of poor interaction on families in which one of the members is deaf. When a family systems perspective is used, once a child is diagnosed as deaf the family is no longer considered "hearing"; the parents may be hearing, the other children may be, but the family system becomes "hearing and deaf." By viewing this as a hearing/deaf problem, it becomes clear that no adequate solution can be found without the participation of deaf adults and the benefit of their perspectives and insights. We suggest that attention be directed toward neutralizing the effects of the stigma associated with deafness so that American Sign Language can become a pivotal tool for facilitating functional symbolic interaction in hearing/deaf families.

Method and apparatus for surface roughness measurement using laser diffraction pattern

Abstract: A non-contact visual system for analyzing surface roughness directs onto the surface of a workpiece a laser beam which is reflected from the surface with a diffraction pattern. The image of the reflected diffraction pattern is captured on a mirror and reflected onto a display screen, and this displayed image is converted into analog signals which, in turn, are converted into digital data. The intensity of the captured image is determined from the digital data, and the data on the determined intensity of the captured image are compared with data on intensity from calibrated standards of surface roughness. From this comparison, the surface roughness of the workpiece is determined. The preferred technique uses a rasterizing graphics adapter for converting the output of a video camera into the digital signals and only pixels above a predetermined brightness value are utilized.

Scaling behavior of radiative recombination cross sections and rate coefficients

Abstract: Direct radiative recombination (RR) cross sections ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{\mathrm{RR}}$ and rate coefficients ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}^{\mathrm{RR}}$ are presented for all ions using the scaling property of the cross section in the parameter \ensuremath{\eta}=${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$/(${\mathit{ka}}_{0}$). The RR cross section is defined simply in terms of two parameters, \ensuremath{\eta} and the number of electrons N in the target ion. The RR rate coefficient ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}^{\mathrm{RR}}$/${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ in turn depends on two parameters, the scaled temperature (FTHETA=${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$T/${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathrm{eff}}^{2}$) and N. An empirical formula for the effective charge ${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ is constructed, which is weakly dependent on the electron energy ${\mathit{k}}^{2}$. The cross-section values can also be used in analyzing high-energy ion-atom collisions with radiative electron capture.

Tracking of crossing targets with imaging sensors

Abstract: The authors present an algorithm for the tracking of crossing targets using the centroid measurement and the centroid offset measurement of the distributed image formed by the targets. The measurements are obtained by a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imaging sensor. The joint probabilistic data association merged-measurement coupled filter (JPDAMCF) is used for state estimation which performs filtering in a coupled manner for the targets with common measurements. Two filters are examined: one assuming the displacement noise white and the other one modeling it correctly as autocorrelated. The latter is shown to yield substantially better performance. The proposed algorithm demonstrates the usefulness of the JPDAMCF for tracking crossing targets in combination with the models for the centroid and offset measurements. Even though the centroid offset measurement requires more computations and a more complex model for estimation, it yields significantly better results if the filter accounts for its colored measurement noise. >

Combination and Conspiracy: A Legal History of Trade Unionism, 1721-1906

Abstract: Combination - 1721-1799 conspiracy - criminal law combination - 1799-1824 combination - 1824-1859 conspiracy - restraint of trade master and servant the law of srikes - 1859-1871 after 1871 - employers and workmen.

Post‐structuralism and language: Non‐sense

Abstract: (1991). Post‐structuralism and language: Non‐sense. Communication Monographs: Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 213-224.

The oneness of opposites: Applied communication and theory

Abstract: (1991). The oneness of opposites: Applied communication and theory. Journal of Applied Communication Research: Vol. 19, The Agenda for Applied Communication Research, pp. 116-122.

Neural Networks in the Undergraduate Curriculum

Abstract: Neural networks have been and will continue to be major research areas in artificial intelligence. Such models show promise in achieving human-like performance, particularly in areas such as speech and pattern recognition. Recently, neural networks have begun to find their way out of the research labs and into the realm of practical applications. Unfortunately, however, the study of such networks has been largely overlooked in the computer science undergraduate curriculum. Tomorrow's marketplace demands that computer science students be familiar with neural networks and with their problem solving abilities. This paper presents a proposal for a neural network module to be integrated into an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course. Such a module proved to be a very popular and successful part of such a course given by the author. Sample projects assigned in the course will be presented. In a number of these projects, students either used microcomputer application software which simulates several neural network models or programmed their own simulations on microcomputers.

