Differences between females and males in computer use have long been a concern. Over the past twenty years, the accessibility gap has closed and women’s use of the technology has equaled and in some cases surpassed men’s computer use. However, differences in patterns of use still remain. This study looked at underlying factors that may be involved in maintaining differences in use. Specifically, this study focused on differences in gender and gender role personality traits as they relate to microcomputer playfulness. Gender role personality traits are defined as the acceptance of stereotypic gender descriptors as applying to oneself according to the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ). The PAQ provides participants with ratings on the expressive (feminine) and instrumental (masculine) scales. The relationship between the scales yields the gender role personality traits expressive (high expressive, low instrumental), instrumental (low expressive, high instrumental), androgynous (high on both), or undifferentiated (low on both). Microcomputer playfulness or computer playfulness is defined as the tendency to be “spontaneous, inventive and imaginative when interacting with a personal computer.” It is measured by responses on the Computer Playfulness Scale. This study found that computer playfulness varied depending upon setting with participants being most playful when using a computer at home and least playful when using a computer at work. Those who score in the androgynous range of the PAQ also scored higher on the CPS than those who scored in the undifferentiated range. Finally, this study found that males tended to score higher in computer playfulness than females. Participants were also interviewed about their experiences of gender role personality traits and computer playfulness. Discussion of these results and suggestions for further research are included. / text

本研究共壹冊，預計四萬至八萬字，分六章二十節：第一章、緒論，第二章、理論共 礎與文獻探討，第三章、研究方法，第四章、我國微電腦產業發展現況與產業內外部 環境分析，第五章、我國微電腦廠商未來應採取之競爭策略，第六章、結論與建議。 Michael E•Porter 提出產業的五種競爭壓力，包括：供應商、潛在加入者、替代品 、購買者與現有廠商；並提出三種基本策略：１•全面成本領導，２•差異化，３• 集中策略。本研究之目的，即在於經由產業環境、優劣勢分析以及五種競爭壓力之分 析，配合微電腦廠商競爭策略之分析，來探討我國微電腦產業在激烈的國際競爭之下 ，應如何爭取共創造競爭優勢。

O estudo da anatomia interna do complexo sistema de canais radiculares (SCR) é de fundamental importância no diagnóstico, planejamento e tratamento endodôntico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a anatomia do SCR de incisivos centrais, laterais e caninos superiores, por meio de microtomografia computadorizada (&mu;TC). Foram usados 50 incisivos centrais (ICS), 50 laterais (ILS) e 50 caninos superiores (CS), escaneados no microtomógrafo SkyScan 1174. Os espécimes foram reconstruídos e analisados os parâmetros bidimensionais (número, área, circularidade, fator de forma, diâmetro maior, diâmetro menor) a 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 mm do forame apical e tridimensionais (volume, área de superfície, SMI, número e localização de canais acessórios, localização e volume do ombro palatino), bem como as características anatômicas externas dos dentes (comprimento, dimensões da coroa, curvatura radicular, posição do forame, presença, localização, profundidade e extensão dos sulcos) e análise qualitativa da anatomia interna dos modelos tridimensionais. Os resultados bidimensionais mostraram a presença de um canal no terço apical nos três grupos dentais estudados. Os valores de circularidade e fator de forma evidenciaram forma circular dos canais no terço apical tanto para os ICS quanto para os CS, com tendência ao achatamento destes canais no terço apical nos ILS. O teste de regressão linear evidenciou aumento progressivo dos diâmetros maior e menor nos 5 milímetros avaliados (p<0,001), com aumentos respectivos de 0,09 mm e 0,07 mm para os ICS; 0,12 mm e 0,07 mm para os ILS e 0,11 mm e 0,06 mm para os CS. A análise tridimensional demonstrou que as maiores médias de volume (mm3) e área de superfície (mm²) foram encontradas nos CS. Os valores de SMI foram semelhantes