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Different Angles (different + angle)
Selected AbstractsNew Directions for IPE: Drawing From Behavioral EconomicsINTERNATIONAL STUDIES REVIEW, Issue 2 2008Deborah Kay Elms Many of the research approaches currently under investigation by behavioral economists are even better suited for international political economy research. The three research ideas illustrated in this article,framing and loss aversion, myopic time horizons, and fairness,highlight concepts of considerable utility for IPE researchers. This article uses previously published International Organization articles, reformulated to consider the same puzzles from a different angle, to illustrate the application of these concepts. This allows readers the opportunity to consider an extended comparison of theoretical explanations of the same empirical evidence. Incorporating more of the knowledge drawn from psychology and current economics will yield superior explanations for political economy research questions that are more accurate, generalizable, parsimonious, and testable. [source] Aid heterogeneity: looking at aid effectiveness from a different angleJOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Issue 8 2005George Mavrotas The paper uses an aid disaggregation approach to examine the impact of different aid modalities on the fiscal sector of the aid-recipient country. It uses time-series data on different types of development aid (project aid, programme aid, technical assistance and food aid) for Uganda, an important aid recipient in recent years, to estimate a model of fiscal response in the presence of aid which combines aid heterogeneity and endogenous aid. The empirical findings clearly suggest the importance of the above approach for delving deeper into aid effectiveness issues since different aid categories have different effects on key fiscal variables,an impact that could not be revealed if a single figure for aid were employed. Project and food aids appear to cause a reduction in public investment whereas programme aid and technical assistance are positively related to public investment. The same applies for government consumption. A negligible impact on government tax and non-tax revenues, and a strong displacement of government borrowing are also found. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] How can domestic households become part of the solution to England's recycling problems?BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 2 2005Teresa Smallbone Abstract A waste disposal problem of looming proportions, coupled with a lack of sufficient public engagement in the preferred alternative to disposal, which is recycling, continues to perplex English policy-makers. Based on both a literature review across a wide range of disciplines and a national survey of consumer attitudes towards their own participation in recycling, this paper finds that past efforts at increasing recycling have been based on an implied model of consumer recycling behaviour that is not supported by what happens in practice. By disentangling thinking about recycling behaviour from academic thinking about green consumerism, the paper considers the waste and recycling problem from a different angle. It suggests that research on the personal values of people who recycle could be utilized in marketing communications that show these values being fulfilled by recycling. Focusing greater marketing attention on people who already claim to recycle, and helping them through better communication and improved practical help, could achieve much higher levels of reclaimed materials. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Stylet Bend Angles and Tracheal Tube Passage Using a Straight-to-cuff ShapeACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006Richard M. Levitan MD Abstract Objectives Malleable stylets improve maneuverability and control during tube insertion, but after passage through the vocal cords the stiffened tracheal tube may impinge on the tracheal rings, preventing passage. The goal of this study was to assess insertion difficulty with styletted tubes of different bend angles. Methods Tube passage was assessed with four different bend angles (25°, 35°, 45°, and 60°) using straight-to-cuff,shaped tubes. In two separate airway procedure classes, 16 operators in each class (32 total) placed randomly ordered styletted tubes of the different angles into eight cadavers (16 total). Operators subjectively graded the ease of tube passage as no resistance, some resistance, or impossible to advance. Results No resistance was reported in 69.1% (177/256) at 25°, in 63.7% (163/256) at 35°, in 39.4% (101/256) at 45°, and in 8.9% (22/256) at 60°. Tube passage was impossible in 2.3% of insertions (6/256) at 25°, in 3.5% (9/256) at 35°, in 11.3% (29/256) at 45°, and in 53.9% (138/256) at 60°. The odds ratios of impossible tube passage for 35°, 45°, and 60° vs. 25° were 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55 to 4.16), 5.32 (95% CI = 2.22 to 12.71), and 48.72 (95% CI = 21.35 to 111.03), respectively. Conclusions Bend angles beyond 35° with straight-to-cuff styletted tracheal tubes increase the risk of difficult and impossible tube passage into the trachea. The authors did not compare different stylet stopping points, stylets of different stiffness, or tracheal tubes with different tip