Showing papers by "University of North Carolina at Charlotte published in 1994"

Effects of Dyadic Quality and Duration on Performance Appraisal

Abstract: This study examined the interactive influence of performance, the quality of a supervisor-subordinate relationship, and the duration of that relationship on performance ratings. The results suggest that, in both the short run and long run, the performance of employees in high- quality “leader-member exchange” relationships is rated high, regardless of their objectively measured performance. The ratings of employees in low-quality exchange relationships are consistent with their objective performance in the short run but high in the long run, regardless of objective performance.

Economic Production Lot Size Model with Variable Production Rate and Imperfect Quality

Abstract: The classical economic production lot size (EPL) model assumes a constant production rate that is predetermined and inflexible, and perfect quality. Recent models have removed the assumption of perfect quality while maintaining the inflexible production rate assumption. Production rates in many cases, such as orders filled by a machine, can be changed. Moreover, unit production cost and process quality depend on the production rate. In this paper, we extend the EPL model to cases where the production rate is a decision variable. Unit production cost becomes a function of the production rate. Also, the quality of the production process deteriorates with increased production rate. We solve the proposed model for special cost and quality functions and illustrate the results with a numerical example. The results show that, for cases where increases in the production rate lead to a significant deterioration in quality, the optimal production rate may be smaller than the rate that minimizes unit production cost. For cases where quality is largely independent of the production rate, the optimal production rate may be larger than the rate that minimizes unit production cost.

Small-scale spatial and temporal variations in mid-ocean ridge crest magmatic processes

Abstract: Data from a suite of closely spaced lava flows recovered within the axial summit caldera and on the crestal plateau of the East Pacific Rise around lat 9°31′N indicate that eruptions on this fast-spreading part of the mid-ocean ridge occur throughout the crestal region and are not restricted to the axis. These eruptions contribute to a complex distribution of basalts of various ages and a significant thickening of seismic layer 2A away from the axis in our study area. Small-scale (<600 m) diversity and nonsystematic distribution of lava types may reflect rapid changes in magma chemistry that occur during crystallization and replenishment in small magma lenses, coupled with the effects of frequent low-volume eruptions both within and outside of the axial summit caldera.

Stratified structure of the Universe and Burgers' equation : a probabilistic approach

Abstract: The model of the potential turbulence described by the 3-dimensional Burgers' equation with random initial data was developped by Zeldovich and Shandarin, in order to explain the existing Large Scale Structure of the Universe. Most of the recent probabilistic investigations of large time asymptotics of the solution deal with the central limit type results (the “Gaussian scenario”), under suitable moment assumptions on the initial velocity field. These results and some open questions are discussed in Sect. 2, where we concentrate on the Gaussian model and the shot-noise model. In Sect. 3 we construct a probabilistic model of strong initial fluctuations (a zero-range shot-noise field with “high” amplitudes) which reveals an intermittent large time behaviour, with the velocity\(\vec v(t,x)\) determined by the position of the largest initial fluctuation (discounted by the heat kernelg(t,x·)) in a neighborhood ofx. The asymptoties of such local maximum ast→∞ can be analyzed with the help of the theory of records (Sect. 4). Finally, in Sect. 5 we introduce a global definition of a point process oft-local maxima, and show the weak convergence of the suitably rescaled process to a non-trivial limit ast→∞.

Psychometric Analysis and Revision of the Mental Retardation Attitude Inventory.

Abstract: Psychometric analyses of data from 230 individuals yielded a 29-item four-scale revision of Harth's (1974) original 50-item five-scale summated-rating inventory to measure attitudes toward individuals with mental retardation. Results showed (a) satisfactory item characteristics; (b) adequate reliability and homogeneity for the inventory; (c) support for the four-part multidimensional structure of the inventory; (d) adequate reliability, homogeneity, specificity, and independence of the four scales; and (d) initial support for the validities of the inventory and the four scales. Additional analyses revealed that overall inventory and scale scores were not biased by social desirability responding. The inventory should be useful for the investigation of questions concerning attitudes toward individuals with mental retardation and the relations of these attitudes to mental retardation policies and practices.