para os três grupos, sugerindo forma tridimensional com tendência a um cilindro. Os modelos tridimensionais evidenciaram a presença de 100% dos dentes com a classificação do Tipo I. Em relação à análise de canais acessórios foi possível observar alto índice de canais laterais, secundários e acessórios nos ICS, ILS e CS. Observou-se maior prevalência de curvatura leve nos ICS (45%) e moderada nos ILS (50%) e CS (50%). O volume do ombro palatino foi menor nos ILS (11,46 ± 3,09) quando comparado com os ICS (14,15 ± 3,85) e CS (13,95 ± 2,55). Na análise externa, observou-se maiores valores de comprimento nos CS (26,59 ± 1,93) e maiores dimensões da coroa nos ICS (10,46 ± 1,03). A maior prevalência da posição do forame foi na região central (22%), distopalatina (30%) e mesiovestibular (28%) para ICS, ILS e CS, respectivamente. A presença de sulcos radiculares foi de 2% nos ICS e 4% nos ILS. Desta forma, conclui-se que os dados bi e tridimensionais obtidos por meio da &mu;TC permitiram observar diferentes características morfológicas da anatomia interna e externa dos dentes anteriores superiores. / The study of the internal anatomy of the root canal system (RCS) is of paramount importance for the diagnosis, planning and endodontic treatment plan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the RCS anatomy of maxillary central and lateral incisors and canines by micro-computed tomography (&mu;CT). Fifty maxillary central incisors (MCI), 50 maxillary lateral incisors (MLI) and 50 maxillary canines (MC) scanned in the SkyScan 1174 &mu;CT device. The images were reconstructed for analysis of two-dimensional (number, area, roundness, form factor, major and minor diameter) at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm short of the apical foramen and three-dimensional parameters (volume, surface area, structure model index-SMI, number and localization of accessory canals, and localization and volume of palatal shoulder), as well as external anatomic characteristics of the teeth (length, crown dimensions, root curvature, foramen position, presence, position, depth and extent of radicular grooves) and for qualitative analysis of the internal anatomy of 3D models. The 2D analysis showed the presence of one canal in the apical third in the three dental groups. The roundness and form factor values revealed a circular canal in the apical third in the MCI and MC. In the MLI, these form descriptors indicated a circular form with tendency to flattening in the apical third. The linear regression test showed a progressive increase in the major and minor diameters in the 5 mm assessed (p <0.001), with respective increases of 0.09 mm and 0.07 mm for the MCI; 0.12 mm and 0.07 mm for MLI and 0.11 mm and 0.06 mm for MC. The 3D analysis revealed that the greatest means of volume (mm3) and surface area (mm2) were found in MCs. The SMI values were similar for the three dental groups, and suggested a tendency to a 3D cylinder-like geometry of the root canals. The analysis of 3D models showed that 100% of the teeth presented Vertuccis (1984) type I root canal configuration. Concerning the analysis of accessory canals was observed high rates of lateral, secondary and accessories canals in the MCI, MLI and MC. There was a prevalence of mild curvature in the MCI (45%) and moderate in the MLI (50%) and MC (50%). Palatal shoulder volume was smaller in the MLI (11,46 ± 3,09) than in the MCI (14,15 ± 3,85) and MC (13,95 ± 2,55). The external tooth analysis showed greater length values for MC (26,59 ± 1,93) and greater crown dimensions for MCI (10,46 ± 1,03). The prevalence of foramen position was the central (22%), distopalatal (30%) and mesiobuccal (28%) regions for MCI, MLI and MC, respectively. Presence of radicular grooves was observed in 2% of MCI and 4% of MLI. Thus, it may be concluded that the two and three-dimensional data obtained by &mu;CT allowed to observe different morphological characteristics of internal and external anatomy of the maxillary anterior teeth.

