Determining cutoff scores that optimize utility: A recognition of recruiting costs.

A modification of H. E. Brogden's (1949) utility formula is proposed for establishing optimal cutoff scores in criterion-related validity studies. The proposed modification highlights the direct trade off between selecting more capable applicants and the costs associated with selection and recruiting. Data from national cost-per-hire surveys are presented to illustrate the magnitude of recruiting costs relative to selection costs. In addition, an analysis of recruiting practices suggests the need to account for variable recruiting costs when establishing cutoff scores. Two examples are used to illustrate the proposed procedure. Cutoff scores are set to maximize the utility derived from salesperson productivity and to minimize the expenses associated with accidents by truck drivers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some structural aspects of neodymium praseodymium oxalate single crystals grown in hydro silica gels

The mixed crystals of neodymium praseodymium oxalate are grown by the diffusion of a mixture of aqueous solutions of neodymium nitrate and praseodymium nitrate (as an upper reactant) into the set gel embedded with oxalic acid. By varying the concentration (by volume) of rare earth nitrates in the upper reactant, the incorporation of Nd and Pr in the mixed crystals has been studied. Tabular crystals with the well defined hexagonal basal planes are observed in the mixed crystals of varying concentrations. X-ray diffraction patterns of these powdered samples reveal that these mixed crystals are ‘isostructural’, while IR and FTIR spectra establish the presence of oxalate groups. TGA and DSC analyses show the correctness of the chemical formula for the mixed crystals, by the release of water molecules (endothermic) and of CO and CO₂ (exothermic), with the rare earth oxides as the stable residue. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDAX) establish the presence of heavy rare earth elements qualitatively and to a good extent quantitatively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies confirm the presence of rare earth elements (Nd and Pr) as their respective oxides. The findings of these techniques of characterization are in excellent agreement with the proposed empirical structure for the mixed rare earth oxalates. The implications are discussed.     

Theoretical study on strain-induced variations in electronic properties of monolayer MoS2

Ultrathin MoS₂ sheets and nanostructures are promising materials for electronic and optoelectronic devices as well as chemical catalysts. To expand their potential in applications, a fundamental understanding is needed of the electronic structure and carrier mobility as a function of strain. In this paper, the effect of strain on electronic properties of monolayer MoS₂ is investigated using ab initio simulations based on density functional theory. Our calculations are performed in both infinitely large two-dimensional (2D) sheets and one-dimensional (1D) nanoribbons which are theoretically cut from the sheets with semiconducting \( [\bar{1}100] \) (armchair) edges. The 2D crystal is studied under biaxial strain, uniaxial strain, and uniaxial stress conditions, while the 1D nanoribbon is studied under a uniaxial stress condition. Our results suggest that the electronic bandgap of the 2D sheet experiences a direct-indirect transition under both tensile and compressive strains. Its bandgap energy (E _g) decreases under tensile strain/stress conditions, while for an in-plane compression, E _g is initially raised by a small amount and then decreased as the strain varies from 0 to ?6 %. On the other hand, E _g at the semiconducting edges of monolayer MoS₂ nanoribbons is relatively invariant under uniaxial stretches or compressions. The effective masses of electrons at the conduction band minimum (CBM) and holes at the valence band maximum (VBM) are generally decreased as the in-plane extensions or compressions become stronger, but abrupt changes occur when CBM or VBM shifts between different k-points in the first Brillouin zone.     

Finite element based evaluation of stress intensity factors for interactive semi-elliptic surface cracks

A finite thickness plate with two coplanar self-same shallow and deep semi-elliptical surface cracks subjected to remote tensile surface traction is considered for fracture analysis. Based on three-dimensional (3D) finite element solutions, stress intensity factors (SIFs) are evaluated along the entire crack front using a force method. The line spring model has also been used to evaluate crack depth point SIFs using shell finite element analysis. A wide range of geometric dimensions and crack configurations viz. crack shape aspect ratio (0.3≤a/c≤1.2), crack depth ratio (1.25≤t/a≤6), relative crack location (0.33≤2c/d≤0.9) and normalized location on the crack front (0≤2φ/π≤2) are considered for numerical estimation of crack interaction factors. SIFs evaluated at the depth point using the force method from the 3D finite element results are compared with SIFs evaluated using the line spring model. Finally, using finite element results, an empirical relation is proposed for the evaluation of crack interaction factors. For the ranges considered, the proposed empirical relation predicts crack interaction factors at critical locations within ±2% of the 3D finite element solutions.     

