A newer class o f precise oscillator models

A method has been presented in recent papers for deriving precisely stabilized waveform generators by relating them to second order conservative oscillators. The present paper demonstrates a method for modifying the previous models and in doing so a novel class of applicable oscillator models is established.Conditions that enable the models to sustain oscillations in steady state are described. A precise method for dynamically stabilizing the oscillators waveforms is developed, and practical uses are suggested.     

“Cyberpals!/Les Cybercopains!”: A Look at Online Museum Visitor Experiences

This article examines approaches to creating museum Web sites that offer quality experiences to online users. In six case studies, museum Web developers in the U.S. and Canada describe how they have made the most of available human and financial resources. The development history of each site offers insights into the origins of a design and its subsequent versions, and describes the influence of institutional missions, philosophies, success indicators—and financial and human resources, the most crucial factors. The study found considerable variety in the backgrounds, expertise, titles and training of people developing Web sites within institutions. Web teams developed “exchange” experiences through online discussion, and by creating links among users, or between museum staff and users. In three case studies, Web sites encouraged visitors to cycle between online and on‐site museum visits. Web developers describe using quantitative and qualitative online audience research strategies. WebTrends^TM software has enabled Web teams to report complex log analyses. Creating online experiences in partnership with users is the intention of Web developers.     

Sociometric status and behaviors of emotionally disturbed children

Behavior checklist and sociometric data on emotionally disturbed children in residential treatment were correlated. Behaviors found to relate significantly (and negatively) with sociometric status pertained mainly to physical and verbal aggression and to intrusive acts. A smaller group of items of a less interpersonal nature also were significantly correlated with status. Behavior incidence of groups identified as high, average, and low in status was also studied. Even where correlations were low, the data tended to distribute in ordinal fashion. Also, the Liked and Average groups tended to be much closer in behavior incidence than were the Average and the Disliked groups. The meaning of the focusing mainly on negative characteristics was discussed, as were implications for modifying status of children, the use of checklists, and of brief time sampling for monitoring behavior change.     

Improved van der Pol Oscillators

This paper brings together and discusses some useful oscillator models. A unified approach is used to present different models in an evolutionary succession of ascending complexity. The presentation applies a rather informal physical viewpoint without stressing mathematical rigorosity. Applications of the models are also mentioned.     

Film—General

INTRODUCTION TO FILM by Robert S. Withers (New York: Barnes & Noble, 1983---$6.95, paper)

OPPORTUNITIES IN FILM by Jan Bone (Available from VGM. Career Horizons, 4255 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois 60646-1975 for $5.95 paper or $7.95 hardcover)

CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BIO-BIBLIOGRAPHY (227 pages, $35.00)

Karen M. Stoddard, SAINTS AND SHREWS: WOMEN AND AGING IN AMERICAN POPULAR FILM (174 pages, $27.95)

THE NEW LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY (1983---$4.00, paper)

100th number of CINE CUBANO ($7.00)

The American Film Institute has begun (and ended) its Monograph series with four volumes. All are available from University Publications of America (44 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701; each is $25.00 in hardcover and $10.00 in paperback)

WOMEN AND FILM: BOTH SIDES OF THE CAMERA by E. Ann Kaplan (New York: Methuen, 1983---$10.95, paper)

ROLLING BREAKS AND OTHER MOVIE BUSINESS by Aljean Harmetz (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1983---$14.95)     

Consumer Use and Business Potential of Virtual Worlds: The Case of “Second Life”

Abstract

Several months ago, the virtual social world “Second Life” (SL) received considerable interest in both the popular and business press. Based on a series of 29 qualitative, in-depth interviews, this article investigates what types of behaviors consumers show within this environment and what business opportunities it offers for companies. The results indicate that users do not consider SL as a mere computer game but as an extension of their real lives. This has implications for how marketing managers can use this online application that go beyond those known from traditional computer or online games.     

Can You Be a PESCaterian Among the Fort Worth Stockyards?

Yes you can, but you don’t have to eat only fish! All you have to do is follow the progress of the Protocol for Exchanging Serial Content (PESC) Working Group. The National Information Standards Organization (NISO) charged this group with delivering a recommended practice that will improve the interactions among libraries, archives, indexing services, content aggregators, publishers, and content creators, all needing to exchange serial data and work with digital files of serials. It will help them process a wide range of files that may be text based, image based, text with images, or some other combination, coded in a variety of file formats such as XML, EPUB, HTML, PDF, or ONIX. Laurie Kaplan discussed the PESC Working Group’s approach to this challenge.