bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symbolic Stiffness Optimization of Planar Tensegrity Structures
Authors: de Jager Bram , Skelton Robert E.
Published: April 2004

During the design of mechanical systems one normally exploits numerical analysis and optimization tools. We make a plea for symbolic computation and give an example where structural displacements under load are computed symbolically. Geometrical design parameters enter in this computation. The set of equilibrium conditions, linear in the displacements, but nonlinear in the design parameters, is solved symbolically. The resulting expressions reveal the geometry which yield optimal properties for stiffness or stiffnessto-mass. This technique is applied to a class of repetitive mechanical systems, namely tensegrity structures. A large scale example with 1533 degrees-of-freedom is computed successfully. The results make it possible to optimize the structure with respect to stiffness properties, not only by appropriately selecting (continuous) design parameters, influencing geometry, but also by selecting the number of stages used to build up the structure (a discrete design parameter), influencing topology.
Efficient Shape Control of Distributed Reflectors with Discrete Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Andoh Fukashi , Washington Gregory , Yoon Hwan-Sik , Utkin Vadim
Published: April 2004

In the current article, a novel approach to the shape control problem with a limited number of discrete actuators is presented. In optimizing the actuator locations, first the reference input was expanded with a representative set of eigenfunctions. From the expansion coefficients, the dominant modes in the reference input were identified. Next the distributed parameter system was rewritten in modal coordinates and the irrelevant modes were truncated. Finally, the actuator locations were selected such that the singular values of the controllability matrix of the truncated system were maximized. The steady state actuation forces were optimized such that a cost function based on the absolute value of the steady state error is minimized. To improve the transient response, a hybrid of dynamic modal control algorithm and the optimization method is developed. Four discrete linear actuators for the one-dimensionally curved reflector and eight actuators for the two-dimensionally curved reflector are utilized. The structures are controlled and assessments for experimental implementation are made.
Monitoring of Laminated Composites Delamination Based on Electro-Mechanical Impedance Measurement
Authors: Bois Christophe , Hochard Christian
Published: April 2004

This paper paves the way for a multi-damage monitoring system for composite structures. The final goal of this work being to design a monitoring system able to predict the damage in the composite structure under static and fatigue loading. This system will be based on the simultaneous use of measurement and damage predicting models. We describe the first step of this work, which consists in the use of electro-mechanical impedance measurement to detect delamination. An electro-mechanical model of a beam into which delamination has been introduced is presented and compared with experimental results. The influence of geometrical parameters is studied and future improvements of our method are outlined.
Development of the Smart Spring for Active Vibration Control of Helicopter Blades
Authors: Yong C. , Zimcik D. G. , Wickramasinghe V. K. , Nitzsche F.
Published: April 2004

Significant structural vibration is an undesirable characteristic in helicopter flight that leads to structural fatigue, poor ride quality for passengers and high acoustic signature for the vehicle. Previous Individual Blade Control (IBC) techniques based on piezoelectric actuator schemes to reduce these effects have been hindered by electromechanical limitations of piezoelectric actuators. The Smart Spring is an active tunable vibration absorber using the IBC approach to adaptively alter the “structural impedance” at the blade root. In the paper, a mathematical model was developed to determine the response of the absorber under harmonic excitation. An adaptive notch algorithm using a DSP platform was developed to implement vibration control. Reference signal synthesis techniques were used to automatically track the shift in the fundamental vibratory frequency due to variations in flight conditions. Experiments using a mechanical shaker and wind tunnel tests conducted on the proof-of-concept hardware achieved significant vibration suppression at harmonic peaks. Investigation verified the capability of the Smart Spring to suppress multiple harmonic components in rotor vibration through active impedance control.
Optimal Design and Experimental Characterization of a Compliant Mechanism Piezoelectric Actuator for Inertially Stabilized Rifle
Authors: Bharti Smita , Frecker Mary I.
Published: April 2004

Compliant mechanism amplifiers are often used in conjunction with piezoelectric actuators since they do not incur displacement losses that frequently occur in pin-jointed mechanisms. In this paper the design of a compliant mechanism amplifier and piezoelectric stack actuator is presented. The application is an inertially stabilized rifle (INSTAR) in which the compliant actuator is used to make small adjustments in the position of the barrel. A topology optimization method is used to obtain the initial topology of the compliant mechanism, followed by detailed finite element analysis. The effect of geometry parameters, material selection, and epoxy bonding layers in the piezoelectric actuator are studied. A prototype actuator is fabricated and characterized experimentally. The force and displacement performance of the prototype actuator are shown to exceed the design specifications for the INSTAR application.
Blocked-Force Characteristics of Terfenol-D Transducers
Authors: Kellogg Rick , Flatau Alison
Published: April 2004