Neste trabalho é apresentado um sistema microcomputador tolerante a falhas, com redundância modular tripla (TMR). Este sistema é caracterizado por uma Arquitetura em Anel implementada com três módulos processadores. A estrutura em Anel é uma arquitetura onde os módulos adjacentes são conectados por um canal de comunicação, formando um laço. Os módulos recebem dados de uma ou mais fontes (dependendo se as fontes são replicadas ou não). Esta informação é então processada e um dado é preparado para votação. O dado é transmitido aos módulos adjacentes, através do canal de comunicação. A tolerância à falhas é obtida, pela capacidade que os três processadores têm de examinar os resultados do processamento de seus vzinhos. Assim, cada processador recebe duas versões de cada processamento: o seu próprio resultado e o resultado do seu vizinho. Cada módulo, então executa a votação por programação, através da estratégia de votação sobre um número parcial de dados. Se nenhuma falha ocorreu, os três módulos irão produzir o mesmo resultado. O resultado da votação (comparação) é indicado em cada módulo por um sinalizador de erro. Quando ocorre uma falha em um módulo, o esquema de votação por programação identifica a ocorrência desta falha, mas o sistema irá continuar a operar corretamente, apesar da falha e um módulo. O sistema em Anel com redundância tripla, pode tolerar uma falha em um dos módulos. Estes cálculos não são executados de uma maneira fortemente sincronizada, mas os processadores são sincronizados de uma forma mais flexível, através de programação. O sistema foi implementado usando três módulos microcomputadores. Cada microcomputador tem um controlador de disco. O sistema acessa um único terminal de vídeo. O programa monitor é composto de três módulos idênticos, para os três microcomputadores. Cada módulo reside na memória local de cada microcomputador. O sistema executa o Sistema Operacional CP/M. Os programas para este sistema operacional serão executados de uma forma tolerante à falhas sem necessidade de modificações. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um sistema de uso geral com alta disponibilidade. / A fault-tolerant, tri-module redundant (TMR), microcomputer System is presented. This system is characterized by a Ring Architecture implemented with three processor modules. The ring structure is a loop type architecture in which adjacent modules are connected by single communication links. The modules receive data from one or more sources (depending on whether these sources are replicated or not). This information is then processed and made ready for voting. The data is passed between the adjacent modules over the connecting links. Fault-tolerance is achieved by each of the three processors being able to examine computational results from its neighbour. Thus, each module process receives two versions of each calculation: one from its own calculation and one received from the other processor. Each module then performs the voting by software, with voting on parcial data estrategy. If no fault has ocorred, it can be expected that all the three modules will produce the same result. The result of the voting (comparision) is indicated in each module by na error condition flag. In the evento f a fault in one of the module/processors, then this will be recognized by the software voting and an error will be reported, the system will continue proper operation in spite of the failure of a single module. Triple Modular Redundant Ring System can tolerate a single fault in one of the modules. The calculations are not carried out in a tightly synchronized manner, but the processors are loosely synchronized by software. The system was implemented using three Z-80 based microcomputer boards. Each microcomputer board has it own disk-controller board. The system access a single vídeo terminal. The software monitor is comprised of three identical modules, one for each three microcomputer. Each software monitor module resides in the respective local memory of its microcomputers. The application software performs under CP/M Operational System. Programs from non-redundant versions will be executed in a fault tolerant manner without modification. Through this, our objective was to develop a system of general application, with high availability.