designs, all variables that can affect tube passage. [source] Relationship between eye preference and binocular rivalry, and between eye-hand preference and reading ability in childrenDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 8 2008J. Fagard Abstract One goal of the experiment presented here was to check, in children, the relationship between eye preference when sighting at different angles and eye dominance in binocular rivalry. In addition, since it is sometimes argued that a crossed pattern of eye-hand preference might put children at risk of difficulties in learning to read, we evaluated the relationship between this pattern and reading achievement in first and sixth graders. Results showed that a majority of children are right-eyed for monosighting, and that intrinsic preference and spatial factor influence the choice of eye. As many children were right- or left-eye dominant, and eye dominance was not related to eye preference. We found no relationship between eye-hand preference and reading proficiency, thus not confirming that a crossed pattern of eye-hand preference might put children at risk of difficulties in learning to read. Consistent handers were more advanced in reading than inconsistent handers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 789,798, 2008 [source] Motor processes in children's imagery: the case of mental rotation of handsDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2005Marion Funk In a mental rotation task, children 5 and 6 years of age and adults had to decide as quickly as possible if a photograph of a hand showed a left or a right limb. The visually presented hands were left and right hands in palm or in back view, presented in four different angles of rotation. Participants had to give their responses with their own hands either in a regular, palms-down posture or in an inverted, palms-up posture. For both children and adults, variation of the posture of their own hand had a significant effect. Reaction times were longer the more awkward it was to bring their own hand into the position shown in the stimulus photograph. These results, together with other converging evidence, strongly suggest that young children's kinetic imagery is guided by motor processes, even more so than adults'. [source] Egocentric mental rotation in Hungarian dyslexic childrenDYSLEXIA, Issue 1 2001Kázmér Karádi Abstract A mental rotation task was given to 27 dyslexic children (mean age 9 years, 2 months) and to 28 non-dyslexic children (mean age 8 years, 8 months). Pictures of right and left hands were shown at angles of 0, 50, 90 and 180 degrees, and the subjects were required to indicate whether what was shown was a right hand or a left hand. It was found that, in this task, the dyslexics did not show the normal pattern of response times at different angles, and also, that they made more errors than the controls. It is argued that this result is compatible with hypothesis that, in typical cases of dyslexia, there is a malfunctioning in the posterior parietal area. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Diagnosis of Right Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm after Pacemaker ImplantationECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2006Xuedong Shen M.D. Right ventricular rupture is a critical cardiac complication associated with cardiac tamponade and death. Occasionally, the site of rupture may be contained by the parietal pericardium and thrombus, thus forming a pseudoaneurysm. Cases of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the right ventricle have been reported. However, right ventricular pseudoaneurysm following pacemaker implantation has not been previously reported. This case demonstrates two right ventricular pseudoaneurysms following perforation of the right ventricular wall using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) after pacemaker implantation although only one definite pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed by routine two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). We also found that color Doppler 3DE enhanced visualization of the connections between the right ventricle and the pseudoaneurysm. Color Doppler 3DE allowed us to peel away the myocardial tissue and rotate the image to study the jets from different angles. In summary, real-time 3DE and color Doppler 3DE provided excellent visualization of the right ventricular pseudoaneurysm, flow between the ventricle and the pseudoaneurysm, and additional information to that obtained by 2DE. [source] Transformative Teaching: Restoring the teacher, under erasureEDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND THEORY, Issue 2 2009Jenny Steinnes Abstract In the large and complex landscape of pedagogy, the focus seems to have turned away from the concept of teaching and towards a stronger emphasis on learning, probably supported by neo-liberal ideology. The teacher is presented more as part of the force of production than as an autonomous performer of a mandate given to him/her by society. He/she is supposed to supply knowledge that is considered useful to a society geared to production and consumption. During the past few decades, enlightenment as a legitimising concept for education has been challenged from different angles, both by a self-critique from within and from external forces. One angle of approach is the questioning