University of North Texas

About: University of North Texas is a education organization based out in Denton, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 11866 authors who have published 26984 publications receiving 705376 citations. The organization is also known as: Fight, North Texas & UNT.

Polymer gels with engineered environmentally responsive surface patterns

Abstract: The polymer gels called hydrogels may be induced to swell or shrink (taking up or expelling water between the crosslinked polymer chains) in response to a variety of environmental stimuli, such as changes in pH or temperature, or the presence of a specific chemical substrate1. These gels are being explored for several technological applications, particularly as biomedical materials2. When hydrogels swell or shrink, complex patterns may be generated on their surfaces3,4,5,6,7. Here we report the synthesis and controlled modulation of engineered surface patterns on environmentally responsive hydrogels. We modify the character of a gel surface by selectively depositing another material using a mask. For example, we use sputter deposition to imprint the surface of an N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) gel with a square array of gold thin films. The periodicity of the array can be continuously varied as a function of temperature or electric field (which alter the gel's volume), and so such an array might serve as an optical grating for sensor applications. We also deposit small areas of an NIPA gel onthe surface of an acrylamide gel; the patterned area can be rendered invisible reversibly by switching the temperature above or below the lower critical solution temperature of the NIPA gel. We anticipate that these surface patterning techniques may find applications in display and sensor technology.

Detection of Feigned Mental Disorders A Meta-Analysis of the MMPI-2 and Malingering

Abstract: The validity of test data from multiscale inventories is dependent on self-reports that may be easily distorted by malingering. In examining the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2's (MMPI-2) role in the assessment of feigning, this review provides a conceptual analysis of the detection strategies underlying the MMPI-2 validity scales. The conceptual analysis is augmented by comprehensive meta-analysis of 65 MMPI-2 feigning studies plus 11 MMPI-2 diagnostic studies. For the rare-symptoms strategy, Fp (Cohen's d = 2.02) appears especially effective across diagnostic groups; its cut scores evidence greater consistency than most validity indicators. The data supported the F as an effective scale but questioned the routine use of Fb. Among the specialized scales, Ds appeared especially useful because of its sophisticated strategy, consistent cut score, and minimalfalse-positives. General guidelines are offeredfor specific MMPI-2 validity scales in the assessment of malingering with specific diagnoses.

Biosensors: a tutorial review

Abstract: This paper discusses various biosensors in detail, where the biosensor consists of bioelement and a sensor element. The bioelement may be an enzyme, antibody, living cells etc., and the sensing element may be electric current, electric potential, and so on. This survey initially introduces the basic concept of the biosensors. High-level overviews of different types of biosensors are given and the working principles, constructions, advantages and applications of many biosensors are also presented. In addition to these MEMS have given rise to a whole new class of biosensors which involve the transduction of mechanical energy and are based on mechanical phenomena.

Representation of the Online Tourism Domain in Search Engines

Abstract: With the growing importance of the Internet for travel planning, understanding the online domain of tourism is vital in order to identify the challenges and potential solutions for effectively marketing travel destinations. This study focuses attention on understanding the representation of the tourism domain on the Internet. Analyses of search results from a major search engine were conducted in order to assess: 1) the visibility of destination-related information; 2) the visibility of various industry sectors within destinations; and 3) the power structure of websites that represent a specific destination. The results show that although there is a huge amount of information indexed, travelers can only access a tiny fraction of the domain. Also, there are a relatively small number of websites dominating the search results. This study provides a number of important insights into the challenges facing the tourism industry with respect to representing a destination online.

From Adolescent Angst to Adulthood: Substantive Implications and Measurement Dilemmas in the Development of Teacher Efficacy Research

Abstract: Founded in social cognitive theory, teachers' self-efficacy beliefs have been repeatedly associated with positive teaching behaviors and student outcomes. However, teacher efficacy has developed a storied history regarding construct validity and measurement integrity. Study of teacher efficacy now stands on the verge of maturity, but such developmental growth will likely be contingent on development of strong theoretical models and effective instrumentation to assess theoretical constructs. The purpose of this article is to (a) briefly review the theoretical foundation of teacher efficacy and critically evaluate historical attempts to measure teacher efficacy, (b) discuss important substantive implications stemming from efficacy research that may advance the field, (c) present recent measurement advances, and (d) highlight several methodologies that have been underutilized in development of teacher efficacy instruments.