The effects of a group decision support system on culturally diverse and culturally homogeneous group decision making

Considerable research has been conducted over the last decade on the effects of using Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) in group decision making. Studies have examined the influence of GDSS on such variables as group task, size, quality of decision, and satisfaction with the process. However, only a few studies have focused on the use of GDSS and its interaction with group composition. This study compared the effects of group decision making, both with and without GDSS technology, on culturally diverse and homogeneous groups. Group performance was measured by the number of non-redundant, realistic ideas and the quality of solution produced in response to posed problems. The GDSS used in the study was Vision Quest. Groups using it, regardless of cultural make up, developed a significantly higher number of non-redundant, realistic ideas than groups that did not. Furthermore, among groups using the GDSS, culturally diverse groups produced a significantly higher number of non-redundant, realistic ideas than homogeneous groups that used the GDSS. Implications for diversity management and group support research are suggested.     

Performance of upgraded JET neutral beam injectors

The JET neutral beam injection (NBI) system is undergoing an upgrade of both beam power and pulse duration, which will be completed in 2011. In order to obtain an early assessment of the performance of the upgraded injectors, two positive ion neutral injectors (PINIs) with modified ion source and accelerator configuration were installed on Octant 8 Neutral Injector Box and successfully commissioned in summer 2009. Both PINIs were routinely delivering ～2 MW of deuterium neutral beam power during the JET experimental campaign in autumn 2009. These early tests allowed us to predict with confidence that the JET NBI upgrade objective of injecting 34 MW of total deuterium neutral beam power into the JET plasma will be achieved.     

Investigating the Properties of Aqueous Monoisopropanolamine Using Density Data from 283.15K to 353.15K

The published isothermal density data of aqueous monoisopropanolamine (MIPA) for different temperatures are converted into molar volumes as a function of composition. Tikhonov regularization is applied to obtain the derivatives of molar volume with respect to composition. These derivatives are used to compute the two partial molar volumes of the aqueous solution covering the entire composition range and for all the temperatures reported. A second application of Tikhonov regularization is then used to obtain the partial molar coefficients of the thermal expansion of the solution under constant pressure. This is followed by an examination of the second derivative of the partial molar volumes with respect to temperature over the entire composition range. The signs of these derivatives, for different compositions and temperatures, allow the change in the molecular interaction between MIPA and water in aqueous solution to be discussed.     

Job applicant training and work experience evaluation: An empirical comparison of four methods.

Assessed the reliability, quasi validity, and scoring time required for each of 4 training and experience (TAE) evaluation methods for 1st-line supervisory positions in 3 substantially different occupational areas. The TAE scoring procedures were applied to application forms by 4 undergraduates who received formal training regarding TAE methods. Ss were assigned to pairs, and application packets for each of 3 target jobs (TJs) were randomly split into 2 groups of equal size and distributed to Ss, so that each pair rated half the application forms from each of the TJs. Results indicate that the greatest amount of variation was obtained for the behavioral consistency method, the 2nd most for the task-based method (TBM), the 3rd most for the point method, and the least for the grouping method (GM). The TBM yielded significantly higher reliability coefficients, as compared with the other 3 methods, and the GM yielded significantly lower reliability coefficients. However, the TBM indicated high interrater reliability coefficients due to the straightforward nature of the scoring procedure. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development of a uniaxial ice tensile specimen for low temperature testing

The objective of this research was to develop uniaxial ice tensile specimens that could be tested at temperatures ranging from 255 K down to 150 K. Standard tensile specimens were produced using a mold constructed from a room temperature vulcanizing rubber which was equipped with aluminium end mounts. Tensile tests showed that the casting procedure specimens that failed consistently in the small cross-sectional region and the maximum tensile strength data were reproducible to within experimental error.     

Altering the binuclear manganese cluster of arginase diminishes thermostability and catalytic function

Arginase is a thermostable (Tm = 75 degrees C) binuclear manganese metalloenzyme which hydrolyzes l-arginine to form l-ornithine and urea. The three-dimensional structures of native metal-depleted arginase, metal-loaded H101N arginase, and metal-depleted H101N arginase have been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods to probe the roles of the manganese ion in site A (Mn2+A) and its ligand H101 in catalysis and thermostability. We correlate these structures with thermal stability and catalytic activity measurements reported here and elsewhere [Cavalli, R. C., Burke, C. J., Kawamoto, S., Soprano, D. R., and Ash, D. E. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 10652-10657]. We conclude that the substitution of a wild-type histidine ligand to Mn2+A compromises metal binding, which in turn compromises protein thermostability and catalytic function. Therefore, a fully occupied binuclear manganese metal cluster is required for optimal catalysis and thermostability.     

A practical end-of-life model for semiconductor devices

The authors derive a model of active semiconductor device aging to predict end of mission life device parameters by extrapolating from early environmental and electrical test measurements. Beginning from mass action kinetics first principles, the model develops an envelope average of physico-chemical damage reaction kinetics of limited source amounts of contaminating reactants. Corroborating experimental and test data are included     

Forensic child and adolescent psychiatry: a review of the past 10 years

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Risk factors for recurrence of Crohn's disease and the evidence for progress in reducing recurrence following resection were reviewed. A Medline based literature review was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Only smoking has been confirmed as a significant adverse risk factor for recurrence. Evidence for differing recurrence rates in fibrostenosing disease and perforating disease is inconclusive, but such a classification along with the endoscopic findings of recurrence may have a place in the analysis of therapeutic trials. Minimal resectional surgery with clearing of only macroscopic disease seems to be justified, with no clear benefits from different anastomotic techniques. Recent trials offer encouraging evidence of the usefulness of 5-aminosalicylic acid, particularly higher-dose regimens started early after resection, although the long-term benefits are uncertain. The oral steroid, budesonide, offers a potent treatment with minimal side-effects, but evidence of its prevention of recurrence is presently weak.