of the relationship between the state and education, by way of a critique of modernity. Another approach comes from a critique of knowledge, which has lost most of its universal implications and is left with more pragmatic and utilitarian considerations. Into this landscape of lost legitimisation, I will make an attempt to visualise an impossible/possible position for teaching, featuring ancient, contemporary and phantom-like figures. I am suggesting the concept of transformation as an alternative to development or improvement, which I find to be concepts with a close link to modernity and its linearity. By a careful and conscious use of the word transformation, taking Derrida's intensified focus of language into account, a possible active position might be intimated in spite of the fundamental critique, which has been directed at pedagogy and its imperialistic implications from different angles. [source] Complex-valued multidirectional associative memoryELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 1 2007Masaki Kobayashi Abstract Hopfield model is a representative associative memory. It was improved to Bidirectional Associative Memory (BAM) by Kosko and to Multidirectional Associative Memory (MAM) by Hagiwara. They have two layers or multilayers. Since they have symmetric connections between layers, they ensure convergence. MAM can deal with multiples of many patterns, such as (x1,x2,,), where xm is the pattern on layer m. Copyright © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Noest, Hirose, and Nemoto proposed complex-value Hopfield model. Lee proposed complex-valued Bidirectional Associative Memory. Zemel proved the rotation invariance of complex-valued Hopfield model. It means that the rotated pattern in also stored. In this paper, the complex-valued Multidirectional Associative Memory is proposed. The rotation invariance is also proved. Moreover it is shown by computer simulation that the differences of angles of given patterns are automatically reduced. At first we define complex-valued Multidirectional Associative Memory. Then we define the energy function of network. With the energy function, we prove that the network ensures convergence. Next, we define the learning law and show the characteristic of recall process. The characteristic means that the differences of angles of given patterns are automatically reduced. Especially we prove the following theorem. In the case that only a multiple of patterns is stored, if patterns with different angles are given to each layer, the differences are automatically reduced. Finally, we investigate whether the differences of angles influence the noise robustness. It is found to reduce the noise robustness, because the input to each layer becomes small. We show this by computer simulations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 159(1): 39,45, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20387 [source] Architecture of developing multicellular yeast colony: spatio-temporal expression of Ato1p ammonium exporterENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2009e Váchová Summary Yeasts, when growing on solid surfaces, form organized multicellular structures, colonies, in which cells differentiate and thus possess different functions and undergo dissimilar fate. Understanding the principles involved in the formation of these structures requires new approaches that allow the study of individual cells directly in situ without needing to remove them from the microbial community. Here we introduced a new approach to the analysis of whole yeast microcolonies either containing specific proteins labelled by fluorescent proteins or stained with specific dyes, by two-photon excitation confocal microscopy. It revealed that the colonies are covered with a thin protective skin-like surface cell layer which blocks penetration of harmful compounds. The cells forming the layer are tightly connected via cell walls, the presence of which is essential for keeping of protective layer function. Viewing the colonies from different angles allowed us to reconstruct a three-dimensional profile of the cells producing ammonium exporter Ato1p within developing microcolonies growing either as individuals or within a group of microcolonies. We show that neighbouring microcolonies coordinate production of Ato1p-GFP. Ato1p itself appears synchronously in cells, which do not originate from the same ancestor, but occupy specific position within the colony. [source] A new broadband uniform accuracy doa estimator,EUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Issue 6 2002Mohammad Ghavami Conventional estimators of the bearing angle suffer from different accuracies for different angles. In the method discussed in this letter, a set of two-dimensional digital filters are employed for beamforming. Each filter is called a fan filter and performs broadband characteristics. It will be shown analytically that the accuracy of the bearing estimation is strongly dependent to the angle of arrival in such a way that it is maximum in the broadside and minimum in the endfire of the antenna. We will derive a simple expression for calculating the number of coefficients necessary for beamforming with uniform accuracy. A set of filters is then designed according to this criteria. It will be demonstrated by computer simulations that in the presence of noisy broadband incoming