The output force–strain relationship typical of the performance of Terfenol-D transducers under varied operating conditions is examined to study transducer blocked-force characteristics. The design and construction of a transducer for testing under controlled thermal, magnetic and mechanical load conditions are described. Results of compression tests at various applied magnetic fields and two initial mechanical stress states are used to generate load-lines and the blocked-force characteristics of the transducer. Comparisons of the transducer’s force and strain output are made with published data. This test data is also used to examine the variability in Young’s modulus with applied magnetic field, strain and stress.
Vibration Control of Spacecraft Box Structures Using a Collocated Piezo-Actuator/Sensor
Authors: Damaren C. J. , Oguamanam D. C. D.
Published: April 2004

The problem of vibration control in box-type structures is examined by inclusion of piezo-electric smart structural elements. The box is modeled as a system of joined plates in which both extensional and bending deflections are incorporated. By collocating the sensor and actuator elements, the input–output property of passivity is achieved independent of the number of modeled modes and details such as frequencies and mode shapes. Robust vibration control is achieved by designing a strictly positive real dynamic compensator for the system.
Development of an SMA Actuator for In-flight Rotor Blade Tracking
Authors: Kennedy Dennis K. , Straub Friedrich K. , Schetky L. McD. , Chaudhry Zaffir , Roznoy Richard
Published: April 2004

A new and improved solution to the helicopter blade-tracking problem has been investigated. A discrete, blade-installed actuator utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) torsion tubes has been developed to enable in-flight rotor tracking. SMA torsion tubes from three materials were tested and one was selected for its cyclic stability. Improved tube fabrication, heating, end attachment methods, and locking schemes were developed. The final prototype actuator employed two biaxial SMA tubes for actuation/bias, an SMA-activated lock for power off operation, and integrated microprocessor control electronics. Tests under static and dynamic loading showed that actuation requirements, except for bandwidth, were met. Increased bandwidth may be obtained by improved control algorithms or cooling. The developed SMA actuator enables an in-flight, real-time adjustment of a blade-tracking tab. Projected payoffs are reduced maintenance cost as well as reduced helicopter vibrations and improved performance.
Smart Material-Actuated Rotor Technology – SMART
Authors: Straub Friedrich K. , Kennedy Dennis K. , Domzalski David B. , Hassan Ahmed A. , Ngo Hieu , Anand V. , Birchette Terry
Published: April 2004

Vibration, noise, and aerodynamic design compromises are primary barriers to further improvements in effectiveness of the helicopter. The MD900 light utility helicopter main rotor system is modified to include in-blade smart material actuation for active control. A piezoelectric (PE)-driven trailing edge flap is used for vibration, noise, and aerodynamic performance improvements. A shape memory alloy (SMA)-driven trailing edge trim tab is used for in-flight blade tracking.

Sizing and conceptual design of an active flap and trim tab system for the MD900 helicopter were completed. Several two-dimensional airfoil and flap/tab models were wind tunnel tested and an aerodynamic database was established. Structural samples of the flap actuator mounts, flap section, tab, and full-span flap were fabricated and successfully tested. Several prototype actuators were developed and extensively tested to establish their performance and robustness in the dynamic operating environment. The flap actuator uses two biaxial PE stack columns, operating in a push pull mode, a column mid-support, and a stroke amplification mechanism. The tab actuator uses two biaxial SMA tubes for actuation/bias, an SMA-activated lock for power-off operation, and integrated microprocessor control electronics. Results to date confirm that smart material in-blade active control of a rotor is feasible and offers significant performance and cost benefits. Projected payoffs from reduced vibrations and noise as well as in-flight tracking include improved component lives, reduced maintenance and improved crew, passenger, and community acceptance.
Development of High-rate, Adaptive Trailing Edge Control Surface for the Smart Wing Phase 2 Wind Tunnel Model
Authors: Bartley-Cho Jonathan D. , Wang Donny P. , Martin Christopher A. , Kudva Jayanth N. , West Mark N.
Published: April 2004

