Showing papers by "Georgia College & State University published in 2015"
TL;DR: This paper used panel cointegration techniques to estimate the long-run relationship as well as the causal dynamics between renewable energy consumption per capita, real gross domestic product (GDP), carbon dioxide emissions per capita and real oil prices for a panel of 11 South American countries over the period 1980 to 2010.
Abstract: This study utilizes panel cointegration techniques to estimate the long-run relationship as well as the causal dynamics between renewable energy consumption per capita, real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, carbon dioxide emissions per capita, and real oil prices for a panel of 11 South American countries over the period 1980 to 2010. Specifically, we find the long-run elasticity estimates are positive and statistically significant with respect to real GDP per capita, carbon emissions per capita, and real oil prices. The results of the panel error correction model reveal a feedback relationship among the variables in question, indicative of the importance of renewable energy consumption in both the growth of output and the containment of carbon dioxide emissions.
141 citations
TL;DR: Recommendations are made for how business communication scholars can advance, define, and set apart the field by focusing on business communication via enterprise social networking platforms.
Abstract: This article describes the growing adoption of enterprise social networking platforms by organizations in an attempt to foster better team communication and collaboration. To examine current views of these social networking tools, survey results from 227 business professionals are presented that address three areas: frequency of use of social networking for team communication compared to other communication channels, perceived effectiveness of social networking tools for team communication compared to other communication channels, and attitudes toward social networking for team communication. Generally, the results show that traditional communication channels are used more frequently and considered more effective for team communication. However, the results also indicate that Gen X and Gen Y business professionals are quite likely to consider that social networking tools will be the primary tools for team communication in the future. The article concludes with recommendations for how business communicatio...
108 citations
TL;DR: In this review, research on milking of diatoms is discussed and the main themes are (a) development of alternative methods to extract and harvest high added value compounds; (b) design of photobioreactors; (c) biodiversity and (d) stress physiology, illustrated with original results dealing with oleaginous diatom.
Abstract: The rise of human populations and the growth of cities contribute to the depletion of natural resources, increase their cost, and create potential climatic changes. To overcome difficulties in supplying populations and reducing the resource cost, a search for alternative pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, and energy sources has begun. Among the alternative sources, microalgae are the most promising because they use carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce biomass and/or valuable compounds. Once produced, the biomass is ordinarily harvested and processed (downstream program). Drying, grinding, and extraction steps are destructive to the microalgal biomass that then needs to be renewed. The extraction and purification processes generate organic wastes and require substantial energy inputs. Altogether, it is urgent to develop alternative downstream processes. Among the possibilities, milking invokes the concept that the extraction should not kill the algal cells. Therefore, it does not require growing the algae anew. In this review, we discuss research on milking of diatoms. The main themes are (a) development of alternative methods to extract and harvest high added value compounds; (b) design of photobioreactors; (c) biodiversity and (d) stress physiology, illustrated with original results dealing with oleaginous diatoms.
96 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered non-linear time-fractional stochastic heat type equation ∂ t β u t (x) = − ν ( − Δ ) α / 2 u t(x ) + I t 1 − β [ σ ( u ) W ⋅ ( t, x ) ] in ( d + 1 ) dimensions.
94 citations
TL;DR: This study is a first to examine whether murder may also be feared as a contemporaneous offense, and suggests differences in how fear of murder and fear of sexual assault are related to fear of other types of violence for men and women.
Abstract: The shadow hypothesis regarding the impact of fear of sexual assault on fear of violent crime suggests that female fear of crime is characterized by concern about sexual assault as a contemporaneous victimization event during a violent crime event. Recent research has found that other types of crime, namely physical assault, may also be feared as a contemporaneous offense. We know of no research that has examined the unique impact of fear of murder versus fear of sexual assault on fear of violent crime. There is also a lack of research that explores how these two types of fear uniquely affect men and women. In addition to gender, we examine factors that have been suggested in previous research to correlate with fear of crime: race, victimization, vicarious victimization, and perceived risk. Through survey methodology, this research examines the unique relationship between both fear of murder and fear of sexual assault and fear of three types of violent crime for men and women. Results suggest differences ...
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors detect radio emission from a compact jet in hard and intermediate states (IS) but not in the soft state only, based on the accumulation of all INTEGRAL data regardless of the spectral state.
Abstract: Polarization of the keV hard tail of the microquasar Cygnus X-1 has been independently reported by INTEGRAL/Imager on Board the INTEGRAL Satellite (IBIS), and INTEGRAL/SPectrometer on INTEGRAL and interpreted as emission from a compact jet. These conclusions were, however, based on the accumulation of all INTEGRAL data regardless of the spectral state. We utilize additional INTEGRAL exposure accumulated until 2012 December, and include the AMI/Ryle (15 GHz) radio data in our study. We separate the observations into hard, soft, and intermediate/transitional states and detect radio emission from a compact jet in hard and intermediate states (IS), but not in the soft. The 10–400 keV INTEGRAL (JEM-X and IBIS) state resolved spectra are well modeled with thermal Comptonization and reflection components. We detect a hard tail in the 0.4–2 MeV range for the hard state only. We extract the state dependent polarigrams of Cyg X-1, which are all compatible with no or an undetectable level of polarization except in the 400–2000 keV range in the hard state where the polarization fraction is 75% ± 32% and the polarization angle 40.°0 ± 14.°3. An upper limit on the 0.4–2 MeV soft state polarization fraction is 70%. Due to the short exposure, we obtain no meaningful constraint for the IS. The likely detection of a keV polarized tail in the hard state, together with the simultaneous presence of a radio jet, reinforce the notion of a compact jet origin of the keV emission.