signals, the estimation of different arriving angles is accomplished with almost the same accuracy and hence using this method a complex and separately sectored antenna wilt not be required. [source] Progress in the Field of Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering ApplicationsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 32-33 2009Seema Agarwal Abstract Electrospinning is an extremely promising method for the preparation of tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds. This technique provides nonwovens resembling in their fibrillar structures those of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and offering large surface areas, ease of functionalization for various purposes, and controllable mechanical properties. The recent developments toward large-scale productions combined with the simplicity of the process render this technique very attractive. Progress concerning the use of electrospinning for TE applications has advanced impressively. Different groups have tackled the problem of electrospinning for TE applications from different angles. Nowadays, electrospinning of the majority of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, either synthetic or natural, for TE applications is straightforward. Different issues, such as cell penetration, incorporation of growth and differentiating factors, toxicity of solvents used, productivity, functional gradient, etc. are main points of current considerations. The progress in the use of electrospinning for TE applications is highlighted in this article with focus on major problems encountered and on various solutions available until now. [source] Inverse filtering and deconvolutionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 2 2001Ali Saberi Abstract This paper studies the so-called inverse filtering and deconvolution problem from different angles. To start with, both exact and almost deconvolution problems are formulated, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for their solvability are investigated. Exact and almost deconvolution problems seek filters that can estimate the unknown inputs of the given plant or system either exactly or almostly whatever may be the unintended or disturbance inputs such as measurement noise, external disturbances, and model uncertainties that act on the system. As such they require strong solvability conditions. To alleviate this, several optimal and suboptimal deconvolution problems are formulated and studied. These problems seek filters that can estimate the unknown inputs of the given system either exactly, almostly or optimally in the absence of unintended (disturbance) inputs, and on the other hand, in the presence of unintended (disturbance) inputs, they seek that the influence of such disturbances on the estimation error be as small as possible in a certain norm (H2 or H,) sense. Both continuous- and discrete-time systems are considered. For discrete-time systems, the counter parts of all the above problems when an ,,-step delay in estimation is present are introduced and studied. Next, we focus on the exact and almost deconvolution but this time when the uncertainties in plant dynamics can be structurally modeled by a ,-block as a feedback element to the nominally known plant dynamics. This is done either in the presence or absence of external disturbances. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Is good ,quality of life' possible at the end of life?JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2001An explorative study of the experiences of a group of cancer patients in two different care cultures INFORMATION POINT: Factor analysis ,,The purpose of this paper was to explore how a group of gravely ill patients, cared for in different care cultures, assessed their quality of life during their last month of life. ,,The study material comprised quality of life assessments from 47 cancer patients, completed during their last month of life. Two quality of life questionnaires, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and a psychosocial well-being questionnaire, were used. The data were treated in accordance with instructions for the respective questionnaires, and the results are presented primarily as means, mostly at the group level. Assessments from patients in two different care cultures, care-orientated and cure-orientated, were compared. ,,The results show that despite having an assessed lower quality of life in many dimensions than people in general, several patients experienced happiness and satisfaction during their last month of life. ,,,Cognitive functioning' and ,emotional functioning' were the dimensions that differed least from those of the general population, and ,physical functioning', ,role functioning' and ,global health status/quality of life' differed the most. ,Fatigue' showed the highest mean for the symptom scales/items. ,,There was a tendency for those cared for in the cure-orientated care culture to report more symptoms than those in the care-orientated care culture. An exception to this was ,pain', which was reported more often by those in the care-orientated care culture. ,,The implications of the results are discussed from different angles. The significance of knowledge concerning how patients experience their quality of life is also discussed with respect to the care and the planning of care for dying