Showing papers by "Florida State University published in 1986"

Grounded Theory and Organizational Research

Abstract: Grounded theory is an inductive, theory discovery methodology that allows the researcher to develop a theoretical account of the general features of a topic while simultaneously grounding the account in empirical observations or data (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). This article explicates the utility of a grounded theory approach to research on work organizations. Following a general introduction to the grounded theory method, the authors'review of the organizational literature using grounded theory illustrates the variety of issues and topics studied through this approach. The authors describe and explain specific strategies for conducting grounded theory research in and on organizations, including note taking and note writing, concept discovery, and concept definition and preliminary elaboration of theory. Throughout the article emphasis is placed on grounded theory's ability to facilitate understanding and to identify desirable improvements in work contexts.

Somesthetic Sensitivity in Young and Elderly Humans

Abstract: Absolute thresholds were measured on 27 young (ages 19 to 31) and 21 elderly (ages 55 to 84) humans to six modes of cutaneous stimulation (single ramp-and-hold skin indentations--tactile, vibration at 40 and 250 Hz, temperature increases and decreases, and noxious heat) at two sites, the thenar eminence and the plantar foot. Comparisons of the elderly and young groups showed that elderly persons were significantly, p less than or equal to .001, less sensitive than young individuals to mechanical stimuli (tactile and vibration) at both sites. No significant differences were found in thresholds to thermal stimuli (warm-, cold-, and heat-pain) at either site except elderly feet were significantly, p less than or equal to .001, less sensitive than young feet to warm stimuli. Thresholds of elderly individuals were compared with the young group thresholds for deficits in sensitivity. All elderly participants showed deficits to one or more of the stimulus modes at one or the other site. There were significantly, p less than or equal to 0.01, more deficits to mechanical than to thermal stimuli. There was no increase in the frequency of deficits with increasing age.

Internal Mixture of Sea Salt, Silicates, and Excess Sulfate in Marine Aerosols

Abstract: Individual aerosol particles from the remote marine atmosphere were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. A large fraction of the silicate mineral component of the aerosol was found to be internally mixed with sea-salt aerosol particles. This observation explains the unexpected similarity in the size distributions of silicates and sea salt that has been observed in remote marine aerosols. Reentrainment of dust particles previously deposited onto the sea surface and collision between aerosol particles can be excluded as possible source mechanisms for these internally mixed aerosols. The internal mixing could be produced by processes within clouds, including droplet coalescence. Cloud processes may also be responsible for the observed enrichment of excess (nonsea-salt) sulfate on sea-salt particles.

Designing Systems that Train Learning Ability: From Theory to Practice

Abstract: Empirical and theoretical evidence is presented to support the conclusion that improvement of learning ability is an important and viable educational goal. However, the improvement of learning ability necessitates development not only of specific learning skills, which we know how to teach, but also an executive control mechanism that automatically accesses and combines learning skills whenever they are needed. Metacognitive theorists are currently investigating evidence that some executive skills can be imparted through direct training. However, a theme that emerges repeatedly in our review is that executive learning skills cannot be trained easily or by direct instruction alone, but must be developed gradually and automated over an extended period of time. It follows that genuine improvement of academic aptitude is not likely to result from anything less than a thoughtful, systematic curriculum that complements direct training in learning strategies, and thereby “engineers” the gradual evolution of impo...

The Ocean as a Source of Atmospheric Sulfur Compounds

Abstract: The impact of human activity on the global atmospheric sulfur cycle is easily seen in densely inhabited, industrialized regions: the degradation of visibility by haze, the acidity of atmospheric precipitation, and the damage to forest vegetation are among the more obvious symptoms of this impact. Atmospheric transport propagates these effects well beyond their source regions. The human perturbation of the atmospheric sulfur cycle results largely from the emission of sulfur dioxide (S02) from fossil fuel burning. A number of recent papers have reviewed these emissions and presented a detailed source allocation (e.g. Cullis and Hirschler, 1980; Moller, 1984). The estimates for man-made sulfur emissions fall into a relatively narrow range: about 2.5 ± 0.3 Tmol yr-1 (Tmol: 1 Teramole = 1012 mol = 32 x 1012 g).

