Showing papers by "University of Texas at Arlington published in 1996"

Clarifying the Entrepreneurial Orientation Construct and Linking It To Performance

Abstract: The primary purpose of this article is to clarify the nature of the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) construct and to propose a contingency framework for investigating the relationship between EO and firm performance. We first explore and refine the dimensions of EO and discuss the usefulness of viewing a firm's EO as a multidimensional construct. Then, drawing on examples from the EO-related contingencies literature, we suggest alternative models (moderating effects, mediating effects, independent effects, interaction effects) for testing the EO-performance relationship.

Methodological issues in cross‐cultural marketing research: A state‐of‐the‐art review

Abstract: Notes that methodological problems are hampering the growth of cross‐cultural marketing research and presents a review of methodological issues to address these problems. Organizes these issues around a six‐step framework which includes elements such as problem definition, the development of an approach and research design formulation. Notes that the marketing research problem can be defined by comparing the phenomenon or behaviour in separate cultural contexts and eliminating the influence of the self‐reference criterion. Discusses issues in data analysis such as treatment of outliers and standardization of data. Concludes with an interpretation of results and report presentation.

The Effects of the Service Environment on Affect and Consumer Perception of Waiting Time: An Integrative Review and Research Propositions:

Abstract: The management of buyers’ perceptions of waiting time by service businesses may be critical to customer satisfaction. Although reducing actual waiting time is important, what managers view as a short time to wait may feel too long to customers. Relevant literature from architecture, environmental psychology, psychology, physiology, operations management, sociology, and marketing is integrated to build a conceptual model of how the service environment may influence affect and, in turn, waiting time perception. Based on this model, propositions about how specific service environment elements (e.g., lighting, color, temperature) may influence affect and time perception are presented. Finally, a research agenda and implications for service facility design are proposed.

Techniques and Standards for Image, Video, and Audio Coding

Abstract: 1. Introduction. I. DIGITAL CODING TECHNIQUES. 2. Color Formats. 3. Quantization. 4. Predictive Coding. 5. Transform Coding. 6. Hybrid Coding and Motion Compensation. 7. Vector Quantization and Subband Coding. II. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR IMAGE, VIDEO AND AUDIO CODING. 8. JPEG Still Picture Compression Algorithm. 9. ITU-T H.261 Video Coder. 10. MPEG-1 Audiovisual Coder for Digital Storage Media. 11. MPEG-2 Generic Coding Algorithms. 12. MPEG-4 and H.263 Very Low Bit-rate Coding. 13. High Definition Television Services. 14. CMTT Digital Broadcasting S Standards. Appendix A. Manufactures and Vendors. Appendix B. Information on the Internet.

Modified Desirability Functions for Multiple Response Optimization

Abstract: Desirability functions have been used extensively to simultaneously optimize several responses. Since the original formulation of these functions contains non-differentiable points, only search methods can be used to optimize the overall desirability response. Furthermore, all responses are treated as equally important. We present modified desirability functions that are everywhere differentiable so that more efficient gradient-based optimization methods can be used instead. The proposed functions have the extra flexibility of allowing the analyst to assign different priorities among the responses. The methodology is applied to a wire bonding process that occurs in semiconductor manufacturing, an industrial process where multiple responses are common.

The Long-Run Relationship between Nominal Interest Rates and Inflation: The Fisher Equation Revisited

Abstract: Stable URL:http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-2879%28199602%2928%3A1%3C102%3ATLRBNI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2Journal of Money, Credit and Banking is currently published by Ohio State University Press.Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available athttp://www.jstor.org/about/terms.html. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtainedprior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content inthe JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use.Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained athttp://www.jstor.org/journals/ohio.press.html.Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printedpage of such transmission.The JSTOR Archive is a trusted digital repository providing for long-term preservation and access to leading academicjournals and scholarly literature from around the world. The Archive is supported by libraries, scholarly societies, publishers,and foundations. It is an initiative of JSTOR, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to help the scholarly community takeadvantage of advances in technology. For more information regarding JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.http://www.jstor.orgMon Aug 27 13:58:08 2007

Comparison of very short-term load forecasting techniques

Abstract: Three practical techniques-fuzzy logic (FL), neural networks (NN), and autoregressive models-for very short-term power system load forecasting are proposed and discussed in this paper. Their performances are evaluated through a computer simulation study. The preliminary study shows that it is feasible to design a simple, satisfactory dynamic forecaster to predict very short-term power system load trends online. FL and NN can be good candidates for this application.

Haldane's rule and its legacy: Why are there so many sterile males?