International Strategy and Environment: An Assessment of the Performance Relationship

Abstract: This study develops a classification of international business-level strategies built on the dimensions of segment differentiation and geographic scope. In addition, performance outcomes associated with specific international environment and business-level strategy matches are suggested. Using information from firms competing in both global and multidomestic industries, the study finds that geographic scope and segment differentiation can be used to distinguish four international strategies, the effectiveness of which is a function of the environments in which firms compete.

Understanding as an Antidote for the Dysfunctional Consequences of Organizational Politics as a Stressor 1

Abstract: The proposition that organizational politics perceptions are potential stressors with potentially dysfunctional outcomes was set forth based on previous theory. The hypothesis that the dysfunctional outcomes of stress associated with the perceptions of the organizational political climate can be ameliorated by understanding the environment was tested in a field study. Results provided strong support for the hypothesis, demonstrating a significant interaction of politics x understanding on job anxiety, and showing that understanding can serve as an antidote of sorts to the dysfunctional effects of organizational politics.

The relative contribution of domestic violence to assault and injury of police officers

Abstract: The contribution of domestic violence calls to the danger of police work has been a matter of major concern to police, policy makers, and researchers for decades. Building on prior research, the authors examine three years of data on police calls for service, assault, and injury to determine the danger of domestic violence in relation to other types of calls. Of the 10 categories of police activity examined, domestic disturbance ranked fourth in the ratio of assaults to calls for service and fifth in the ratio of injuries to calls for service. No significant differences were observed in the background characteristics of victims and offenders in domestic disturbance and other incidents. Consequently it was recommended that policies to enhance officers' safety be directed mainly at handling incidents in general rather than being geared specifically to responding to domestic disturbances.

Family violence and police utilization.

Abstract: This study examines the utilization of police service for domestic incidents. Contrary to the popular image of serious violence perpetrated upon a spouse, the data show that most calls involve less serious incidents that are almost as likely to involve cohabitants as married couples. This finding assumes significance because of the small proportion of the cohabiting population to the married population. Other types of relationships that generate calls to the police include, although to a lesser extent, parent-child, boyfriend-girlfriend, and siblings. Explanation for these findings focuses on relationship issues and provides implications for service utilization. VioLit summary: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study by Hutchison et al. is to examine family domestic calls received by the police to determine the type of relationship and racial status of couples who obtain police intervention. METHODOLOGY: The authors employed a quasi-experimental design in this study. The authors examined each domestic call in a large Southern city over a seventeen month period. In order to gather enough information on calls which resulted in no crime, modified "domestic miscellaneous incident reports" were used. These forms were completed by all officers making domestic calls when no crime was committed. Incidences in this category were not defined as minor. Rather, they were defined by a lack of probable cause. Authors also examined supplement reports made when police officers judged either a misdemeanor or felony occurred as well as arrest reports. These forms catalogued the nature of the domestic relationship, i.e., married, divorced, separated, cohabiting, or former cohabitation. They also recorded the racial status of the couples involved. Simple descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: Overall, the police officers documented over 18,000 calls. A vast majority, 85%, were noncriminal. The remainder involved misdemeanors or felonies. Primary source of these calls were currently married or currently cohabiting couples. Substantially fewer calls involved couples that were divorced/separated, formerly cohabiting, or boyfriend/girlfriend -- with the latter being the most numerous. Eighty percent of these calls involved female victims. The largest proportion of male victims involved noncriminal incidents. Of the criminal cases, most involved young people and cohabiting couples. With regard to racial status, 75% of the calls were made by blacks. AUTHORS' RECOMMENDATIONS: The authors' recommended that their study be replicated in other jurisdictions. In addition, they recommended that social service agencies examine if their services are available to all individuals that may need them, especially those involved in cohabiting relationships. The authors based this recommendation on their finding that a large number of calls originated from cohabiting couples. Lastly, the authors emphasized the importance of avoiding arrest as the community's sole and primary response to domestic disturbances. EVALUATION: This study will largely be of interest to practitioners and criminal justice researchers. However, family violence researchers will likely find this study interesting as well. It does a good job of documenting some very basic, albeit essential information. While it still needs replication in other jurisdictions, this study will find broad appeal. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado) Adult Violence Adult Victim Adult Offender Adult Female Adult Male Domestic Violence Effects Domestic Violence Intervention Domestic Violence Offender Domestic Violence Victim Police Intervention Police Response Law Enforcement Intervention Law Enforcement Response Spouse Abuse Intervention Spouse Abuse Effects Spouse Abuse Offender Spouse Abuse Victim Cohabitation Abuse Effects Cohabitation Abuse Intervention Cohabitation Abuse Offender Cohabitation Abuse Victim Dating Violence Effects Dating Violence Intervention Dating Violence Offender Dating Violence Victim Partner Violence Violence Against Women Racial Differences African American Adult African American Female African American Male African American Offender African American Victim African American Violence Language: en