The DARPA/AFRL/NASA Smart Wing program, led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) under the DARPA Smart Materials and Structures initiative, addressed the development of smart technologies and demonstration of relevant concepts to improve the aerodynamic performance of military aircraft. In Phase 2, Test 2 of the program, the main objective was to demonstrate high-rate actuation of hingeless, spanwise, and chordwise deformable control surfaces using smart materials-based actuators on a 30% scale, full span wind tunnel model of a proposed NGC uninhabited combat air vehicle (UCAV). A minimum actuation rate of 25° flap deflection in 0.33 s, producing a slew rate of 75°/s, was desired. This slew rate is representative of many operational military aircrafts with hinged control surfaces. Numerous trade studies were performed on a variety of smart materials and flexible structure configurations before arriving at the final trailing edge structure design that consisted of a flexcore center and elastomeric outer skin actuated by high-power ultrasonic motors using an eccentric motion. The trailing edge control surface fitted onto the wind tunnel model comprised 10 eccentric-driven segments connected together by a continuous outer skin and a flexible hinge pin at the trailing edge tip. This pinned configuration allowed the segments partial freedom to rotate about each other, but constrained any lateral motion thus giving a smooth trailing edge shape for nonuniform spanwise deflections. To control the 10 segments of the trailing edge, a VME-based control system with high speed, simultaneously sampled A/D and D/A boards and a dedicated DSP board was developed. This paper describes the analysis and design of the flex structure, ultrasonic motor selection and performance, element and coupon tests to verify analysis, control system development, model integration, and results from the wind tunnel test.
Electrical Characterization of NiTi Film on Silicon Substrate
Authors: Mohanchandra K. P. , Ho Ken K. , Carman Greg P.
Published: April 2004

Among the different methods of measuring the phase transformation temperature, electrical resistivity measurement is found to be an important probe in determining different phases in sputtered NiTi film. In the present investigation NiTi film deposited by DC magnetron sputtering, on Sih100i substrate from a hot target is studied. A four-point probe technique has been used to characterize the film. It is observed that there is a sharp and large change in the electrical resistivity whenever there is a phase change. This measurement is sufficiently sensitive to identify the presence of precipitates in the film. It is also observed that the transformation of austenite to rhombohedral produces a very sharp and large change in resistivity. The resistivity values obtained for martensite, austenite and rhombohedral phases agree well with those of bulk value. Results from DSC measurements are used to validate the resistivity measurements. However, the DSC measurements do not appear to be as sensitive.
Critical Thinking in the Management Classroom: Bloom's Taxonomy as a Learning Tool
Authors: Athanassiou Nicholas , McNett Jeanne M. , Harvey Carol
Published: April 2004

This article discusses the use of Bloom's taxonomy as a metacognitive framework for the student-centered management class, or what contemporary education researchers call scaffolding. The taxonomy is a six-level classification system that uses observed student behavior to infer the level of cognitive achievement. The article surveys thinking within general education and within management education, which draws on Bloom's taxonomy, and then describes suggested uses of the taxonomy. Empirical evaluation of its effect on student achievement follows, as do thoughts about ways colleagues might use this tool to empower their management students as self-responsible learners in the classroom.
Looking for Complication: Four Approaches to Management Education———
Authors: e Cunha Miguel Pina , da Cunha João Vieira , Cabral-Cardoso Carlos
Published: April 2004

This article argues for the adoption of complicated approaches by management educators. The argument rests on the position that if uncertainty and ambiguity are inherent to management, particularly in view of the profound changes that have occurred during recent years in the competitive environments of organizations, there is the need to develop complex managers, that is, managers more skilled in dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity. Four approaches (hypertext, dialectics, linkages, and metaphors) are presented to illustrate complementary ways of operationalizing the logic of complication in a management education context. These approaches have the potential for increasing the awareness and alertness of management students to the challenges with which they will probably be confronted in the emerging competitive landscapes.
Active Learning with Jeopardy: Students Ask the Questions———
Authors: Benek-Rivera Joan , Mathews Vinitia E.
Published: April 2004

Nontraditional instructional methods facilitate active learning by students. The Jeopardy exercise outlined in this article is based on the popular television game show and is presented as an active learning technique designed to (a) motivate students to actively participate in class and assume more responsibility for learning, (b) provide an in-class opportunity for teamwork, (c) reinforce students’learning of course concepts previously taught, and (d) add variety to classes by providing a fun environment for instructor and students alike. This article suggests using Jeopardy to review for exams. It concludes with a discussion of the effectiveness of the Jeopardy technique.
Film as a Lens for Teaching Culture: Balancing Concepts, Ambiguity, and Paradox
Authors: Mallinger Mark , Rossy Gerard
Published: April 2004

Although teaching culture is intrinsically rewarding, issues associated with complexity and paradox can create a challenge for faculty. This article addresses the concerns of teaching management concepts through the use of film while identifying and acknowledging the ambiguity related to cross-cultural study. The authors present an integrated framework for measuring culture that is used to illustrate cultural dimensions and issues through film case analysis. The exercise enhances understanding of difference and helps students recognize the subtleties in dealing with complex cross-cultural issues.
Learning Developmental Coaching———
Authors: Hunt James M. , Weintraub Joseph R.
Published: April 2004

This article describes an educational intervention designed to promote the ability and willingness of MBA students to lead through coaching. MBA lead-ership students are trained to serve as coaches for undergraduate business students in a developmental assessment center. In this compelling context, their main source of influence is the ability to help. They have no power to evaluate or punish. MBA coaches have an opportunity to reflect on the activity of helping through writing assignments and discussions with faculty and other coaches. This work explores the developmental transitions required of managers if they are to effectively promote learning rather than compliance.
The Effect of the Case Method on Tolerance for Ambiguity
Authors: Banning Kevin C.
Published: April 2004