patients. [source] Bullying and victimisation in Scottish secondary schools: Same or separate entities?AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 1 2002A. Karatzias Abstract Previous research has suggested that bullying is an increasingly severe problem in schools. Such research has approached the phenomenon from two different angles. Earlier research has treated bullying and victimisation as separate entities. However, current research suggests that bullies and victims engage in a special dynamic and interactive relationship, thereby providing the need for studying any similarities and differences between bullies and victims in relation to various factors. The present research has approached bullying and victimisation in both ways. First, we studied differences between bullies, victims, and those not involved in relation to various demographic, school, well-being, and personality factors to identify factors that separate these three groups. In addition, we studied differences between those involved in bullying/victimisation (one group) and those never involved in relation to the same aforementioned factors to highlight aspects of the development of their special relationship (i.e., common factors). Prevalence rates and types of bullying/victimisation experienced/expressed in Scottish schools were also investigated. It was found that bullying and victimisation, when treated as separate entities, differed in relation to peer self-esteem, with bullies reporting higher levels of peer self-esteem than victims. When bullies and victims were treated as one group (involved), they were found to differ from the noninvolved group in relation to various factors, including school, well-being, and personality factors. The involved group was found to be disadvantaged in relation to all measures used. However, overall results indicated that from all these factors the best predictors of overall involvement as bully, victim, or bully-victim were Quality of School Life and school stress. The present results support the notion that bullying and victimisation could be treated, by future research, as both separate and/or interactive entities. This is so because bullying and victimisation were found to differ in relation to one personality factor, that is, peer self-esteem. However, Quality of School Life and school stress, both school factors, were found to be associated with the phenomenon as a whole. Results are discussed in relation to future development of antibullying policy in Scottish schools.Aggr. Behav. 28:45,61, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Theoretical Simulation of Oxygen Transport to Brain by Networks of Microvessels: Effects of Oxygen Supply and Demand on Tissue HypoxiaMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 4 2000T.W. SECOMB ABSTRACT Objective: Simulations of oxygen delivery by a three-dimensional network of microvessels in rat cerebral cortex were used to examine how the distribution of partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in tissue depends on blood flow and oxygen consumption rates. Methods: Network geometry was deduced from previously published scanning electron micrographs of corrosion casts. A nonlinear least-squares method, using images obtained at three different angles, was used to estimate vessel locations. The network consisted of 50 segments in a region 140 µm × 150 µm × 160 µm. A Green's function method was used to predict the PO2 distribution. Effects of varying perfusion and consumption were examined, relative to a control state with consumption 10 cm3O2/100 g per min and perfusion 160 cm3/100 g per min. Results: In the control state, minimum tissue PO2 was 7 mm Hg. A Krogh-type model with the same density of vessels, but with uniform spacing, predicted a minimum tissue PO2 of 23 mm Hg. For perfusion below 60% of control, tissue hypoxia (PO2 <1 mm Hg) was predicted. When perfusion was reduced by 75%, the resulting hypoxia could be eliminated by a 31% reduction in oxygen consumption rate. Conclusions: The simulations suggest that tissue hypoxia resulting from a severe decrease in brain perfusion, as can occur in stroke, may be avoided by a moderate decrease in oxygen consumption rate. [source] Evaluation of the spatial distribution of birefringence in an optical-fiber linkMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2004K. Perlicki Abstract We present a simple method of the calculation of spatial distribution of birefringence in an optical-fiber link. This method is based on an analysis of the properties of the backscattered optical signal. The analytical results are compared with the numerical results, and excellent agreement is obtained. We demonstrate that the spatial-birefringence distribution may be obtained from the calculation of the roundtrip Muller matrices derived from only two power-evolution traces, corresponding to two different angles of the polarizer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 147,149, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20234 [source] Monitoring critical dimensions of bidimensional gratings by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Mueller polarimetryPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008M. Foldyna Abstract In this work we characterized two bidimensional gratings consisting each of a square array of square holes etched in a photoresist layer deposited on silicon. Data were taken on both samples with a spectroscopic UV,VIS ellipsometer (SE) operated at 70° incidence and zero azimuth (with the incidence plane parallel to the lines of holes) and a VIS Mueller matrix polarimeter (MMP) at various incidence and azimuthal angles. The robustness of the parameters derived from the MMP data was evaluated from the stability of the values provided by regression the spectra taken at different angles. The optimal measurement geometries, featuring high sensitivity and low correlation of the fitting parameters, were determined theoretically, and validated experimentally with the sample featuring wider holes (500 × 500 nm), for which 45° incidence provided better results than the usual 70° value. