Showing papers by "University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee published in 2003"

Urban Political Ecology, Justice and the Politics of Scale

Abstract: This and the subsequent papers in this special issue set out the contours of Marxian urban political ecology and call for greater research attention to a neglected field of critical research that, given its political importance, requires urgent attention Notwithstanding the important contributions of other critical perspectives on urban ecology, Marxist urban political ecology provides an integrated and relational approach that helps untangle the interconnected economic, political, social and ecological processes that together go to form highly uneven and deeply unjust urban landscapes Because the power-laden socioecological relations that shape the formation of urban environments constantly shift between groups of actors and scales, historical-geographical insights into these ever-changing urban configurations are necessary for the sake of considering the future of radical political-ecological urban strategies The social production of urban environments is gaining recognition within radical and historical-materialist geography The political programme, then, of urban political ecology is to enhance the democratic content of socioenvironmental construction by identifying the strategies through which a more equitable distribution of social power and a more inclusive mode of environmental production can be achieved

Mapping Abstract Complex Workflows onto Grid Environments

Abstract: In this paper we address the problem of automatically generating job workflows for the Grid. These workflows describe the execution of a complex application built from individual application components. In our work we have developed two workflow generators: the first (the Concrete Workflow Generator CWG) maps an abstract workflow defined in terms of application-level components to the set of available Grid resources. The second generator (Abstract and Concrete Workflow Generator, ACWG) takes a wider perspective and not only performs the abstract to concrete mapping but also enables the construction of the abstract workflow based on the available components. This system operates in the application domain and chooses application components based on the application metadata attributes. We describe our current ACWG based on AI planning technologies and outline how these technologies can play a crucial role in developing complex application workflows in Grid environments. Although our work is preliminary, CWG has already been used to map high energy physics applications onto the Grid. In one particular experiment, a set of production runs lasted 7 days and resulted in the generation of 167,500 events by 678 jobs. Additionally, ACWG was used to map gravitational physics workflows, with hundreds of nodes onto the available resources, resulting in 975 tasks, 1365 data transfers and 975 output files produced.

Checking interference with fractional permissions

Abstract: We describe a type system for checking interference using the concept of linear capabilities (which we call "permissions"). Our innovations include the concept of "fractional" permissions: reads can be permitted with fractional permissions whereas writes require complete permissions. This distinction expresses the fact that reads on the same state do not conflict with each other. One may give shared read access at one point while still retaining write permission afterwards. We give an operational semantics of a simple imperative language with structured parallelism and prove that the permission system enables parallelism to proceed with deterministic results.

Chief executive scanning emphases, environmental dynamism, and manufacturing firm performance

Abstract: Chief executives must allocate their scarce time for scanning efforts among relevant domains of their firms' external environment and their firms' internal circumstances. We argue that high-performing CEOs vary their relative scanning emphases on different domains according to the level of dynamism they perceive in their external environments. The concepts of dominant logic and sector importance were used to develop predictions about which external domains and which internal domains should receive relatively more or less scanning emphasis in external environments that, overall, are more dynamic or more stable. A field survey of 105 single-business manufacturing firms evaluated CEOs' scanning emphases and firm performance. Results indicated that, for dynamic external environments, relatively more CEO attention to the task sectors of the external environment and to innovation-related internal functions was associated with high performance. In stable external environments, however, simultaneously increased scanning of the general sectors in the external environment and efficiency-related internal functions produced higher performance. These relationships were strongest between relative scanning emphases among domains and sales growth. We discuss the implications of these results for researchers and practitioners. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Reciprocal Spillover Effects: A Strategic Benefit of Brand Extensions:

Abstract: A commonly advanced rationale for the proliferation of brand extensions is companies’ motivation to leverage the equity in established brands, thereby developing profitable products relatively easily. A more interesting strategic argument for brand extensions that has been advanced is that extensions would favorably affect the image of the parent brand and thereby influence its choice. In this research, the authors investigate the existence of such reciprocal spillover effects emanating from the advertising of a brand extension. The authors use scanner panel data and study spillover effects of advertising on brand choice. They develop implications for brand and product line management.

