Predictors of support for doctoral programs in media information technologies

This study assesses interest in curricular development in new technologies among communication faculty, with a focus on doctoral-level programs. Diffusion of innovations theory explains both individual- and organizational-level factors that may account for adoption of innovations, including those stemming from new technologies. In the field of communication, media information technology programs represent an organizational-level innovation of clear importance but with uncertain faculty support, due to individual factors (e.g., interest area, age) and departmental constraints (e.g., lack of resources). In light of this, several research questions are advanced to address: (1) the current level of support for media information technology programs among communication faculty members and (2) predictors of faculty interest in having more media information technology programs. Data were collected through a random sample of faculty members who filled out a survey on the World Wide Web. Results indicate that media information technology programs are viewed by faculty as the most needed type of program in the field of communication. Findings from a logistic regression analysis also reveal several predictors of support for new technology programs, including male gender, support for organizational communication programs, support for programs focusing on mass communication, and the belief that multimedia teaching facilities are important. The implications of these findings are discussed, with an emphasis on their relevance to faculty working in communication and related fields.     

Increasing attendance at colorectal cancer screening: Testing the efficacy of a mailed, psychoeducational intervention in a community sample of older adults.

This article describes a trial of a psychoeducational intervention designed to modify negative attitudes toward flexible sigmoidoscopy screening and thereby increase screening attendance. The intervention materials addressed the multiple barriers shown to be associated with participation in earlier studies. Adults ages 55-64 (N=2,966), in a "harder-to-reach" group were randomized either to receive an intervention brochure or to a standard invitation group. Attitudes and expectations were assessed by questionnaire, and attendance at the clinic was recorded. Compared with controls, the intervention group had less negative attitudes, anticipated a more positive experience, and had a 3.6% higher level of attendance. These results indicate that psychoeducational interventions can provide an effective means of modifying attitudes and increasing rates of screening attendance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Long-term low-dose co-trimoxazole in prophylaxis of childhood urinary tract infection: clinical aspects

Long-term low-dosage prophylaxis may be used in children with recurrent urinary tract infection to prevent reinfection of the urinary tract while the underlying cause of infection persists. Co-trimoxazole in a dose of 2 mg trimethoprin combined with 10 mg sulphamethoxazole per kg body weight daily has proved very effective: only six of 130 children receiving this treatment during a total period of 2637 months developed a reinfection. Co-trimoxazole was acceptable, compliance was good, and there were no important adverse effects. Supportive measures during prophylaxis are important. Sixty-five children were follow up after completion of their co-trimoxazole prophylaxis. Twenty-seven developed reinfections with fresh organisms, over two-thirds occurring within three months of discontinuing prophylaxis. Each one of these reinfections was sensitive to trimethoprin. The rectal flora were similarly sensitive.     

Effect of Kapitza resistance on standing surface waves in superfluid helium

We analyze theoretically the resonant frequencies of standing surface waves produced by second sound in⁴He. In particular, we show that an empirical heat transfer coefficient involved in a recently proposed boundary condition can be related to Kapitza resistance. We also calculate the heat flux within the helium and deduce that the height of the surface waves is strongly frequency dependent.     

A multichannel charge-sensitive amplifier for reading out the signals of double-sided silicon detectors of the tracking system for the CBM project

An eight-channel charge-sensitive amplifier chip created by the 0.18 μm CMOS process is intended for reading out the signals of double-sided silicon detectors of the tracking system for the CBM project of the new FAIR accelerator facility (GSI, Darmstadt, Germany). A dynamic range of ≥5 pC is attained for both polarities of the input signal, the power consumption of one channel does not exceed 1.3 mW, and the noise response of the amplifier is characterized as 1024ē + 24ē /pF (the rms deviation). Results of designing the microcircuit and its experimental characteristics are given.     

Exploring the evolution of digital television in China: An interplay between economic and political interests

This paper argues that the primary obstacles facing the transition to digital TV involve: (1) administrative infighting, (2) heavy-handed policymaking processes, and (3) the pursuit of self-interest and centralized control by the state network. After profiling China’s television infrastructure, the paper concludes that the Communist Party’s current policy initiative for the development of its digital television industry is not feasible.     

The evolution of optical and electrical properties of low-k dielectrics under bias stress

Photocurrent spectroscopy and transient photocurrent measurements are employed in order to investigate the change in barrier heights and density of traps within low-k dielectric films under bias stressing conditions. By characterizing these fundamental physical properties, we hope to gain an understanding of the processes leading to time-dependent dielectric breakdown.     

Localisation of Amylose and Amylopectin in Starch Granules Using Enzyme-Gold Labelling

The independent localisation of amylose and amylopectin in a range of dry and hydrated native starch granules with varying amylose content (0—70 %) has been indirectly visualised using enzyme-gold cytochemical markers. Increasing amylose content was clearly demonstrated to result in distinct changes in granule architecture. In the absence of amylose (waxy maize starch) a framework of closely packed concentric layers of amylopectin exists in the granules. Low amylose content (potato starch) results in alternating layers of densely packed amylopectin and amylose molecules. High amylose content (amylomaize starch) granules were shown to possess an amylopectin centre surrounded by an amylose periphery encapsulated by an amylopectin surface. Elongated granules without the amylopectin centre were also observed in high amylose starches suggesting a relationship between amylopectin, amylose and granule shape. A model of starch granule architecture is proposed where increased compartmentalisation of amylose and amylopectin is observed in granules containing increasing levels of amylose.