Behavior of centrosomes during fertilization and cell division in mouse oocytes and in sea urchin eggs

Abstract: The forms and locations of centrosomes in mouse oocytes and in sea urchin eggs were followed through the whole course of fertilization and first cleavage by immunofluorescence microscopy. Centrosomes were identified with an autoimmune antiserum to centrosomal material. Staining of the same preparations with tubulin antibody and with the DNA dye Hoechst 33258 allowed the correlation of the forms of the centrosomes with the microtubule structures that they generate and with the stages of meiosis, syngamy, and mitosis. The results with sea urchin eggs conform to Boveri's view on the paternal origin of the functional centrosomes. Centrosomes are seen in spermatozoa and enter the egg at fertilization. Initially, the centrosomes are compact, but as the eggs enter the mitotic cycle the forms of the centrosomes go through a cycle in which they spread during interphase, apparently divide, and condense into two compact poles by metaphase. In anaphase, they spread to form flat poles. In telophase and during reconstitution of the daughter nuclei, the centrosomal material is disposed as hemispherical caps around the poleward surfaces of the nuclei. Mouse sperm lack centrosomal antigen. In the unfertilized mouse oocyte, the meiotic spindle poles are displayed as broad-beaded centrosomes. In addition, centrosomal material is detected in the cytoplasm as particles, about 16 in number, which are foci of small aster-like arrays of microtubules. The length and number of astral microtubules correlate with the size of the centrosomal foci. After sperm incorporation, as the pronuclei develop and more cytoplasmic microtubules assemble, a few of the foci associate with the peripheries of the nuclei. The number of foci multiplies during the first cell cycle. At the end of interphase, all of the centrosomal foci have concentrated on the nuclear peripheries and the cytoplasmic microtubules have disappeared. At prophase, the centrosomes are seen as two irregular clusters, marking the poles which, at metaphase and anaphase, appear as rough bands with foci, and the spindle is typically barrel-shaped. At telophase, the centrosomes are seen as arcs that lie on the nuclear peripheries after cleavage. The ordering of microtubules in all the stages reflects the shapes of the centrosomes. The findings on the sea urchin confirm the classical theory of the paternal origin of centrosomes and contrast with observations tracing the mitotic poles of the mouse egg to maternal centrosomal material. This evidence strengthens the conclusion that mouse centrosomes derive from the oocyte.

The quasi-periodic behavior of rainfall variability in Africa and its relationship to the southern oscillation

Abstract: The temporal characteristics of rainfall variability in Africa are examined using departure series for 84 regions of the continent and five larger-scale zones. The forms of non-randomness which are investigated include linear trends, persistence and quasi-periodic fluctuations. No long-term trends in African rainfall are evident. In some sectors, most noteably along the Benguela coast and equatorial Africa, rainfall anomalies tend to persist over several months and interseasonal correlations are also high. Spectral analysis revealed significant quasi-periodicities clustered in four bands at 2.2–2.4, 2.6–2.8, 3.3–3.8 and 5.0–6.3 years. These are common throughout equatorial and southern Africa, but only weakly evident in northern Africa. A cross-spectral analysis with the Southern Oscillation suggests a strong influence on rainfall variability in southern Africa and parts of the equatorial region and minimal influence in northern Africa. Coherence with the Southern Oscillation is particularly strong in the QBO range of 2.2–2.4 years. In general, the co-spectra suggest an inverse relationship between the SOI and rainfall in equatorial regions (i.e., higher rainfall during low-index years) and a positive relationship with rainfall in most other regions where an influence can be demonstrated.

Perceived reality and the cultivation hypothesis

Abstract: The relationship specified by the cultivation hypothesis was elaborated by using a concept of perceived reality that included the dimensions of Magic Window, Instruction, and Identity. As in previous studies, the cultivation effect was nonsignificant after controls for demographics were introduced. However, the cultivation effect was found in certain subgroups of subjects partitioned according to their level of perceived reality.

Music research in medical/dental treatment: meta-analysis and clinical applications.

Abstract: This article is a comprehensive analysis and application of music therapy research in the general field of music in medicine, and consists of a thorough review of the literature and a meta-analysis of all empirical studies using music in actual medical/dental treatments. It also transfers research results to clinical applications of music therapy techniques and program development in a general hospital setting.

Stimulation-induced [14C]2-deoxyglucose labeling of synaptic activity in the central auditory system.