Abstract: A general pattern of animal hybridization, known as Haldane's rule, is that the XY (ZW) sex is more severely affected in its viability or fertility than the XX (ZZ) sex. Recent evidence suggests that three different forces have shaped this pattern: (1) the X chromosome and autosomes are in greater disharmony in the XY sex; (2) evolution of hybrid male sterility is greatly accelerated, at least in species with XY males; and (3) maternal-zygotic incompatibility preferentially affects the viability of the XX sex. In species with XY males, the rapid evolution toward hybrid male sterility may be responsible for the bulk of observations pertaining to Haldane's rule. One interesting and testable hypothesis is that sexual selection drives this rapid evolution.

The GenLOT: generalized linear-phase lapped orthogonal transform

Abstract: The general factorization of a linear-phase paraunitary filter bank (LPPUFB) is revisited. From this new perspective, a class of lapped orthogonal transforms with extended overlap (generalized linear-phase lapped orthogonal transforms (GenLOTs)) is developed as a subclass of the general class of LPPUFB. In this formulation, the discrete cosine transform (DCT) is the order-1 GenLOT, the lapped orthogonal transform is the order-2 GenLOT, and so on, for any filter length that is an integer multiple of the block size. The GenLOTs are based on the DCT and have fast implementation algorithms. The implementation of GenLOTs is explained, including the method to process finite-length signals. The degrees of freedom in the design of GenLOTs are described, and design examples are presented along with image compression tests.

Pulsed radio frequency plasma polymerization of allyl Alcohol: Controlled deposition of surface hydroxyl groups

Abstract: The utility of employing a variable duty cycle pulsed plasma polymerization technique to control film chemistry during plasma depositions is examined using allyl alcohol as monomer gas. Large scale progressive variations in film composition are observed with sequential changes in the plasma duty cycles employed, all other plasma variables being held constant. In particular, the −OH functionality of the monomer is increasingly retained in the plasma generated thin films as the radio frequency duty cycle is lowered. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses of the films obtained reveal that excellent film chemistry control is achieved during plasma polymerization of this monomer. The surface density controllability of functional groups, coupled with a gradient layering technique described herein to improve film adhesion to substrate surfaces, provides ideal opportunities for molecular tailoring of surfaces via subsequent derivatization reactions.

Physical, sexual and psychological abuse in high school dating relationships: Prevalence rates and self-esteem issues

Abstract: The present study examined the rates of victimization by physical, sexual and psychological abuse in adolescent dating relationships, with self-esteem being explored as a mediating variable. Subjects included 257 students from a coed, ethnically diverse, religiously affiliated high school. Information was obtained using a self-report questionnaire on teenage dating behaviors. Of the 114 male and 118 female subjects who had dating experience, 59% had been victimized at least once in some past or current dating relationship by physical violence, 96% had experienced some form of psychological maltreatment and 15% had been forced to engage in sexual activity. Significantly more males than females reported experiencing physical abuse overall. Significantly more males than females experienced acts of moderate physical abuse, while there was no significant gender difference in the experience of acts of severe physical abuse. Thirteen percent of the subjects stated they had remained in a physically abusive relationship at one time, with females being more likely to remain than males. Self-esteem was not a factor in the level of physical abuse sustained in dating relationships, nor was there a significant difference in the levels of self-esteem between subjects who remained in, terminated, or never were involved in, physically abusive dating relationships. For all subjects, self-esteem negatively correlated with the level of psychological maltreatment sustained in dating relationships, but separate analysis by gender found the correlation was significant only for female subjects.

Heater Orientation Effects on Pool Boiling of Micro-Porous-Enhanced Surfaces in Saturated FC-72

Abstract: Experiments are performed to understand the effects of surface orientation on the pool boiling characteristics of a highly wetting fluid from a flush-mounted, micro-porous-enhanced square heater Micro-porous enhancement was achieved by applying copper and aluminum particle coatings to the heater surfaces Effects of heater orientation on CHF and nucleate boiling heat transfer for uncoated and coated surfaces are compared A correlation is developed to predict the heater orientation effect on CHF for those surfaces

Sensitivity and stability of efficiency classifications in data envelopment analysis

Abstract: A new technique for assessing the sensitivity and stability of efficiency classifications in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is presented. Here developed for the ratio (CCR) model, this technique extends easily to other DEA variants. An organization's input-outut vector serves as the center for a cell within which the organization's classification remains unchanged under perturbations of the data. For the l 1, l ∞ and generalized l ∞ norms, the radius of the maximal cell can be computed using linear programming formulations. This radius can be interpreted as a measure of the classification's stability, especially with respect to errors in the data.

Quality function deployment usage in software development

Abstract: The authors survey major software vendors' use of quality improvement techniques during the early stages of the system development life cycle.