Ultrasound therapy transducers with space-filling non-periodic arrays

Ultrasound transducers designed for therapeutic purposes such as tissue ablation, histotripsy, or drug delivery require large apertures for adequate spatial localization while providing sufficient power and steerability without the presence of secondary grating lobes. In addition, it is highly preferred to minimize the total number of channels and to maintain simplicity in electrical matching network design. To this end, we propose array designs that are both space-filling and non-periodic in the placement of the elements. Such array designs can be generated using the mathematical concept of non-periodic or aperiodic tiling (tessellation) and can lead to reduced grating lobes while maintaining full surface area coverage to deliver maximum power. For illustration, we designed two 2-D space-filling therapeutic arrays with 128 elements arranged on a spherical shell. One was based on the two-shape Penrose rhombus tiling, and the other was based on a single rectangular shape arranged non-periodically. The steerability performance of these arrays was studied using acoustic field simulations. For comparison, we also studied two other arrays, one with circular elements distributed randomly, and the other a periodic array with square elements. Results showed that the two space-filling non-periodic arrays were able to steer to treat a volume of 16 x 16 x 20 mm while ensuring that the grating lobes were under -10 dB compared with the main lobe. The rectangular non-periodic array was able to generate two and half times higher power than the random circles array. The rectangular array was then fabricated by patterning the array using laser scribing methods and its steerability performance was validated using hydrophone measurements. This work demonstrates that the concept of space-filling aperiodic/non-periodic tiling can be used to generate therapy arrays that are able to provide higher power for the same total transducer area compared with random arrays while maintaining acceptable grating lobe levels.     

使用六只晶体管的逻辑探头

图1中的电路用三只NPN晶体管和三只PNP晶体管做了一个逻辑探头。两只晶体管作为驱动LED的开关;逻辑1是绿色LED,逻辑0是红色LED。Q₁和Q₂测试探头尖的逻辑1状况,Q₃和Q₄测试逻辑O的状况。Q₁在Q₂射极电路中用作齐纳二极管。R₁₂和R₁₄构成的分压     

Wide‐Area Strain Sensors based upon Graphene‐Polymer Composite Coatings Probed by Raman Spectroscopy

Functional graphene optical sensors are now viable due to the recent developments in hand‐held Raman spectroscopy and the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of graphene films. Herein, the strain in graphene/poly (methyl methacrylate) sensor coatings is followed using Raman band shifts. The performance of an “ideal” mechanically‐exfoliated single crystal graphene flake is compared to a scalable CVD graphene film. The dry‐transferred mechanically exfoliated sample has no residual stresses, whereas the CVD sample is in compression following the solvent evaporation during its transfer. The behavior of the sensors under cyclic deformation shows an initial breakdown of the graphene‐polymer interface with the interface then stabilizing after several cycles. The Raman 2D band shift rates per unit strain of the exfoliated graphene are ≈35% higher than CVD graphene making the former more strain sensitive. However, for practical wide‐area applications, CVD graphene coatings are still viable candidates as a Raman system can be used to read the strain in any 5 μm diameter spot in the coating to an absolute accuracy of ≈0.01% strain and resolution of ≈27 microstrains (μs), which compares favorably to commercial photoelastic systems.     

Risk Propensity Differences Between Managers and Entrepreneurs and Between Low- and High-Growth Entrepreneurs: A Reply in a More Conservative Vein.

A recent article (W. H. Stewart & P. L. Roth, 2001) in the Journal of Applied Psychology presented the conclusion from meta-analysis that entrepreneurs have a higher risk propensity than managers and that this propensity is particularly pronounced among the growth-oriented. A previously unresolved question was said to be laid to rest and a "vital component" of a theory of entrepreneurship established. The present article disagrees and cites data from 14 studies not included in the Stewart and Roth (2001) analysis, adding up to a conclusion (supported by new meta-analyses) that entrepreneurs (and those with a growth orientation) are more risk avoidant. Thus, a conservative view, retaining the position that the role of risk propensity in entrepreneurship remains unresolved, is upheld. Potential explanations for the conflicting results are explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)