Abstract: The relative contribution of active synapses and discharging neurons to [14C]2-DG labeling in film autoradiographs of the auditory system was studied in a series of three experiments, two in cat, one in chick. In the first, the lateral superior olive in cats was specially prepared so that its inhibitory afferents could be stimulated without concurrent stimulation of its excitatory afferents. The film autoradiographs showed clear 2-DG labeling in the vicinity of the activated inhibitory synapses. In the second experiment, the medial superior olive in cat was specially prepared so that it could be stimulated antidromically without concurrent orthodromic stimulation. The film autoradiographs showed little or no elevations in 2-DG labeling of the antidromically stimulated nucleus over its unstimulated contralateral control despite heavy labeling of nearby orthodromically stimulated nuclei. In the third experiment, the highly polarized nucleus laminaris of a chick was specially prepared so that one set of its excitatory afferents could be stimulated without concurrent stimulation of the other set. The film autoradiographs showed that the distribution of heavy 2-DG labeling matched the distribution of the activated synapses and not the distribution of discharging postsynaptic membrane. The outcomes of the three experiments taken together suggest that it is active synapses and not actively discharging neurons that dominate typical [14C]2-DG film autoradiographs, at least of the vertebrate central auditory system. It follows that [14C]2-DG labeling of central auditory system tissue is not necessarily evidence of local cell discharge but instead evidence of synaptic activity whether excitatory or inhibitory, and whether or not it is accompanied by significant levels of postsynaptic cell discharge.

Ontogeny of communicative functions in autism.

Abstract: Autistic children have been stereotyped as noncommunicative and noninteractive; however, this may be partly attributed to traditional research approaches that do not consider the intentions of the child or the context of the social interaction. This discussion reviews some recent investigations that have used a developmental pragmatics framework to study language and communicative behaviors associated with autism. A working model of the ontogeny of communicative functions in autistic children is proposed. The communicative profile associated with autism is explained by factors related to the child's language-learning environment, as well as factors inherent in the child. Clinical implications for the design of language intervention programs for autistic children are offered.

Relationships among vertical mixing, nitrate uptake, and phytoplankton growth during the spring bloom in the southeast Bering Sea middle shelf

Abstract: The temporal development of a spring diatom bloom in the southeast Bering Sea middle shelf for three consecutive ice-free years is analyzed. Physical and chemical criteria are used to divide the bloom period into prebloom, bloom, and postbloom stages. At this shelf depth, the shallowing of the mixed layer was most important in triggering bloom conditions by diminishing phytoplankton respirational losses. This occurred in late April to early May during a hiatus in wind mixing associated with low pressure systems. Sver drup's (1953, Journal du Conseil. Conseil International pour l'Exploration de la Mer,18, 287–295) critical depth model accurately predicted changing prebloom growth conditions probably because it described the mean daily mixed layer light conditions to which the plant communities were exposed. The usefulness of this integrative model diminished as species composition changed since compensation depth light levels for later bloom species were not known. A nitrate advection diffusion model indicated that a cross pycnocline mixing rate of 2.1 m d−1 was associated with bloom conditions. Estimated convective vertical mixing rates in the upper water column were low during the period leading to nitrate exhaustion suggesting that cells remained at favorable light levels for extended periods. Since both net respirational loss and the supply of nutrients to the mixed layer were dependent on vertical mixing, bloom development could be described as a function of upper water stability. Discrepancies arose when rapid changes in mixing conditions decreased the correspondence between measured nitrate uptake rates and the prevailing surface layer buoyancy. Signals generated by periodic factors such as the Mf (neap-spring) tide and aperiodic storm events were resolved during the spring bloom. Approximately 37% of new nitrogen productivity was due to wind mixing events that occurred after initial water column stabilization and prolonged high rates of nitrate uptake. This enhancement varied from 10 to 50% among years which suggests that large-scale meteorological factors determine May entrainment activity and influence the intensity and pattern of production on this shelf. The passage of low pressure systems temporarily pumped nutrient-rich outer shelf water ( 100m) into the middle shelf domain (

A Method for the Removal of Sulfur Dioxide from Exhaust Gas Utilizing Pulsed Streamer Corona for Electron Energization

Abstract: The performance of a new method using pulsed streamer corona for the removal of SO 2 from humid air has been evaluated. The pulsed streamer corona produces energetic free electrons that excite, dissociate, and ionize gas molecules, forming radicals that enhance the gas-phase chemical reactions that convert SO2 to acid mist and/or particulate aerosols. The aerosols are then collected by conventional means, i.e., by electrostatic precipitator or bag filter. The SO2 removal efficiency was compared with that of the electron-beam and dc corona flue-gas treatment processes. The comparison demonstrates the advantage of the novel method.

Anatomical, cellular and molecular analysis of 8,000-yr-old human brain tissue from the Windover archaeological site.