Commercial bank mutual fund activities: Implications for bank risk and profitability

Abstract: This paper examines the risk structure of bank holding companies and the effect of mutual fund activities on bank risk and profitability over the period 1987–1994. Findings from structural change tests indicate a significant decline in bank risk occurred near the mid-point of the study. Results from a confirmatory factor analytic model employed to examine the impact of mutual fund activities on banks suggest that mutual fund activities moderated bank industry systematic risk during the sample period. Mutual fund activities also increased the profitability of banks. These results suggest that mutual funds represent a productive avenue of expansion for bank holding companies.

Working without a net: Time, performance, and turnover under maximally contingent rewards

Abstract: Researchers examined the performance-turnover relationship under conditions of varying reward contingency with 189 sales representatives who earned base pay plus commission (moderately contingent rewards) during their first 2 months of work and commission-only pay (maximally contingent rewards) thereafter. As predicted by an expanded version of the contingent rewards hypothesis, the performance-turnover relationship was stronger under maximally contingent rewards, higher than any reported in the literature. Using event history analyses, the researchers also showed that current (time-dependent) performance affords a better prediction of turnover than average (time-stationary) performance. Performance velocity (slope overtime) had a further, unique effect on turnover risk. The implications of these findings for future studies of the employee turnover process and pay systems were discussed.

Search and Liquidity in Single-Family Housing

Abstract: A two-stage least squares model of housing prices is estimated with data collected from 3358 single-family home transactions. The results provide evidence for an optimal marketing period and indicate that a liquidity premium is priced in single-family home sales. Consistent with the hypothesis derived from economic search models, the model shows higher selling prices for houses having longer expected marketing periods. The model also shows a price premium for houses that sell faster than expectations. This effect supports the concept that liquidity is a value-enhancing characteristic.

Attribution of foot bones to sex and population groups

Abstract: Although cranial and pelvic bones are the preferred skeletal material used by forensic anthropologists to assign unknown individuals to their most probable sex and population (racial) groups, these remains may be unavailable. This paper presents models for classification using metatarsals, proximal pedal phalanges, and the first distal phalanx of the foot. Measurements include lengths and mediolateral and dorsoplantar widths of these foot bones. Four samples of 40 individuals each (black and white males and females) comprise the dataset. Models were developed separately for right and left sides. Three models are provided for each side: a metatarsal model, a proximal phalangeal model, and a combination model involving selected metatarsal and phalangeal measurements. A stepwise discriminant procedure was used for variable selection, with some highly correlated (r > 0.85) variables subsequently removed. The metatarsal models correctly assign approximately 77-84% of individuals to their correct sex and population groups; proximal phalangeal models yield correct assignments in 70-72% of cases, and the combination models give correct classifications in 87% of cases. Models exchanging variables selected from one side for corresponding variables on the other show discriminating power ranging from approximately 67-86%. More conservative "jackknife" estimates give correct assignments in 64-82% of cases. When these models are used for classification of sex alone, 86.2-93.7% ("jackknife" range, 84.3-91.2%) of cases are correctly classified; for race alone, 78.6-96.2% ("jackknife" range, 75.5-92.4%).

Polyfluorinated Tris(pyrazolyl)borates. Syntheses and Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Group 1 and Group 11 Metal Complexes of [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]- and [HB(3-(CF3)Pz)3]-

Abstract: The fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]- and [HB(3-(CF3)Pz)3]- (where Pz = pyrazolyl) have been synthesized as their sodium salts from the corresponding pyrazoles and NaBH4 in high yield. These sodium complexes and the related [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]K(DMAC) were used as ligand transfer agents in the preparation of the copper and silver complexes [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]Cu(DMAC), [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]CuPPh3, [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]AgPPh3, and [HB(3-(CF3)Pz)3]AgPPh3. Metal complexes of the fluorinated [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]- ligand have highly electrophilic metal sites relative to their hydrocarbon analogs. This is evident from the formation of stable adducts with neutral oxygen donors such as H2O, dimethylacetamide, or thf. Furthermore, the metal compounds derived from fluorinated ligands show fairly long-range coupling between fluorines of the trifluoromethyl groups and the hydrogen, silver, or phosphorus. The solid state structures show that the fluorines are in close proximity to these nuclei, t...

Female Gang Members: A Profile of Aggression and Victimization

Abstract: Most research on gang membership has concentrated on the male population. When female gang membership is examined, it is usually in reference to the young women as sex objects or to their secondary roles in the gang. Minimal work has been done to examine the etiology of female gang membership. This article presents themes of female gang membership that emerged from in-depth structured interviews with 15 young women in a residential treatment facility. Demographic material, family structure, initiation rites, and criminal behaviors are examined. In addition, specific implications for social work practice and research are explored.