O estudo da anatomia interna do complexo sistema de canais radiculares (SCR) é de fundamental importância no diagnóstico, planejamento e tratamento endodôntico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a anatomia do SCR de incisivos centrais, laterais e caninos superiores, por meio de microtomografia computadorizada (&mu;TC). Foram usados 50 incisivos centrais (ICS), 50 laterais (ILS) e 50 caninos superiores (CS), escaneados no microtomógrafo SkyScan 1174. Os espécimes foram reconstruídos e analisados os parâmetros bidimensionais (número, área, circularidade, fator de forma, diâmetro maior, diâmetro menor) a 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 mm do forame apical e tridimensionais (volume, área de superfície, SMI, número e localização de canais acessórios, localização e volume do ombro palatino), bem como as características anatômicas externas dos dentes (comprimento, dimensões da coroa, curvatura radicular, posição do forame, presença, localização, profundidade e extensão dos sulcos) e análise qualitativa da anatomia interna dos modelos tridimensionais. Os resultados bidimensionais mostraram a presença de um canal no terço apical nos três grupos dentais estudados. Os valores de circularidade e fator de forma evidenciaram forma circular dos canais no terço apical tanto para os ICS quanto para os CS, com tendência ao achatamento destes canais no terço apical nos ILS. O teste de regressão linear evidenciou aumento progressivo dos diâmetros maior e menor nos 5 milímetros avaliados (p<0,001), com aumentos respectivos de 0,09 mm e 0,07 mm para os ICS; 0,12 mm e 0,07 mm para os ILS e 0,11 mm e 0,06 mm para os CS. A análise tridimensional demonstrou que as maiores médias de volume (mm3) e área de superfície (mm²) foram encontradas nos CS. Os valores de SMI foram semelhantes para os três grupos, sugerindo forma tridimensional com tendência a um cilindro. Os modelos tridimensionais evidenciaram a presença de 100% dos dentes com a classificação do Tipo I. Em relação à análise de canais acessórios foi possível observar alto índice de canais laterais, secundários e acessórios nos ICS, ILS e CS. Observou-se maior prevalência de curvatura leve nos ICS (45%) e moderada nos ILS (50%) e CS (50%). O volume do ombro palatino foi menor nos ILS (11,46 ± 3,09) quando comparado com os ICS (14,15 ± 3,85) e CS (13,95 ± 2,55). Na análise externa, observou-se maiores valores de comprimento nos CS (26,59 ± 1,93) e maiores dimensões da coroa nos ICS (10,46 ± 1,03). A maior prevalência da posição do forame foi na região central (22%), distopalatina (30%) e mesiovestibular (28%) para ICS, ILS e CS, respectivamente. A presença de sulcos radiculares foi de 2% nos ICS e 4% nos ILS. Desta forma, conclui-se que os dados bi e tridimensionais obtidos por meio da &mu;TC permitiram observar diferentes características morfológicas da anatomia interna e externa dos dentes anteriores superiores. / The study of the internal anatomy of the root canal system (RCS) is of paramount importance for the diagnosis, planning and endodontic treatment plan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the RCS anatomy of maxillary central and lateral incisors and canines by micro-computed tomography (&mu;CT). Fifty maxillary central incisors (MCI), 50 maxillary lateral incisors (MLI) and 50 maxillary canines (MC) scanned in the SkyScan 1174 &mu;CT device. The images were reconstructed for analysis of two-dimensional (number, area, roundness, form factor, major and minor diameter) at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm short of the apical foramen and three-dimensional parameters (volume, surface area, structure model index-SMI, number and localization of accessory canals, and localization and volume of palatal shoulder), as well as external anatomic characteristics of the teeth (length, crown dimensions, root curvature, foramen position, presence, position, depth and extent of radicular grooves) and for qualitative analysis of the internal anatomy of 3D models. The 2D analysis showed the presence of one canal in the apical third in the three dental groups. The roundness and form factor values revealed a circular canal in the apical third in the MCI and MC. In the MLI, these form descriptors indicated a circular form with tendency to flattening in the apical third. The linear regression test showed a progressive increase in the major and minor diameters in the 5 mm assessed (p <0.001), with respective increases of 0.09 mm and 0.07 mm for the MCI; 0.12 mm and 0.07 mm for MLI and 0.11 mm and 0.06 mm for MC. The 3D analysis revealed that the greatest means of volume (mm3) and surface area (mm2) were found in MCs. The SMI values were similar for the three dental groups, and suggested a tendency to a 3D cylinder-like geometry of the root canals. The analysis of 3D models showed that 100% of the teeth presented Vertuccis (1984) type I root canal configuration. Concerning the analysis of accessory canals was observed high rates of lateral, secondary and accessories canals in the MCI, MLI and MC. There was a prevalence of mild curvature in the MCI (45%) and moderate in the MLI (50%) and MC (50%). Palatal shoulder volume was smaller in the MLI (11,46 ± 3,09) than in the MCI (14,15 ± 3,85) and MC (13,95 ± 2,55). The external tooth analysis showed greater length values for MC (26,59 ± 1,93) and greater crown dimensions for MCI (10,46 ± 1,03). The prevalence of foramen position was the central (22%), distopalatal (30%) and mesiobuccal (28%) regions for MCI, MLI and MC, respectively. Presence of radicular grooves was observed in 2% of MCI and 4% of MLI. Thus, it may be concluded that the two and three-dimensional data obtained by &mu;CT allowed to observe different morphological characteristics of internal and external anatomy of the maxillary anterior teeth.

