Optimal allocation in a multiresources graduated tariff communication environment

The designer of computer networks is often confronted with the problem of the optimal allocation of multiple communications resources, subject to a graduated tariff. Such optimality criteria for the correct mix of facilities for use in system design are obtained. The paper gives examples from data communications.     

Readability of self-report depression inventories.

Reading grade levels were obtained for 10 depression scales (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory) using 2 empirically based readability formulae, one by R. Gunning (1952) and the other by R. F. Flesch (1949). Results suggest that most of the scales are appropriate for use with both adolescents and adult patients who have attained 9th-grade-level reading skills. The limitations of empirical estimates of readability are discussed, and it is noted that comprehension could be influenced by contextual variables such as scale format. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Patterns of early cognitive development among boys in four subcultural groups.

600 boys divided by age (6, 7, and 8 yrs), race (Black and White), and social class (middle and lower) were given tests of memory (free recall and digit span), intelligence (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices), learning (paired-associates and a matrices training task), and transfer (paired-associates and pre- and postmatrices test). There were (a) significant age advances for all groups on all measures, (b) social class differences on learning and intelligence tests, and (c) racial differences on intelligence, digit span, and paired-associate learning. All groups transferred in a similar manner. Factor patterns across age included more similarities (including similar developmental changes) for the different groups than were expected. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A nontransformational test of intellectual competence.

Scores on the Perceptual Acuity Test (PAT), assessing accuracy in the perception of geometric forms and optical illusions, have previously revealed an age–developmental gradient among grade school children. However, information on test and nontest criteria of validity for adult samples has not been available. Evidence from 52 males and 38 females of mean ages 36.2 and 34.4 yrs, respectively, is reported, showing PTA scores to correlate significantly with performance on the Hidden Figures Test, the WAIS, and a personality scale for intellectual efficiency and with education and observers' ratings of variables such as range of interests, level of aspiration, intellectual competence, and the valuation placed on intellectual and cognitive matters. Factor analysis of 10 of these variables identified 3 major dimensions: Perceptual Ability, Rated Intelligence, and Academic Intelligence. As anticipated, the PTA had its highest loading on the nontransformational perceptual facet. (46 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Stimulus repetition and encoding facilitation: Locus of the effect.

20 undergraduates were familiarized on patterns representing certain transformations of a prototype prior to a choice RT test to old (same) and new (different) patterns. Analysis of criteria for making same–different judgments indicated that Ss' remembrance was characterized by a knowledge structure based on the prototype and its transformations, rather than a list of the patterns to which Ss had been exposed. Same responses made to patterns highly congruent with the knowledge structure were found to be faster than different responses made to less congruent patterns. In contrast, speed of same responses to familiarized stimuli and different responses to novel stimuli did not differ. Findings suggest that encoding facilitation due to stimulus repetition is based on the information acquired from the familiarized stimuli rather than on the familiarized stimuli themselves. (French abstract) (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Formation and breakdown of a protective layer of chromium sesquioxide on L-605 alloy at 1100° C

The formation and breakdown of a protective layer of Cr₂O₃ on L-605 during oxidation at 1100° C was investigated. The effects of surface deformation, pressure, and water vapor on the breakdown time were evaluated. It was found that increasing surface deformation, increased the time to breakdown. Decreasing pressure below 1 atm to 0.13 N/m² increased time of breakdown as did decreasing water content from 25,000 to 2.5 ppm. By metallographic and microprobe examinations of samples during breakdown a model was deduced. Surface deformation promotes Cr₂O₃ formation, while increasing pressure and moisture increases the volatility of Cr₂O₃. Thus, the Cr₂O₃ grows for a time determined by these three factors. At the end of this time the growth stresses cause the oxide to crack, exposing a chromium-depleted metal surface to the oxidizing gas. The resultant rapid oxidation of this surface lifts the remaining Cr₂O₃, exposing more depleted metal. When the depletion zone is consumed and a very thick oxide has formed, the rate of oxidation slows and no further disruption is noted.     

An eclectic group therapy course for graduate students in professional psychology.

Presents arguments crediting group therapy with the rise of eclecticism among psychologists. A 2-semester course for advanced doctoral candidates is described and its 5-yr history outlined. Items discussed include physical setup, course planning and conduct, prerequisites, observation (patient) group composition, recruitment and preparation, and therapist recruitment. Advantages of the method are presented. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)