Trends in foreign direct investment flows: a theoretical and empirical analysis

Abstract: This paper seeks to provide a rationale for changing trends in the flow and determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a result of macro-economic and firm strategy considerations. We identify several factors that impact on such trends, and develop propositions that could explain the phenomenon generically. The study then provides preliminary empirical support for the propositions presented, and outlines the path for further research needed to investigate more causal links. The statistical analysis of investments by US multinational enterprises (MNEs) reveals significant changes in the regional distribution of FDI, and a change in some of its traditional determinants. Results show that US MNEs are now making increasing investments into Asia to exploit low wage levels and to secure entry into new markets.

Gender And Elder Care In China: The Influence of Filial Piety and Structural Constraints

Abstract: The authors explore the changing dynamics of gendered familial caregiving in urban China within the context of economic reforms and the continued cultural influence of xiao (filial piety). Data collected in China through interviews with 110 familial caregivers were used to examine cultural and structural influences on the caregiving behavior of adult children. Results from multiple regression analyses provide evidence of a gendered division of parental care tasks, a decline in the patrilocal tradition of caregiving, and a strong social pressure that influences caregiving behavior. Structural factors linked to caregiving performance included family size, lack of pensions for elders, and caregivers’ employment status and income. Findings portend deleterious effects for the women who are now caregivers as they are likely to live longer but be more financially dependent and have fewer children available to help them.

Improved exercise tolerance and quality of life with cardiac rehabilitation of older patients after myocardial infarction. Results of a randomized, controlled trial☆

Abstract: Background— Whether cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective in patients older than 75 years, who have been excluded from most trials, remains unclear. We enrolled patients 46 to 86 years old in a ...

Assessing interpersonal fusion: reliability and validity of a new dsi fusion with others subscale

Abstract: The Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI) is a multidimensional measure of differentiation consisting of four subscales focusing on adults (ages 25+), and their significant relationships, including current relationships with family of origin. Although the DSI full scale and three of its subscales are theoretically and psychometrically sound, the Fusion with Others (FO) subscale is lacking. Therefore, responses of 225 adults were used to revise the FO subscale. Results yielded a 12-item, revised FO subscale with improved internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Greater fusion with others was associated with greater spousal fusion and dimensions of adult attachment insecurity. Implications for Bowen theory and suggestions for future research with the DSI-R are discussed.

Colour polymorphism in birds: causes and functions

Abstract: We studied polymorphism in all species of birds that are presently known to show intraspecific variation in plumage colour. At least three main mechanisms have been put forward to explain the maintenance of polymorphism: apostatic, disruptive and sexual selection. All of them make partly different predictions. Our aims were to investigate evolutionary causes and adaptive functions of colour polymorphism by taking into account a number of ecological and morphological features of polymorphic species. Overall, we found 334 species showing colour polymorphism, which is 3.5% of all bird species. The occurrence of colour polymorphism was very high in Strigiformes, Ciconiiformes, Cuculiformes and Galliformes. Phylogenetically corrected analysis using independent contrasts revealed that colour polymorphism was maximally expressed in species showing a daily activity rhythm extended to day/night, living in both open and closed habitats. All these findings support the hypothesis that colour polymorphism probably evolved under selective pressures linked to bird detectability as affected by variable light conditions during activity period. Thus, we conclude that selective agents may be prey, predators and competitors, and that colour polymorphism in birds may be maintained by disruptive selection.