The nature of this study was to explore changes in beliefs and lay a foundation for focusing on more specific features of reasoning related to personal epistemological and NOS beliefs in light of specific science laboratory instructional pedagogical practices (e.g., pre- and post- laboratory activities, laboratory work) for future research. This research employed a mixed methodology, foregrounding qualitative data. The total population consisted of 56 students enrolled in several sections of a general chemistry laboratory course, with the qualitative analysis focusing on the in-depth interviews. A quantitative NOS and epistemological beliefs measure was administered pre- and post-instruction. These measures were triangulated with pre-post interviews to assure the rigor of the descriptions generated. Although little quantitative change in NOS was observed from the pre-post NSKS assessment a more noticeable qualitative change was reflected by the participants during their final interviews. The NSKS results: the mean gain scores for the overall score and all dimensions, except for amoral were found to be significant at p < [or] = .05. However there was a more moderate change in the populations' broader epistemological beliefs (EBAPS) which was supported during the final interviews. The EBAPS results: the mean gain scores for the overall score and all dimensions, except for the source of ability to learn were found to be significant at p < [or] = .05. The participants' identified the laboratory work as the most effective instructional feature followed by the post-laboratory activities. The pre-laboratory was identified as being the least effective feature. The participants suggested the laboratory work offered real-life experiences, group discussions, and teamwork which added understanding and meaning to their learning. The post-laboratory was viewed as necessary in tying all the information together and being able to see the bigger picture. What one cannot infer at this point is whether these belief changes and beliefs about laboratory instruction are enduring or whether some participants are simply more adaptable than others are to the learning environment. More research studies are needed to investigate the effects of laboratory instruction on student beliefs and understanding.

This paper describes the design and initial implementation of a web-based financial information system, intended to replace a Microsoft Access financial database in support of a federally funded, international health project. This system is being reimplemented for the web in order to provide stakeholders across the country (and potentially around the world) access to the project's financial information.

This thesis proposes some enhancements of the control and communication aspects of the implementation of a National Plan in any developing country. A cybernetic model for the viable system is used following the approach developed by Beer. Weaknesses of typical current practice are identified and a hierarchical organization, based on the model, is suggested as an alternative, in which all the systems implementing and monitoring the N. P. are considered as one single system, making its functions easier to recognize. Deficiencies, which are characteristic of the situation of developing countries, are identified and remedies are suggested to increase effectiveness. The model provides for the cybernetic principle of freedom, allowing the creation of autonomous subsystems with their own computational needs. A distributed system using micros, databases, and national communication networks, is described, which provides the requirements for realizing the suggested organization, together with packaged software to compensate for missing experience and know-how. The proposals are made in the form of a comprehensive package whose built-in complexity (sophistication) is very high. It is still effective even with inexperienced users but can take full advantage of their developing knowledge. This thesis includes listings and sample runs of some portions of the package which, for purposes of demonstration, have been implemented in dBASE II and an 8080 assembly program on an Intertec Superbrain QD microcomputer.

This study aimed to increase understanding of students' interactions in a physics microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) specifically designed to be consistent with a constructivist theory of learning. The study was motivated by a perceived need to understand better how the materials and strategies support or constrain students construction of understanding. The teacher-researcher conducted the study with two of his Year 11 physics classes, comprising 15 students studying thermal physics and 29 students studying kinematics. Dyads of students worked at tasks using a predict-observe-explain (POE) format as part of the normal class program. Data included video and audio recordings during four 70-minute sessions for each class, students' written notes, semi-structured student interviews, and the teacher's reflections on each session. The study describes the actors and network relationships during task activities. An analysis of students' discourse identified features common to both domains of physics, while the findings about studentdisplay- teacher interactions are presented as a series of eight assertions. Finally, the researcher's interpretation of learning in an MBL leads to recommendations for teaching practice.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-155). Also available via the Internet.