Coping and communication among parents and children with human immunodeficiency virus and cancer.

Abstract: Coping strategies and communication of three groups of 20 preschool children and their parents were compared. One group was composed of children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who displayed clinical symptoms of the disease; the second group was composed of children diag

Interaction of hydrogen with defects in a-SiO2

Abstract: In this paper, the current understanding of the role of hydrogen in passivating and creating defects in irradiated MOS samples is reviewed. The first ab initio calculation of the energies of activation and reaction of the dissociation of H 2 molecules at the E′ 1 defect in α-quartz, and for a simple model for the E′ γ defect in a-SiO 2 is prestented. The effects of various improvements to standard Hartree-Fock theory, including perturbative configuration interaction and improved basis sets, were studied. It is found that the qualitative picture of H 2 dissociation is insensitive to these improvements. The estimates of the energies of reaction and activation in the adiabatic approximation are 0.25 eV and 0.78 eV, respectively. The latter energy is roughly twice the activation energy reported by Li et al. The probable sources of error are explored and it is concluded that quantum effects (zero point energy and tunneling are probably crucial for modeling this dissociation reaction. The first ab initio study of the preferred conformation of the proton in a-SiO 2 and a preliminary semiempirical calculation of the activation energy for proton hopping are also presented.

Differences in Assumptions about a Just World: Ethnicity and Point of View

Abstract: This study assessed assumptions individuals make about their own personal worlds or the world in general and assessed whether these assumptions differ for members of a majority or a minority group. Undergraduate students at the University of North Carolina responded to one of two forms of the World Assumptions Scale and the Just World Scale. One form was the original, and in the other all third-person singular pronouns were changed to first-person singular pronouns. Analyses revealed effects for form and ethnicity. These individuals saw their personal worlds as less random, more just, and more benevolent than they saw the world in general. Minority persons saw the world, personal or general, as less benevolent and less lucky. Order of presentation affected scores on the World Assumptions Scale, raising concerns about the stability of scores for that scale.

Localization phenomenon in gaps of the spectrum of random lattice operators

Abstract: We consider a class of random lattice operators including Schrodinger operators of the formH=−Δ+w+gv, wherew(x) is a real-valued periodic function,g is a positive constant, andv(x),x∈ℤd, are independent, identically distributed real random variables. We prove that if the operator −Δ+w has gaps in the spectrum andg is sufficiently small, then the operatorH develops pure point spectrum with exponentially decaying eigenfunctions in a vicinity of the gaps.

Induction of Carbon Starvation-Induced Proteins in Vibrio vulnificus.

Abstract: By using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of pulse-labelled proteins, carbon starvation-induced (Sti) proteins produced by Vibrio vulnificus were identified. At least 34 proteins were induced over a 26-h period of carbon starvation. Although the total rate of protein synthesis over the 26-h starvation period suggests that there is a dramatic decrease in total protein synthesis within the first hour of starvation, at least 23 of the Sti proteins were induced within the first 20 min of carbon depletion. Six temporal classes of proteins could be identified, with class A(ii) encompassing the largest (21 proteins) group. All of the proteins in this group could be characterized by one of two patterns of protein synthesis. The addition of chloramphenicol at sequential times throughout starvation revealed that proteins required for starvation survival are made within the first 4 h of starvation.

The h–p version of the finite element method for problems with interfaces

Abstract: Regularities of the solutions of interface problems in two dimensions are described in the frame of the weighted Sobolev spaces and countably normed spaces. Based upon the regularity of solutions the geometric meshes and the distribution of polynomial degrees are properly designed so that the h–p version of the finite element method for interface problems can lead to the exponential rate of convergence. Numerical results on an elliptic equation with interfaces are presented. The optimal mesh factor, optimal degree factors, and optimal layer factors of the geometric mesh in neighbourhoods of singular points having varied intensities are discussed from both theoretical and practical point of view.