The costs (and benefits?) of diversified business groups: The case of Korean chaebols

Abstract: We examine Korean chaebols to determine the costs and benefits associated with the operation of a diversified business group We find that chaebol-affiliated firms suffer a value loss relative to non-affiliated firms We observe that this value loss holds even after controlling for the relatedness of the diversification present within the chaebol To identify the causes of this value loss, we obtain evidence suggesting that chaebol firms: (1) pursue profit stability rather than profit maximization, (2) over-invest in low performing industries, and (3) cross-subsidize the weaker members of their group We do find however that chaebol firms possess greater debt capacity and consequently enjoy lower tax burdens Nevertheless, because chaebols suffer an overall loss in value, we conclude that the costs associated with chaebol membership exceed its benefits

The Incidence and Persistence of Corruption in Economic Development

Abstract: Economic development and bureaucratic corruption are determined jointly in a dynamic general equilibrium model of growth, bribery and tax evasion. Corruption arises from the incentives of public and private agents to conspire in the concealment of information from the government. These incentives depend on aggregate economic activity which, in turn, depends on the incidence of corruption. The model produces multiple development regimes, transition between which may or may not occur. In accordance with recent empirical evidence, the relationship between corruption and development is predicted to be negative.

Control of cascaded multi-level inverters

Abstract: A new type of multilevel inverter is introduced which is created by cascading two three-phase three-level inverters using the load connection, but requires only one dc voltage source. This new inverter can operate as a seven-level inverter and naturally splits the power conversion into a higher-voltage lower-frequency inverter and a lower-voltage higher-frequency inverter. This type of system presents particular advantages to Naval ship propulsion systems which rely on high power quality, survivable drives. New control methods are described involving both joint and separate control of the individual three-level inverters. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of both controls. A laboratory set-up at the Naval Surface Warfare Center power electronics laboratory was used to validate the proposed joint-inverter control. Due to the effect of compounding levels in the cascaded inverter, a high number of levels are available resulting in a voltage THD of 9% (without filtering).

The Shifting Foundations of Public Opinion about Gay Rights

Abstract: This study tests two explanations for the recent increase in support among the American public for gay rights policies. One possibility is that shifts in the aggregate levels of predispositions such as egalitarianism, moral traditionalism, feelings toward gays and lesbians, partisanship, and ideology produced changes in policy opinions. Another possibility is that shifts in the underlying structure of opinion—that is, shifts in the how citizens used these predispositions to think about the issue—produced changes in support for gay rights. An analysis of data from the 1992, 1996, and 2000 National Election Studies showed that both types of shifts explained why Americans became increasingly favorable toward gay rights policies over this span.

The Scalar Production of Injustice within the Urban Forest

Abstract: Research has recently argued, quite successfully, for a more dialectic appreciation of urban nature/society relations. Despite this progress, there is still the need to recognize that the social production of urban environments explicitly leads to uneven urban environments and environmental injustice. Environmental inequalities clearly exist within cities; when taking into account how environmental externalities play out at different scales, the degree to which something is unjust becomes less clear. This paper discusses how the scales at which socially produced urban forest externalities play out pose difficulties for considering environmental injustice. This issue, while interesting from the point of view of considering scalar nature/social dialects, also makes policy considerations for urban reforestation problematic as a result of the ways in which urban forests contribute to local/global ecological scenarios.

The impact of complicated grief on mental and physical health at various points in the bereavement process.

Abstract: The purpose of this cohort sequential study was to determine whether the presence of complicated grief (CG) measured at various points in the spousal bereavement process is associated with an increase in mental and physical health problems 18 months later. One hundred twelve participants provided data at four points in time. CG was measured with the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), and mental health was measured with the Integra Outpatient Tracking Assessment, Mental Health Index (MHI), and illnesses by self-report. Twenty-nine participants were identified as experiencing CG. Beginning at 6 months after the death, MHI scores were significantly lower for the CG group and those results were persistent. The CG group experienced more additional life stressors, perceived less social support, and achieved less clinically significant change in MHI than the NCG group. Identification of CG at any point at 6 months or later in bereavement indicates a need for professional intervention. Implications for establishing CG as a DSM diagnosis are discussed.

Distinctive personality characteristics of 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds with Williams syndrome.