This research examined the effect of the case method of teaching the strategic management course on students' tolerance for ambiguity. Ambiguity tolerance, locus of control, and several demographic variables were assessed at pre- and postcourse intervals to determine if ambiguity tolerance increased with the use of narrative cases. When compared to the control group, the results suggest that case teaching can improve ambiguity tolerance of student participants. Performance in the course was also associated positively with tolerance for ambiguity. Implications of the change in ambiguity tolerance and future research directions are discussed.
Self-Directed Learning: To be Aware or not to be Aware
Authors: Rhee Kenneth S.
Published: April 2004

Although prior research on outcome assessment on skill development has documented students' improvement through self-directed change, it is not clear whether students are aware of their own change. This study focused on students' awareness of self-directed change at a professional management school. A group of students were given repeated opportunities to reflect about their self-directed change process during the program, and their awareness of change was compared with other students who were not given a similar opportunity. Although both groups improved their managerial skills during the program, the reflective group had a greater awareness of its own change than the comparison group but overestimated the amount of improvement. Interestingly, despite the greater behavioral change, the comparison group displayed an extremely low level of awareness of change. A number of explanations for this discrepancy are offered, and the implications for learning and education are discussed.
Providing Interpersonal Variety in Skill Practice Triads: a Two-Rule Method
Authors: Bigelow John D.
Published: April 2004

As an efficient means for practicing interpersonal skills, triads are used in many management courses. Skill development requires practice by undergoing not just one, but a series of exercises. The learning value of the series is contingent on the variety of exercises, and this is provided by variations in the exercise scenarios and by scheduling strangers together in triads. Scheduling a series of stranger triads, however, is not a simple matter. This article describes a scheduling method that can be used in face-to-face and online courses. Several scheduling contingencies are discussed.
“Through the Looking Glass” Management Education Gone Awry
Authors: Kayes D. Christopher , Kayes Anna B.
Published: April 2004

This article draws on poststructural Experiential Learning Theory to conceptualize management development as a series of concurrent reflective conversations. The developmental change process is illustrated through the experiences of Lewis Carroll’s character Alice in the books Through the Looking Glass and Alice and Her Adventures in Wonderland. Furthering the distinction between personal and social knowledge, the article suggests that development, and by extension learning, is not a direct reflection of individual self but rather a process of looking “awry” at individual experience. Implications for the efficacy of various pedagogies—such as lecture, simulations and experiential exercises, critical facilitation, and problem solving—are explored for each conversation.
An Interfacial Debonding Model for Particle-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Liu H. T. , Sun L. Z. , Ju J. W.
Published: April 2004

To simulate the evolution process of interfacial debonding between the matrix and reinforcing particles, and to further estimate its effect on the overall elastic behavior of particle-reinforced composites, a two-level microstructuraleffective damage framework is proposed. The progressive damage process is represented by the debonding angles that are governed by external loads. The debonded yet isotropic particles are replaced by the perfectly bonded yet orthotropic particles in terms of the elastic equivalency. The evolution of volume fraction of debonded particles is characterized by the Weibull’s statistical approach. Micromechanical homogenization procedures are utilized to estimate the effective stiffness tensors of the resultant multiphase composites under general three-dimensional loading. Numerical examples are implemented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model.
A Multilevel Superelement Technique for Damage Analysis
Authors: Fan J. P. , Tang C. Y. , Chow C. L.
Published: April 2004

A multilevel superelement technique is applied to model the effects of circular voids on the effective elastic properties of a porous material. A twodimensional representative volume element with a circular void in its center is initially modeled by a superelement. A thin plate of porous material with a macrocircular hole in the center is constructed with this superelement. The finite element computation is then conducted to estimate the effective Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and the shear modulus of the material using the ABAQUS code for different void sizes. The values of the isotropic damage variables, DE and DG, under various degree of damage are hence determined. These values are compared with those calculated by using a conventional micromechanics damage model. A new isotropic damage model is proposed based on the results of this analysis. To demonstrate the applicability of this damage model, an example case of a notched cylindrical bar under tensile loading is investigated.
Evolution and Learning: Evolving Sensors in a Simple MDP Environment
Authors: Jung Tobias , Dauscher Peter , Uthmann Thomas
Published: April 2004