Multiculturalism in the United States : a comparative guide to acculturation and ethnicity

Abstract: Introduction by John D. Buenker and Lorman A. Ratner African Americans by Cynthia Greggs Fleming American Indians by Vine Deloria, Jr. Arab-Americans by Gregory Orgalea Asian American Indians by Karen Leonard Chinese Americans by George Anthony Peffer Dominican-Americans by Silvio Torres-Saillant Filipino-Americans by Augusto Espiritu German-Americans by James M. Bergquist Haitian-Americans by Marc Prou Irish Americans by Lawrence J. McCaffrey Italian-Americans by Dominic Candeloro Jewish-Americans by Edward Shapiro Korean-Americans by Kyeyoung Park Mexican-Americans by Matt S. Meir Polish-Americans by Edward R. Kantowicz Scandinavian Americans by John Robert Christianson Vietnamese-Anericans by Hien Due Do Bibliographic Essay by John D. Buenker, Joseph Buenker, and Lorman A. Ratner

The Effect of Job Search Method, Sex, Activity Level, and Emotional Acceptance on New Job Characteristics: Implications for Counseling Unemployed Professionals.

Abstract: SUMMARY The pervasiveness of downsizing and work force reductions duringthe past decade have left millions unemployed. Equally disturbingis the fact that govemment statistics greatly underestimate un-employment by failing to account for discouraged job seekers andthe permanently unemployed (Shifron, Dye, & Shifron, 1983). Inaddition, downsizing has dramatically altered traditional corporatestructures and affected employment opportunities for white-collarAmericans. This study suggests that the economic reality of fiatcorporations is less pay, reduced benefits, and lower status, leadingmany professional workers to be substantially underemployed. Theresults also show, however, that many displaced workers arefinding more satisfying and intrinsically rewarding new jobs.Counselors and employment specialists can play a key role ineasing this trginsition into new and satisfying jobs. They are facedwith the challenge of helping these workers alter their expectations,reexamine their reemployment options, and adjust to possiblechanges in family income. Because so many upwardly mobileprofessionals have grown accustomed to jobs providing such ex-trinsic and intrinsic incentives, adjustment to the reality of thisnew job market presents a major challenge for the involuntarilydisplaced and those who serve them.REFERENCES

The Effect of Cause of Death on Responses to the Bereaved: Suicide Compared to Accident and Natural Causes.

Abstract: This study investigated the impact of cause of death on responses to a bereaved individual. Sixty participants (30 men and 30 women) listened to an audiotape of a recently bereaved widow. There were three versions of the tape, each identical except for the stated cause of death: suicide, accident, or heart attack. Participants listened and responded to three segments of the tape. Results indicated that respondents were more anxious after the interaction than before. In addition, perceptions of the individual bereaved by suicide were more negative, but these perceptual differences were not reflected in quantitative measures of behavior. Qualitative data suggested that for suicidal deaths issues of blame and responsibility are more salient than for deaths due to accidents or natural causes.

A simplified synthesis of transmission lines with a tree structure

Abstract: The limiting factor for high-performance systems is being set by interconnection delay rather than transistor switching speed. The advances in circuits speed and density are placing increasing demands on the performance of interconnections, for example chip-to-chip interconnection on multichip modules. To address this extremely important and timely research area, we analyze in this paper the circuit property of a generic distributed RLC tree which models interconnections in high-speed IC chips. The presented result can be used to calculate the waveform and delay in an RLC tree. The result on the RLC tree is then extended to the case of a tree consisting of transmission lines. Based on an analytical approach a two-pole circuit approximation is presented to provide a closed form solution. The approximation reveals the relationship between circuit performance and the design parameters which is essential to IC layout designs. A simplified formula is derived to evaluate the performance of VLSI layout.

Guided-wave and free-space optical interconnects for parallel-processing systems: a comparison.