Abstract: Although previous research and clinical observation have indicated that individuals with Williams syndrome have a distinctive personality, an empirically derived personality profile has not been developed. The objective of the current investigation was to develop a personality profile that is descriptive of and distinctive to children with Williams syndrome. Participants were 23 8- to 10-year-old children with Williams syndrome and 20 8- to 10-year-old children with developmental disabilities of other etiologies. Participant groups had equivalent intellectual abilities. Parents completed measures of childhood temperament (Children's Behavior Questionnaire [CBQ]) and personality (parent report, short form of Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire [MPQ]). Using group comparisons and signal detection theory, we contrasted the personality characteristics of children with Williams syndrome and children with developmental disabilities of other etiologies. On the CBQ, high mean ratings on shyness (reverse-coded) and empathy together characterized 96% of the children in the Williams syndrome group, but only 15% of the mixed etiology group. On the MPQ, high ratings on items measuring certain characteristics combined (gregarious, people-oriented, tense, sensitive, and visible) were characteristic of 96% of the Williams syndrome group but only 15% of the mixed etiology group. The personality profiles emerging from the CBQ and MPQ provide a crucial step toward investigations of genotype/phenotype relations.

E-manufacturing—fundamental, tools, and transformation

Abstract: Manufacturing industry worldwide has been facing unprecedented challenges brought by ever changing, global and competitive market conditions as well as changing social demands, regional, governmental and environmental regulations. E-commerce and Internet technologies injected “velocity” into the front business activities and enabled companies to shift their manufacturing operations from the traditional factory integration philosophy to a supply chain-based e-factory philosophy. It transforms companies from a local factory focus to a global enterprise and business focus. This paper introduces e-manufacturing as a new concept to answer the aforementioned needs of business strategies for complete integration of all business elements including suppliers, customer service network and manufacturing units by leveraging the Internet, web-enabling, tether-free technologies and computational tools. Enabling tools will be introduced to support e-manufacturing includes the ability to monitor the plant floor assets, and predict the variation and performance loss for dynamic rescheduling of production and maintenance operations, and synchronize with other related business actions to achieve a complete integration between manufacturing systems and upper-level enterprise applications. Finally, infotronics technologies for next-generation e-manufacturing transformation are discussed.

Comparing The Influence Of Parents And Peers On The Choice To Use Drugs: A Meta-Analytic Summary of the Literature

Abstract: This literature summary, using meta-analysis, compares the influence of parents versus peers on substance use. The data indicated that the average relationship for peer effects on substance use was larger than the effect for parental influence. Several moderating influences (such as youth age and type of substance) are considered. The findings indicate that the relative size of parental and peer influence varies with the age of the adolescent and the type of substance. The results indicate that both parents and peers influence decisions about substance use. Future educational interventions concerning substance use should consider how best to combine these two sources of influence.

Priming or Framing Media Influence on Attitudes Toward Foreign Countries

Abstract: This study examines two routes for media effects on the standards by which people evaluate foreign countries. The first is indirect: a news story about an issue in a domestic context may heighten t...

Improving Snowfall Forecasting by Diagnosing Snow Density

Abstract: Current prediction of snowfall amounts is accomplished either by using empirical techniques or by using a standard modification of liquid equivalent precipitation such as the 10-to-1 rule. This rule, which supposes that the depth of the snowfall is 10 times the liquid equivalent (a snow ratio of 10:1, reflecting an assumed snow density of 100 kg m23), is a particularly popular technique with operational forecasters, although it dates from a limited nineteenth-century study. Unfortunately, measurements of freshly fallen snow indicate that the snow ratio can vary from on the order of 3:1 to (occasionally) 100:1. Improving quantitative snowfall forecasts requires, in addition to solutions to the significant challenge of forecasting liquid precipitation amounts, a more robust method for forecasting the density of snow. A review of the microphysical literature reveals that many factors may contribute to snow density, including in-cloud (crystal habit and size, the degree of riming and aggregation of the snowflake), subcloud (melting and sublimation), and surface processes (compaction and snowpack metamorphism). Despite this complexity, the paper explores the sufficiency of surface and radiosonde data for the classification of snowfall density. A principal component analysis isolates seven factors that influence the snow ratio: solar radiation (month), low- to midlevel temperature, mid- to upper-level temperature, low- to midlevel relative humidity, midlevel relative humidity, upper-level relative humidity, and external compaction (surface wind speed and liquid equivalent). A 10-member ensemble of artificial neural networks is employed to explore the capability of determining snow ratio in one of three classes: heavy (1:1 , ratio , 9:1), average (9:1 # ratio # 15:1), and light (ratio . 15:1). The ensemble correctly diagnoses 60.4% of the cases, which is a substantial improvement over the 41.7% correct using the sample climatology, 45.0% correct using the 10-to-1 ratio, and 51.7% correct using the National Weather Service ‘‘new snowfall to estimated meltwater conversion’’ table. A key skill measure, the Heidke skill score, attains values of 0.34‐0.42 using the ensemble technique, with increases of 75%‐183% over the next most skillful approach. The critical success index shows that the ensemble technique provides the best information for all three snow-ratio classes. The most critical inputs to the ensemble are related to the month, temperature, and external compaction. Withholding relative humidity information from the neural networks leads to a loss of performance of at least 5% in percent correct, suggesting that these inputs are useful, if nonessential. Examples of pairs of cases highlight the influence that these factors have in determining snow ratio. Given the improvement over presently used techniques for diagnosing snow ratio, this study indicates that the neural network approach can lead to advances in forecasting snowfall depth.