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] IR-VIS-UV ellipsometry, XRD and AES investigation of In/Cu and In/Pd thin filmsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2008A. A. Wronkowska Abstract Optical and compositional properties of In, In/Pd and Pd/In/Pd thin films evaporated on Cu and SiO2 substrates in vacuum were investigated by means of X-ray diffractometry, Auger electron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry methods. Auger depth profile studies were performed in order to determine the composition of InCu and InPd structures. In both systems interdiffusion of metals was detected at room temperature. The XRD patterns indicated formation of CuIn2 and PdIn3 phases in the samples. Optical properties of the composite layers containing intermetallic phases were derived from ellipsometric quantities , and , measured in the photon energy range 0.1-6.0 eV at different angles of incidence using suitable multilayer models for the examined samples. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] A Simple Optical Monitoring Technique for Determining the Geometrical Characteristics of a Plasma JetPLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue 2 2006Boyan E. Djakov Abstract Summary: A sensor device is proposed to evaluate the location, size, and shape of a plasma jet. It consists of a small number (e.g., six) of photodetectors arranged in a cross-sectional plane of the jet. Tests of the technique are made by simulations based on CCD images of a plasma jet taken simultaneously from three different angles of view. Photodiode configuration [source] Experimental Investigation of thermal convection in an inclined narrow gap IIPROCEEDINGS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS & MECHANICS, Issue 1 2009Daniel Rubes In the past decade the development in micro technology has experienced great progress, what made the knowledge of the flow behavior in small cavities fundamentally interesting. Our experimental contribution describes the measured temperature and velocity fields in a fluid containing inclined cavity with the dimensions 17 × 6 × 24 mm3 (w × d × h). Using PIV/T, we can determine the velocity and temperature distribution in the cavity simultaneously. The chamber is illuminated with a white light sheet of 1 mm. A 20% glycerin-water mixture is examined. The lower side is heated to 46.2°C, while the upper side has a constant temperature of 26°C. In this work we present the measured velocity and temperature fields of the fluid at different angles of the cavity orientation with respect to the direction of gravity in the stationary state. This is a continuation of last years presentation [1] in the sense that the temperature difference has been substantially increased. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mass Customization: The Impact of Base Category Consumption Frequency and Need SatisfactionTHE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2007Andreas M. Kaplan Mass customization has received considerable interest among researchers. However, although many authors have analyzed this concept from different angles, the question of which factors can be used to spot customers most likely to adopt a mass-customized product has not been answered to a satisfactory extent until now. This article explicitly deals with this question by focusing on factors related to the base category, which is defined as the group of all standardized products within the same product category as the mass-customized product under investigation. Specifically, this article investigates the influence of a customer's base category consumption frequency and need satisfaction on the decision to adopt a mass-customized product within this base category. A set of competing hypotheses regarding these influences is developed and subsequently evaluated by a combination of partial least squares and latent class analysis. This is done by using a sample of 2,114 customers surveyed regarding their adoption of an individualized printed newspaper. The results generated are threefold: First, it is shown that there is a significant direct influence of base category consumption frequency and need satisfaction on the behavioral intention to adopt. The more frequently a subject consumes products out of the base category or the more satisfied his or her needs are due to this consumption, the higher the behavioral intention to adopt a mass-customized product within this base category. Second, the article provides an indication that base category consumption frequency has a significant moderating effect when investigating the behavioral intention to adopt in the