Natural intelligence and autonomous agents face difficulties when acting in information-dense environments. Assailed by a multitude of stimuli they have to make sense of the inflow of information, filtering and processing what is necessary, but discarding that which is unimportant. This paper aims at investigating the interactions between evolution of the sensorial channel extracting the information from the environment and the simultaneous individual adaptation of agent-control. Our particular goal is to study the influence of learning on the evolution of sensors, with learning duration being the tunable parameter. A genetic algorithm governs the evolution of sensors appropriate for the agent solving a simple grid world task. The performance of the agent is taken as fitness; ‘sensors’ are conceived as a map from environmental states to agent observations, and individual adaptation is modeled by Q-learning. Our experimental results show that due to the principles of cognitive economy learning and varying the degree thereof actually transforms the fitness landscape. In particular we identify a trade-off between learning speed (load) and sensor accuracy (error). These results are further reinforced by theoretical analysis: we derive an analytical measure for the quality of sensors based on the mutual entropy between the system of states and the selection of an optimal action, a concept recently proposed by Polani, Martinetz, and Kim.
Evolving Controllers for Real Robots: A Survey of the Literature
Authors: Walker Joanne , Garrett Simon , Wilson Myra
Published: April 2004

For many years, researchers in the field of mobile robotics have been investigating the use of genetic and evolutionary computation (GEC) to aid the development of mobile robot controllers. Alongside the fundamental choices of the GEC mechanism and its operators, which apply to both simulated and physical evolutionary robotics, other issues have emerged which are specific to the application of GEC to physical mobile robotics. This article presents a survey of recent methods in GEC-developed mobile robot controllers, focusing on those methods that include a physical robot at some point in the learning loop. It simultaneously relates each of these methods to a framework of two orthogonal issues: the use of a simulated and/or a physical robot, and the use of finite, training phase evolution prior to a task and/or lifelong adaptation by evolution during a task. A list of evaluation criteria are presented and each of the surveyed methods are compared to them. Analyses of the framework and evaluation criteria suggest several possibilities; however, there appear to be particular advantages in combining simulated, training phase evolution (TPE) with lifelong adaptation by evolution (LAE) on a physical robot.
The Dynamics of Active Categorical Perception in an Evolved Model Agent
Authors: Beer Randall D.
Published: April 2004

Notions of embodiment, situatedness, and dynamics are increasingly being debated in cognitive sci ence. However, these debates are often carried out in the absence of concrete examples. In order to build intuition, this paper explores a model agent to illustrate how the perspective and tools of dynam ical systems theory can be applied to the analysis of situated, embodied agents capable of minimally cognitive behavior. Specifically, we study a model agent whose “nervous system” was evolved using a genetic algorithm to catch circular objects and to avoid diamond-shaped ones. After characterizing the performance, behavioral strategy and psychophysics of the best-evolved agent, its dynamics are analyzed in some detail at three different levels: (1) the entire coupled brain/body/environment sys tem; (2) the interaction between agent and environment that generates the observed coupled dynam ics; (3) the underlying neuronal properties responsible for the agent dynamics. This analysis offers both explanatory insight and testable predictions. The paper concludes with discussions of the overall picture that emerges from this analysis, the challenges this picture poses to traditional notions of rep resentation, and the utility of a research methodology involving the analysis of simpler idealized mod els of complete brain/body/environment systems.
A Socioanalytic Model of Maturity
Authors: Hogan Robert , Roberts Brent W.
Published: April 2004

This article describes a point of view on maturity that departs from earlier treatments in two ways. First, it rejects the popular assumption from humanistic psychology that maturity is a function of self-actualization and stipulates that maturity is related to certain performance capacities—namely, the ability to form lasting relationships and to achieve one’s career goals. Second, the article is based on an explicit model of personality, and the model holds that personality is most productively viewed from the perspective of the actor and of the observer. This means that maturity must also be defined from two perspectives—how people feel about themselves and how others feel about them. The authors briefly review some data bearing on these observations.
Construction and Validation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Climate Inventory
Authors: Liddle Becky J. , Luzzo Darrell Anthony , Hauenstein Anita L. , Schuck Kelly
Published: April 2004

Workplace climate refers to formal and informal organizational characteristics contributing to employee welfare. Workplace climates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) employees range from actively supportive to openly hostile. An instrument measuring LGBT workplace climate will enable research on vocational adjustment of LGBT workers and will benefit practitioners doing vocational counseling and consultants working to improve corporate environments. Three rounds of data collection contributed to the construction and validation of the LGBT Climate Inventory (LGBTCI). Use of qualitative data in item construction contributes to content validity. Factor analysis suggests that the LGBTCI measures a single construct. Measures of related constructs (work satisfaction and discrimination) correlate moderately with the LGBTCI, supporting its construct validity. The LGBTCI demonstrates excellent internaland test-retest reliability.
Predicting Engineering Major Status From Mathematics Achievement and Interest Congruence
Authors: Leuwerke Wade C. , Robbins Steven , Sawyer Richard , Hovland Michael
Published: April 2004