Software reuse strategies and component markets

Abstract: Black-box reuse with component markets could be the silver bullet solution that makes software reuse a reality, and advances software development to a robust industrial process---but only if market makers address the growing pains plaguing this immature industry.

Accessibility, Connectivity, and Captivity: Impacts on Transit Choice

Abstract: Travelers can be classified into two groups: choice users and captive users. Choice users select transit or automobile service when they view one option as superior, whereas captive users have only one travel option. Surprisingly, little is known about captivity effects on mode split models. This research examines the way transit service factors such as accessibility and connectivity relate to mode captivity and mode choice. Data for this investigation come from the Portland, Oregon, 1994 Household Activity and Travel Diary Survey, the Regional Land Information System for the Portland area, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy database, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Individual trip data were segmented into transit captive, automobile captive, and choice users based on information about private vehicle availability, transit connectivity, and distance from a transit stop. Traditional transit mode split models are compared with models that segment users into choice and captive groups. It was found that traditional models underestimate the variation in mode choice for captive users, while overestimating the attractiveness of transit for choice users. These results indicate that better transit forecasts can result if accessibility and connectivity are used to help identify captive users. Additionally, among choice transit users, differences in travel times between automobile and transit modes do little to influence mode selection, while walk access to transit has more effect than previously thought.

The Therapeutic Environment Screening Survey for nursing homes (TESS-NH): An observational instrument for assessing the physical environment of institutional settings for persons with dementia

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To develop an observational instrument that describes the ability of physical environments of institutional settings to address therapeutic goals for persons with dementia. METHODS A National Institute on Aging workgroup identified and subsequently revised items that evaluated exit control, maintenance, cleanliness, safety, orientation/cueing, privacy, unit autonomy, outdoor access, lighting, noise, visual/tactile stimulation, space/seating, and familiarity/homelikeness. The final instrument contains 84 discrete items and one global rating. A summary scale, the Special Care Unit Environmental Quality Scale (SCUEQS), consists of 18 items. Lighting items were validated using portable light meters. Concurrent criterion validation compared SCUEQS scores with the Professional Environmental Assessment Protocol (PEAP). RESULTS Interrater kappa statistics for 74% of items were above.60. For another 10% of items, kappas could not be calculated due to empty cells, but interrater agreement was above 80%. The SCUEQS demonstrated an interrater reliability of.93, a test--retest reliability of.88, and an internal consistency of.81--.83. Light meter ratings correlated significantly with the Therapeutic Environment Screening Survey for Nursing Homes (TESS-NH) lighting items (r =.29--.38, p =.01--.04), and the SCUEQS correlated significantly with global PEAP ratings (r =.52, p <.01). DISCUSSION The TESS-NH efficiently assesses discrete elements of the physical environment and has strong reliability and validity. The SCUEQS provides a quantitative measure of environmental quality in institutional settings.