Using a static VAr compensator to balance a distribution system

Abstract: An algorithm for applying a fixed capacitor-thyristor controlled reactor (FC-TCR) type of static VAr compensator (SVC) in the distribution system to dynamically balance a system is introduced. With a newly developed individual phase control scheme, an SVC can reduce negative sequence current caused by the load to improve system balance. Since the control circuit is governed by a microcomputer, which replaces the traditional discrete load switching and makes the capability of rapid and dynamic balancing of the system become possible. In addition, the power factor can be improved simultaneously by selecting an appropriate amount of capacitive/inductive compensation. This paper presents a mathematical model for computer simulation and control of a delta connected SVC to achieve the purpose of negative sequence reduction. Some computer simulation and scaled laboratory test results are discussed.

Application of fuzzy decision-making in facilities layout planning

Abstract: This paper establishes a vigorous methodology, based on the fuzzy set theory, to improve the facilities layout process that has occupied scholars and practitioners for more than four decades. Fuzzy set theory is an appropriate tool which uses the natural language that humans use to control complex systems such as facilities planning. The closeness rating between departments in a plant depends on qualitative and quantitative factors. Some of these factors may have greater effect on the designer's decisions about such ratings. Thus, the pairwise comparison of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which ensures the consistency of the designers’ decisions when assigning the importance of one factor over another, is used to find the weights of these factors. FUZZY, a computer program developed based on the fuzzy decision-making system (FDMS) is used to generate the activity relationship charts. These charts are used by FZYCRLP, a modified version of CORELAP, to develop the layouts. FELAP, another program bas...

The partnership model: working with individuals, families, and communities toward a new vision of health.

Abstract: Increasingly, health professionals must learn to work in new partnership relationships with clients and community to promote health effectively. A partnership requires a transformation of the professional role from chief actor to partner, and the client role from passive recipient to partner. A partnership approach has particular merit in a reformed health care system that increasingly emphasizes active involvement and self-care actions of individuals and families to maintain health and prevent disease. A partnership approach is also important to professionals working with underserved, vulnerable, and/or minority populations. For too long professionals and policymakers have relegated these groups to passive roles in health decision making and action. This article will provide a description of the partnership process as it has been developed and implemented by nurse practitioners in an urban Hispanic community with emphasis on a community partnership. A partnership model is described and compared to the more traditional professional model. A definition and essential criteria for partnership are presented. Finally, a specific example of how the partnership process was implemented at the community level is discussed.

Early Diagenetic Silica Deposition in Algal Cysts and Spores: A Source of Sand in Black Shales?

Abstract: Devonian black shales deposited on the North American craton contain abundant Tasmanites cysts. Although these are typically flattened because of compaction, a small proportion are filled with diagenetic silica. The latter are spherical to ellipsoidal (0.1-0.5 mm), and filled with chalcedony, microquartz and megaquartz, and single quartz crystals. Chalcedonic cyst fillings are preserved best in cheat and phosphate nodules, whereas megaquartz and single quartz crystals are most common in shale matrix. Together with colloform textures, this suggests that the various silica types originated from recrystallization of early diagenetic silica deposits. Thin sandstone beds in the Chattanooga Shale (e.g., Bransford Sandstone) contain abundant quartz sand that is much coarser than the detrital quartz component of the underlying black shales. Because of this, their quartz component is thought to have been transported over considerable distances from the basin margin. However, because certain shale horizons contain as much as 10% silicified cysts that upon reworking could have yielded quartz grains of fine to coarse sand size, the quartz component of these sandstone beds may actually have formed in situ. Indeed, petrographic examination of the sandstone beds shows them to contain quartz grains with morphological and textural features of "cyst" quartz (e.g., rounding, sphericity, chalcedony, pyrite inclusions, lobate grain margins). Thus, silica deposition in algal cysts may provide a significant component of intrabasinal quartz sand in shale sequences. Distinction of this type of quartz from extrabasinal detrital quartz is important to the reconstruction of the depositional history of shale sequences.

Optimal short horizon distribution operations in reusable container systems

Abstract: Manufacturers in many countries are facing increasing market pressures to use returnable containers. Few studies address the day-to-day operational problems of controlling production and distribution that are inherent in closed systems that reuse containers. In this paper we present a formulation of an optimal configuration of this type of system. In particular, we model the reusable bottle production and distribution activities of a large soft drink manufacturer located in Mexico City, Mexico. Two types of operational research models are combined to form the overall optimization system. A pair of linear programs (one aggregated, the other disaggregated) determines a master plan that is subsequently fined-tuned on a shift-by-shift basis using a difference equation simulation model. The simulation model mimics the heuristic 'rules of thumb' used by production planners for product distribution and container reuse planning. The results of our study indicate that this formulation provides a timely response in the field to key operational problems addressed by no previous approach. Included are better organizational control (through providing one-week production and distribution plans), feedback allowing modification of heuristic rules previously used in controlling the distribution of product and container reuse, and improvement in inventory behaviour such as avoiding shortages. These improvements have resulted in considerable market share gains since the models were implemented.