Abstract: Guided-wave and free-space optical interconnects are compared based on insertion loss, link efficiency, connection density, time delay, and power dissipation for three types of connection networks. Three types of free-space interconnect systems are analyzed that are representative of a wide variety of free-space systems: space-variant basis-set and space-invarient systems. Results indicate that the connection density of a space-variant free space system has a connection density roughly equivalent to a two level guided-wave system with a pitch of ~10 µm (for a 1-µm wavelength) and a core refractive index of 2.0. It is also shown that the connection density of basis-set and space-invariant free-space systems can be several orders of magnitude higher than fundamental limits on the connection density of dual-level guided-wave interconnect systems when large-scale highly connected networks are employed.

The dodo bird revisited: A qualitative study of psychotherapy efficacy research

Abstract: This article is a qualitative study of psychotherapy efficacy research spanning more than four decades. The findings are organized into five temporal categories characterizing the evolution of psychotherapy research. All five categories are integrated in the central phenomenon of two views of human behavior, a reactive or a proactive view. The categories are (1) psychotherapy is no more effective than no psychotherapy (1950s and 1960s), (2) the “core conditions” (empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and congruency) are necessary and sufficient conditions for therapeutic personality change (1960s and 1970s), (3) psychotherapy is for better or for worse (early 1960s), (4) the core conditions are necessary but not sufficient for therapeutic personality change (late 1970s and mid-1980s), and (5) specific techniques are uniquely effective in treating particular disorders (late 1980s and early 1990s). The findings concerned with Categories 4 and 5 are (a) that the conclusion that Rogers's attitudinal conditions are necessary but not sufficient has virtually no direct research support, and (b) that the research concerning specificity of treatment, dysfunction, therapist variables, and client variables is characterized by fragmentation, few replications, and lack of generalizability. Implications of the study indicate that specificity research, driven by the unfounded assertion that Rogers' attitudinal conditions are not sufficient, have yielded inconclusive and misleading findings. The pattern of research is one that culminates in the picture of a self-fulfilling model driven and directed by the “scientificating” deterministic view of human behavior, the movement toward narrow and specific application. Over four decades, the major thread in psychotherapy efficacy research is the presence of the therapist attitudes hypothesized by Rogers.

‘Earwitness’ voice recognition: Factors affecting accuracy and impact on jurors

Abstract: Two studies were conducted examining voice recognition testimony and its impact on jurors In the first experiment, subjects listened to a tape recording of a brief sales pitch After a retention interval of either 0, 7 or 14 days, subjects were unexpectedly asked to pick the salesperson's voice out of a five-voice taped lineup Retention interval did not have a significant effect on hit rates or false alarms Accuracy and pre-lineup confidence were not significantly correlated, although accuracy was related to post-lineup willingness to testify In the second experiment, undergraduate subjects were asked to read a summary of a trial, describing a situation similar to that studied in experiment 1; the independent variables were the presence of an earwitness, the gender and confidence of the earwitness, and the retention interval Only the presence of an earwitness had a significant main effect upon mock jurors' verdicts However, there was a significant interaction between witness confidence and witness gender when an earwitness identification was presented

The industrial robots selection problem: literature review and directions for future research

Abstract: Research on the industrial robot selection problem (RSP) has received increased attention in the past decade. In this paper, RSP models are reviewed and classified. The strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to the RSP are summarized. A tabular framework is used to summarize the reviewed RSP models. For quick and easy reference, the table categorizes the models by application, solution approach, robot attributes considered, and selection criteria. We suggest directions for future research

Predatory rapists and victim selection techniques.

Abstract: This article examines the self-reported target techniques of 61 sexual offenders incarcerated in a maximum custody prison. Respondents were interviewed using a methodology employing other convicted felons as interviewers. The data lend support to a rational choice perspective revealing predatory rapists as decision makers since they largely attack females whom they perceive as vulnerable. In light of these findings, research is needed curbing fallacies leading to victim vulnerability.

Weighting Land Suitability Factors by the PLUS Method

Abstract: The weighting of land suitability factors by human experts is integral to land suitability analysis. For a satisfactory result, a tested holistic approach is called upon to systematically address the issues of preference acquisition, synthesis, and inconsistency diagnosis. As an extension of the analytic hierarchy process to the study of land suitability analysis, the PLUS (prioritization for land-use suitability) method presented in this paper is devised toward this end. The case study demonstrates its applicability in real-world situations.