Abstract: Recovery and analysis of ancient tissue and bone of human origin has long been extensively investigated. Only recently, however, has it been technically possible to recover genetic material from ancient human and animal samples. As both previous studies involved dried tissue, it is important to determine whether other conditions may also preserve ancient tissue and genetic material. We describe here an analysis of preserved human bone and soft matter discovered in 1984-85 buried in a small swampy pond in central Florida. The recovered skeletal material represented a minimum of 40 individuals of both sexes and various ages. Corrected radiocarbon dates directly from bone and from peat matrix gave consistent ages in the range of 7,790 to 8,290 yr before present (BP). Nine individuals with intracranial soft matter were recovered and, in five of these, material recognizable as preserved or replaced brain tissue was present. Further analysis demonstrated gross anatomical features, remnant cellular structure and human DNA. As this find appears to be the oldest-known example of preserved human cell structure and DNA, it represents a significant resource for both anthropological and genetic studies.

Large-scale flow in turbulent convection: a mathematical model

Abstract: A mathematical model of convection, obtained by truncation from the two-dimensional Boussinesq equations, is shown to exhibit a bifurcation from symmetrical cells to tilted non-symmetrical ones. A subsequent bifurcation leads to time-dependent flow with similarly tilted transient plumes and a large-scale Lagrangian mean flow. This change of symmetry is similar to that occurring with the advent of a large-scale flow and transient tilted plumes seen in laboratory experiments on turbulent convection at high Rayleigh number. Though not intended as a description of turbulent convection, the model does bring out in a theoretically tractable context the possibility of the spontaneous change of symmetry suggested by the experiments.Further bifurcations of the model lead to stable chaotic phenomena as well. These are numerically found to occur in association with heteroclinic orbits. Some mathematical results clarifying this association are also presented.

Relations Between Situational Factors and the Comparative Referents Used by Employees

Abstract: In this article the authors discuss research they conducted that examined the relationship between the situational factors an employee faces and the referents they use when comparing their work to ...

Density-vague population change.

Abstract: Explicit density-dependence differs from density-vagueness in the sort of regulation imposed on populations. Explicit density-dependence implies regulation toward a central equilibrium point, whereas density-vagueness implies population change away from the two extremes of extinction and immense densities. Density-vagueness does not much concern regulation within the broad range of medial densities; it is ‘liberal'.

Weibull Statistics of Wind Speed over the Ocean

Abstract: The probability distribution of wind speed data over the world's oceans is studied using a two-parameter Weibull distribution. The parameters are estimated following a linearized least-squares approach. The seasonal and latitudinal variation are described. A bootstrap statistical stability criterion is developed to select the appropriate method to estimate the Weibull parameters A and C. The method with the most stable estimate of parameters gives acceptable goodness-of-fit values. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test also shows that the distribution adequately fits the data. The seasonal and latitudinal variations are presented using Hovmoller diagrams of the Weibull parameters. In general, these diagrams showed a seasonal change in fair agreement with other independent estimates of wind speed statistics. The results are more reliable in the Northern Hemisphere because more adequate data are available. The uneven geographical distribution and the scarcity of data at high latitudes and the Southern Hemisp...

Seagrass distribution and abundance in Eastern Gulf of Mexico coastal waters

Abstract: The marine angiosperms Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, and Halodule wrightii form two of the largest reported seagrass beds along the northwest and southern coasts of Florida where they cover about 3000 square km in the Big Bend area and about 5500 square km in Florida Bay, respectively. Most of the leaf biomass in the Big Bend area and outer Florida Bay was composed of Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme which were distributed throughout the beds but which were more abundant in shallow depths. A short-leaved form of Halodule wrightii grew in monotypic stands in shallow water near the inner edges of the beds, while Halophila decipiens and a longer-leaved variety of H. wrightii grew scattered throughout the beds, in monotypic stands near the outer edges of the beds, and in deeper water outside the beds. Halophila engelmanni was observed scattered at various depths throughout the seagrass beds and in monospecific patches in deep water outside the northern bed. Ruppia maritima grew primarily in brackish water around river mouths. The cross-shelf limits of the two major seagrass beds are controlled nearshore by increased water turbidity and lower salinity around river mouths and off-shore by light penetration to depths which receive 10% or more of sea surface photosynthetically active radiation. Seagrasses form large beds only along low energy reaches of the coast. The Florida Bay seagrass bed contained about twice the short-shoot density of both Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme, for data averaged over all depths, and about four times the average short-shoot density of both species in shallow water compared with the Big Bend seagrass bed. The differences in average seagrass abundance between Florida Bay and the Big Bend area may be a consequence of the effects of greater seasonal solar radiation and water temperature fluctuations experienced by plants in the northern bed, which lies at the northern distribution limit for American Tropical seagrasses.