context of the theory of reasoned action and the technology acceptance model. The more frequently a subject consumes products out of the base category, the more important will be the impact of perceived ease of use mediated by perceived usefulness. Finally, this article shows that different latent classes with respect to unobserved heterogeneity regarding the latent variables base category need satisfaction or dissatisfaction have significantly different adoption behaviors. Individuals who show a high level of need dissatisfaction are less interested in the ease of use of a mass-customized product than its usefulness (i.e., increase in need satisfaction). On the other hand, subjects who have a high degree of base category need satisfaction base their adoption decision mainly on the ease of use of the mass-customized product. These results are of managerial relevance regarding the prediction of market reactions and the understanding of the strategic use of product-line extensions based on mass-customized products. This work provides an indication that base category consumption frequency and need satisfaction positively influence the behavioral intention to adopt a mass-customized product. Hence, mass customization can be seen as one way to deepen the relationship with existing clients. [source] 4241: Optical characterization of PCOACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010TJTP VAN DEN BERG Purpose Opacification of the posterior capsule (PCO) is known to degrade visual function on both counts: small angle resolution (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) as well as large angle light scatter (straylight). No studies have been performed to delineate the optical characteristics of PCO as a basis for explanation of these visual function defects. Methods Preparations of IOL-capsule combinations were harvested from donor eyes after removal of the cornea. They were mounted submersed in saline in an optical set-up, used earlier to characterize the optics of the crystalline lens (van den Berg et al. VR 1999). Illuminated by monochromatic beams of light, the light spreading originating from different areas of the preparation was measured as function of wavelength for different angles. Based on physical optics theory, the optical characteristics of PCO was derived. The data will be presented translated into the straylight parameter, directly comparable to the figures obtained in vivo using the clinical straylight meter (C-Quant from Oculus). Results Twenty successful preparations were harvested with at least some PCO areas. PCO grades varied from severe to slight. Two physically different types of light spreading could be discriminated. One type corresponding to pearl-like appearance, characterized by little wavelenght dependence and smal angle dominance. The other type corresponding to diffuse scatter, characterized by strong wavelength dependence and large angle dominance. The scatter values measured corresponded to clinical measures of straylight in PCO patients using the C-Quant. Conclusion The light scattering characteristics of PCO show two types of optical disturbance: a refractile type, probably dominated by pearl-like structures, and a diffuse type of scattering of yet unclear origin. [source] Generation of Nanopores Down to 10 nm for Use in Deep-Nulling InterferometryCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 2 2008Axel Wehling Dr. Abstract Scanning electron microscope images show that it is easy to generate nanopores on polycarbonate membranes with well-defined pore diameters by ion-track perforation and subsequent magnetron sputtering with metal. The size reduction of the nanopores during sputtering with gold is a linear function of time. Images of different angles and from the bottom side of the membrane show that the channels are the smallest very close to the surface of the metal layer, have a conelike shape, and reach about half as much into the polymer membranes as the metal-layer thickness. This topographical pore shape is ideal for use as optically coherent near-field sources in deep-nulling microscopy. We present the first results of significantly improved nulling stabilization in the presence (<2 nm optical pathway difference) and the absence (<0.6 nm optical pathway difference) of the nanoapertures in the focal region of a deep-nulling microscope. [source] Six-Month-Old Infants' Categorization of Containment Spatial RelationsCHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2003Marianella Casasola Six-month-old infants' ability to form an abstract category of containment was examined using a standard infant categorization task. Infants were habituated to 4 pairs of objects in a containment relation. Following habituation, infants were tested with a novel example of the familiar containment relation and an example of an unfamiliar relation. Results indicate that infants look reliably longer at the unfamiliar versus familiar relation, indicating that they can form a categorical representation of containment. A second experiment demonstrated that infants do not rely on object occlusion to discriminate containment from a support or a behind spatial relation. Together, the results indicate that by 6 months, infants can recognize a containment relation from different angles and across different pairs of objects. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||