This study proposed that precollege students’ standardized mathematics achievement score and the congruence between their occupational interests and engineering tasks would predict their second-year retention in college and the stability of their major. Binary response models were used to predict second-year major status (i.e., continue, transfer major, or dropout). High mathematics achievement was predictive of retention on campus and within the engineering major. Interest congruence predicted likelihood of staying on campus. A trend was also detected ( p < .07) between the Mathematics Achievement · Interest Congruence interaction effect. These findings reinforce the importance of examining both achievement and interest congruence factors when understanding the retention of engineering majors. Future research needs to replicate and extend this model to other majors and institutions to more fully understand the major choice and college retention processes.
MMPI-A Characteristics of Male Adolescents in Juvenile Justice and Clinical Treatment Settings
Authors: Archer Robert P. , Bolinskey P. Kevin , Morton Todd L. , Farris Kelly L.
Published: April 2004

The current study investigates the extent to which the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) profiles of 196 male adolescents evaluated in a South Carolina detention center could be successfully discriminated from the protocols of 200 male adolescent psychiatric inpatients in three states and 151 dually diagnosed male adolescents. Results showed significant differences in mean T -score values among these three groups of adolescents across a variety of MMPI-A scales and subscales. Results from discriminant function analyses indicate that treatment setting can be predicted effectively from MMPI-A profiles. Beyond the MMPI-A profile differences established for adolescents in these groups, the similarities of adolescents were also noted, particularly in terms of the frequent occurrence of Within-Normal-Limits profiles for adolescents in all groups. Potential directions for future research with the MMPI-A are presented.
An Evaluation of the Incremental Validity of the MMPI-2 Superlative (S) Scale in an Inpatient Psychiatric Sample
Authors: Archer Robert P. , Handel Richard W. , Couvadelli Barbara
Published: April 2004

The MMPI-2 Superlative (S) scale was developed by Butcher and Han (1995) to assess individuals’ tendencies to present themselves in an unrealistically positive light. The current study examined the performance of the L, K, and S scales in accurately distinguishing the MMPI-2 profiles of 379 psychiatric inpatients who produced one or more elevations on the basic scale profiles, from 82 psychiatric inpatients who produced no clinical range elevation on any of the eight basic clinical scales (excluding scales 5 and 0). The findings from the present study indicate that the S scale appears to be effective in the identification of defensiveness among psychiatric inpatients, with mean effect sizes in the moderate to large range. The optimal T-score cutoff for identifying defensive responders was 70 for both men and women. Further, results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that the S scale added incrementally to the prediction levels achieved by the optimal combination of the L and K scales.
Legal and Psychological Implications in the Assessment of Sexual Consent in the Cognitively Impaired Population
Authors: Kennedy Carrie H.
Published: April 2004

The question of competency to consent to sexual activity in the cognitively impaired population continues to be a difficult assessment issue. Problems center on inconsistent legal and clinical criteria, current inadequate methods of psychological assessment, and the need to promote basic human rights, while protecting people from harm. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the problems inherent in the psychological assessment of competency to consent to sexual activity are discussed with an emphasis on problems defining consent competency. Second, the utility of a neuropsychological test battery in assisting with the assessment of the ability to consent to sexual activity was examined. Findings indicated that executive measures of neuropsychological assessment were primarily associated with competency to consent to sexual activity. It is important that these neuropsychological measures were more accurate in categorizing competent and noncompetent individuals than methods currently in use. This suggests that sexual consent assessments in the forensic arena should include neuropsychological testing and that current methods are insufficient.
Correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2) Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) Scales in a Forensic Assessment Setting
Authors: Petroskey Linda J. , Ben-Porath Yossef S. , Stafford Kathleen P.
Published: April 2004

Empirical correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2) Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) scales in a forensic assessment setting were identified. Archival extratest data, including demographics, psychosocial history, criminal behavior history, and current mental status and psychodiagnosis, were extracted from the case files of 593 men and women referred to a forensic assessment clinic for criminal courtordered evaluations. Zero-order and multiple correlations were calculated between the MMPI-2 PSY-5 scales and relevant criterion variables. Findings indicated that the PSY-5 scales’ empirical correlates in a forensic setting are similar to and consistent with those found in general mental health settings. Linear combinations of MMPI-2 PSY-5 Scale scores accounted for moderate proportions of variance in the collateral indicators.
Use of the TOMM in a Criminal Court Forensic Assessment Setting
Authors: Delain Sheryl L. , Stafford Kathleen P. , Ben-Porath Yossef S.
Published: April 2004