Structural stability prediction for thermoplastic ankle-foot orthoses

Abstract: A thermoplastic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is an orthotic appliance which extends from the calf to the foot. The solid ankle AFO (SAAFO) is used to provide forces and moments to correctly position the lower leg and foot so that more normal stance is achieved. The SAAFO is a thin shell structure, usually 3/32 to 3/16 in. thick, thermally vacuum formed to a cast representing the patient's lower leg, ankle and foot geometry. The SAAFO, then, is a thin shell structure of complicated geometry. The authors present the outcome of a comparison of instability loads obtained from testing and finite element analysis predicted buckling loads. The comparison indicates that while proper trends were predicted, the accurate prediction of buckling loads will require more sophisticated finite element models. >

Neural networks in the undergraduate curriculum

Abstract: Neural networks have been and will continue to be major research areas in artificial intelligence. Such models show promise in achieving human-like performance, particularly in areas such as speech and pattern recognition. Recently, neural networks have begun to find their way out of the research labs and into the realm of practical applications. Unfortunately, however, the study of such networks has been largely overlooked in the computer science undergraduate curriculum. Tomorrow's marketplace demands that computer science students be familiar with neural networks and with their problem solving abilities. This paper presents a proposal for a neural network module to be integrated into an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course. Such a module proved to be a very popular and successful part of such a course given by the author. Sample projects assigned in the course will be presented. In a number of these projects, students either used microcomputer application software which simulates several neural network models or programmed their own simulations on microcomputers.

Organizational control and the status of marketing in multihospital systems.

Abstract: Research on organizational control and multihospital systems has focused on operational and performance characteristics. Little attention has been directed to the role of marketing as an operational strategy. This article examines the practice of marketing across interorganizational types and develops comparative profiles.

Research ethicality: the perceptions of participants and their participation willingness.

Abstract: In this examination of the use of cost-benefit analysis by subjects in the making of ethicality judgments and participation decisions, 318 subjects read one of eight hypothetical descriptions of a study representing four levels of possible subject costs and two levels of possible societal benefits. Six-point, Likert-type scales were used to assess: perceived level of risk; perceived level of benefit; meaningfulness of benefit; cost-benefit balance; participation willingness; and, ethicality of the study. Support for the use of cost-benefit analysis by subjects was found for both participation willingness and ethicality ratings. However, the data indicate that the subjects’ decision making uses a subject-determined, cost-benefit ratio that differs from the experimenter-determined ratio.

On the topological entropy of transitive maps of the interval

Abstract: The topological entropy of a continuous map of the interval is the supremum of the topological entropies of the piecewise linear maps associated to its finite invariant sets. We show that for transitive maps, this supremum is attained at some finite invariant set if and only if the map is piecewise monotone and the set contains the endpoints of the interval and the turning points of the map.

Public administration and the rule of law

Abstract: This article deals with the enduring problem of administrative discretion in the modern American democratic-constitutional state. In the American constitutional tradition, administrative action is legitimate when and only if it adheres to the rule of law. This implies that administrators must be able to link directly their actions to grants of authority in statutes or the Constitution. But the growth of the state apparatus and the increasing intensification of the public administration's role in society have necessitated rather broad legislative grants of discretion to the bureaucracy. The result has been a seemingly perennial tension between the rule of law ideal and the modern administrative reality. Attempts to control discretion via evolving doctrines of administrative law have proved unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons explored in this essay. The most important shortfall has been that the continuing expansion of the administrative state threatens directly the rule of law itself. After a survey of...

Networked circuits/electronics laboratories

Abstract: The author describes the implementation of networked computers and computer-aided data acquisition in circuits and electronics laboratories. He describes the modification of current experiments and the development of new experiments for use with computer-aided data acquisition. He discusses the problems that occur when implementing such a laboratory. >

Intra-building digital communications at 460 and 1300 MHz

Abstract: The author describes experiences with experimental 460-MHz and 1300-MHz wireless data networks operated within adjoining multistorey steel-reinforced office-type buildings. The experiments have been conducted using a single fixed station and portable stations at various locations within the buildings. The fixed station was moved to compare locating it within a wiring closet or near terminal equipment. The fixed station location was also varied among the floors of the building to compare relative performance. Station transmitter and receiver parameters, including transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, and antenna feedline gain, varied. Antennas compared include standard lambda /4 groundplane, discone, and slot antennas. For operation between the floors, once the power was sufficient to achieve link integrity, operation was reliable. Positional fading was noted, however. Link operation was satisfactory for normal usage. >

Resonant electron capture to high Rydberg states by F ions at low energies

Abstract: A systematic study of resonant electron capture by Fz+ ions at low energies is carried out, where Z = 4, 5, 6, and 7, corresponding to the number of electrons N = 5, 4, 3, and 2, respectively in the initial ions. Contributions of the metastable states in the initial ion beam are also studied, especially for the N = 2 case where 1s2s 1.3S states are involved. The doubly excited states formed by the 2s → 2p intrashell excitation and the capture of the incoming electrons to high Rydberg states are treated explicitly for n ≤ 12 and by extrapolation in the principal quantum number n for n ≥ 13. In addition, excitation transitions involving parent core states of the same configuration but with different total spins are also studied. The Z-dependence of this isonuclear sequence is used in the construction of empirical rate formulas.