Use of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in a criminal court forensic assessment setting was examined. Results indicated that those initially suspected of cognitive malingering and, thus, administered the TOMM, differed from others in this setting in ways that are consistent with descriptions of suspected cognitive malingerers in the existing literature. These defendants’TOMMscores were also consistent with those reported in samples characterized by relatively high base rates of cognitive malingering. Defendants whose TOMMscores met the recommended criteria for detecting malingering (n = 29) were more likely to report a previous head injury, to be viewed as only marginally cooperative or uncooperative during the course of the evaluation, and to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder than those who did not generate suspicious TOMM scores.
The Utility of Psychological Testing in Assessing Emotional Damages in Personal Injury Litigation
Authors: Greenberg Stuart A. , Otto Randy K. , Long Anna C.
Published: April 2004

Psychological testing and assessment instruments frequently play a small but important role when psychologists assist the courts as emotional damage experts in personal injury matters. However, examiners frequently, if sometimes inadvertently, mislead the court with test interpretations that are based on clinical rather than forensic populations and that fail to appreciate the lack of robustness of clinical measures in this forensic context. Whereas published computerized interpretations repeatedly remind experts that personality test results should only be used as a method to generate hypotheses about the examinee that are to be subjected to further investigation and consideration, experts all too often inform the courts of test interpretations as if the test results were measures of clinical constructs rather than plaintiffs’ self-reports of symptoms.
Comparability of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 Between Women and Men
Authors: Spillane Nichea S. , Boerner Laura M. , Anderson Kristen G. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: April 2004

Researchers studying eating disorders in men often use eating-disorder risk and symptom measures that have been validated only on women. Using a sample of 215 college women and 214 college men, this article reports on the validity the Eating Disorder Inventory–2 (EDI-2), one of the best-validated among women and the most widely used risk and symptom measure for women. The EDI-2 had the same, standard eight-factor structure for both genders, and tests of invariance showed that factor loadings, factor variances, and factor intercorrelations were equivalent across gender. The EDI-2 scales correlated with questionnaire measures of bulimic and anorexic symptomatology equivalently across gender. However, the EDI-2 scales were generally less reliable for men, leading to slightly lower Pearson-based estimates of correlations among the measures for men.
Psychometric Properties of the Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory with Rural Middle School and High School Children
Authors: Floyd Erin M. , Rayfield Arista , Eyberg Sheila M. , Riley Joseph L.
Published: April 2004

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory (SESBI) in a rural sample of children and adolescents. Thirty-eight 5th- through 12th-grade teachers completed the SESBI on 726 children in their classrooms. High Cronbach’s alphas supported the reliability of the SESBI scales in this population. Higher SESBI scores were obtained by boys than girls and by African American students than Caucasian students, more so at lower grades. Teacher’s race did not affect SESBI scores. In contrast to children with developmental delay, children with learning disabilities obtained higher scores than others on the SESBI Intensity scale but not on the Problem scale. This suggests that teachers of children with learning disabilities recognize the higher frequency of problem behaviors in their students but do not consider these behaviors to be problems for themselves. On both SESBI scales, children with developmental delay were not distinguishable from peers without developmental delays.
Utility of the Spanish Translation of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory–Revised in Spain
Authors: Reig-Ferrer Abilio , Cepeda-Benito Antonio , Snyder Douglas K.
Published: April 2004

This study examined psychometric characteristics of the Spanish translation of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory–Revised (MSI-R) in a community sample of 205 couples from Spain. Overall, analyses of the scales’ internal consistency compared favorably with findings for both the English and Spanish versions of this instrument with U.S. samples. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed similar scale factor structures across the original measure and Spanish translation, lending further support to using the MSI-R with couples from diverse cultural backgrounds whose sole or preferred language is Spanish. Mean profile comparisons between the current Spanish sample and the original standardization sample revealed significant differences on several scales. Implications of findings for clinical applications and further research are discussed.
Effect of Response Distortion on the Assessment of Divergent Facets of Psychopathy
Authors: Edens John F.
Published: April 2004

Recent evidence suggests that the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) is composed of two orthogonal factors, one representing traits such as dominance and low anxiety (PPI-I) and a second that reflects more socially deviant aspects of psychopathy (PPI-II). To assess whether response sets differentially affect these factors, the present research reanalyzed data from two dissimulation studies in which college students completed the PPI both honestly and with instructions either to “fake good” (n = 186) or “fake bad” (n = 143). PPI-II scores decreased significantly in the fake-good condition (d = –.86) and increased significantly when faking bad (d = 2.65). PPI-I scores were unaffected by attempts to feign serious psychopathology (d = .10) and actually increased in the fake-good condition (d = .53). These findings significantly qualify previous conclusions about the effect of response distortion on the PPI.
Chances and Effects of Authenticity
Authors: Donsbach Wolfgang , Jandura Olaf
Published: April 2004

Is “sound bite democracy” only a U.S. phenomenon? And how do different forms of a candidate’s appearance in television news affect his or her perception by the viewer? These are the major research questions we pursued using a large-scale content analysis of German television news coverage of the 1998 general election. The results show that German candidates still have a substantial opportunity on television news to speak to the people in their own words. The results also indicate that the degree of authenticity has a strong effect on the perception of the candidate by the television viewer. Pictures convey a better impression than just verbal news about the candidate, and original sound bites with pictures leave a better impression than pictures with just the voice-over. Results are discussed in light of the different media cultures in the United States and Germany and of the shifting balance of power between politicians and journalists.
Note: Ultra High Hydrostatic Pressure Inactivation of Escherichia Coli in Milk, and Orange and Peach Juices
Authors: Dogan C. , Erkmen O.
Published: April 2004

Inactivation of Escherichia coli by high hydrostatic pressure (UHHP) was determined in broth, milk and orange and peach juices inoculated with the bacteria. HHP ranged from 200 to 700 MPa at 25 C and different treatment times. No cell growth occurred in broth after 60, 25, 15, 10 and 7 min at 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 MPa, respectively. Reduction of aerobic bacteria in milk and peach juice were 3.08 and 6.07 log units after 15 min at 400 MPa, respectively, while all bacterial cells were inactivated in orange juice. Sterilisation of raw milk contaminated with E. coli occurred at 600 MPa for 30 min, while peach and orange juices needed 12 and 10 min, respectively. The injury of cells in broth at 300 MPa ranged from 8.8 to 100% depending on magnitude of pressure and treated time. In general, inactivation of aerobic bacteria and E. coli was enhanced significantly (P<0.01) by increasing the pressure.
Note: Effect of Crossbreeding and Rearing System on Iberian Ham Volatile Compounds
Authors: Carrapiso A. I. , Jurado A. , García C.
Published: April 2004

Several volatile compounds from Iberian ham trapped from the headspace were analysed to research the effect of crossbreeding (Iberian vs. Iberian Duroc 50% pigs) and rearing system (Montanera system vs. Pienso system) on them. Thirty-four Iberian hams grouped following a factorial treatment structure were analysed. A two-way analysis of variance with interaction was applied to the data from 46 volatile compounds identified. The effect of crossbreeding was negligible on the studied volatile compounds, which was in agreement with the effect on fatty acid percentages of subcutaneous fat. On the contrary, the effect of rearing system was significant in most of the fatty acid percentages used to classify the hams into the current commercial grades of Iberian ham (16:0, 18:0 and 18:1, p<0.001). However, a slight effect on the volatile compounds was found, and only a limited number of compounds were significantly affected. Results for the effect of crossbreeding and rearing system on headspace volatile compounds agreed with the sensory data for odour of hams.
Note: Physical Properties of High Oleic Sunflower Seeds
Authors: Santalla E. M. , Mascheroni R. H.
Published: April 2004

High oleic sunflower seeds evaluated at 5.6% moisture content (dry basis) showed a surface area of approximately 102.41 mm2 with an average length, width, thickness and unit mass of 11.526, 5.008 and 2.809 mm and 0.055 g, respectively. Corresponding values for the kernel were 8.802, 3.897 and 1.907 mm and 0.036 g. The mean equivalent diameter and sphericity of the seeds were 5.49 mm and 0.46, respectively, while corresponding values for the kernels were 4.01 mm and 0.44. True density increased, within a moisture range of 4-26% d.b., between 652 and 708 kg/m3 for the seed, between 1015 and 1057 kg/m3 for the kernel and between 636 and 760 kg/m3 for the hull. The bulk density decreased from 386 to 373 kg/m3 for seeds and from 260 to 220 kg/m3 for hulls and increased from 535 to 553 kg/m3 for the kernels. Porosity increased from 41.2 to 47.1% in seeds, from 47.2 to 47.7% in kernels and from 59.2 to 70.1% in hull. Terminal velocity of seeds increased with moisture content between 2.8 and 5.5 m/s for seed, between 1.8 and 3.8 m/s for kernel and between 1.1 and 1.9 m/s for hull. Drag coefficient decreased when moisture content increased and varied between 4.7 and 1.4 in seed and between 12.5 and 3.1 in kernel. Angle of repose increased with moisture content between 25 and 46 in seeds, between 35 and 55 in kernels and between 49 and 66 in hull on different surfaces and resulted higher for hull and kernel than for seed. The coefficient of static friction was higher for kernel than that for seed and hull and also was higher on wood (with grain perpendicular to the direction of the motion) and lower on acrylic and galvanised iron. This coefficient increased with moisture content from 0.23 to 0.50 for seed, from 0.37 to 0.69 for kernel and from 0.31 to 0.60 for hull. All engineering properties evaluated showed a linear dependence with moisture content, leading to simple and accurate formulae, adequate to predict their variation in the range of moisture considered.