61 citations
TL;DR: Genital grooming and pubic hair removal are common practices among both men and women of college-age and women are likely to report stronger associations with feelings of cleanliness, comfort, sex appeal, social norms of their peer group, and affordability as reasons for their chosen pubichair style.
54 citations
TL;DR: A moderated mediation model posits that mindfulness reduces perceived stress, leading to less alcohol use, and also weakens the linkage between stress and alcohol use.
Abstract: Mindfulness-based strategies have received empirical support for improving coping with stress and reducing alcohol use. The present study presents a moderated mediation model to explain how mindfulness might promote healthier drinking patterns. This model posits that mindfulness reduces perceived stress, leading to less alcohol use, and also weakens the linkage between stress and alcohol use. African American smokers (N = 399, 51 % female, Mage = 42) completed measures of dispositional mindfulness, perceived stress, quantity of alcohol use, frequency of binge drinking, and alcohol use disorder symptoms. Participants with higher levels of dispositional mindfulness reported less psychosocial stress and lower alcohol use on all measures. Furthermore, mindfulness moderated the relationship between perceived stress and quantity of alcohol consumption. Specifically, higher perceived stress was associated with increased alcohol use among participants low, but not high, in mindfulness. Mindfulness may be one strategy to reduce perceived stress and associated alcohol use among African American smokers.
38 citations
TL;DR: This article documents the public availability of transcriptome sequence data, assembly and annotation, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the cone snail Conus miliaris and a set of SNP markers for two biotypes from the Culex pipiens mosquito complex.
Abstract: This article documents the public availability of (i) transcriptome sequence data, assembly and annotation, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the cone snail Conus miliaris; (ii) a set of SNP markers for two biotypes from the Culex pipiens mosquito complex; (iii) transcriptome sequence data, assembly and annotation for the mountain fly Drosophila nigrosparsa; (iv) transcriptome sequence data, assembly and annotation and SNPs for the Neotropical toads Rhinella marina and R. schneideri; and (v) partial genomic sequence assembly and annotation for 35 spiny lizard species (Genus Sceloporus).
30 citations
TL;DR: Insight is provided into the demographic history of cutlassfish but also reveals potential clues regarding the historic productivity and regional oceanographic conditions of the Western Pacific marginal seas.
Abstract: Glacial cycles of the Quaternary have heavily influenced the demographic history of various species. To test the evolutionary impact of palaeo-geologic and climatic events on the demographic history of marine taxa from the coastal Western Pacific, we investigated the population structure and demographic history of two economically important fish (Trichiurus japonicus and T. nanhaiensis) that inhabit the continental shelves of the East China and northern South China Seas using the mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences and Bayesian Skyline Plot analyses. A molecular rate of 2.03% per million years, calibrated to the earliest flooding of the East China Sea shelf (70–140 kya), revealed a strong correlation between population sizes and primary production. Furthermore, comparison of the demographic history of T. japonicus populations from the East China and South China Seas provided evidence of the postglacial development of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Delta. In the South China Sea, interspecific comparisons between T. japonicus and T. nanhaiensis indicated possible evolutionary responses to changes in palaeo-productivity that were influenced by East Asian winter monsoons. This study not only provides insight into the demographic history of cutlassfish but also reveals potential clues regarding the historic productivity and regional oceanographic conditions of the Western Pacific marginal seas.
27 citations
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the implications of mindfulness for emotional experience by examining a variety of models of mindfulness and how they inform mindful emotion regulation, and link the impact of mindfulness on emotion regulation to behavioral change.
Abstract: In this chapter, we begin to explore the wealth of research and theory on the implications of mindfulness for emotional experience by examining a variety of models of mindfulness and how they inform mindful emotion regulation. Then, we provide an empirical overview of the role of mindfulness in general emotional states, emotional reactions to stimuli and events, and emotions over time. Within this overview, we provide evidence for several distinct avenues through which mindfulness benefits emotion regulation, including increased willingness to experience negative emotions, reduced reactivity to emotional stimuli and situations, a decentered perspective, and increased emotional stability; we also highlight some research which suggests the neurological underpinnings of mindful emotion regulation. Finally, we link the impact of mindfulness on emotion regulation to behavioral change. Specifically, by highlighting research on smoking, alcohol use, and other addictive behaviors, we demonstrate that emotion regulation serves as a key mechanism in the relationship between mindfulness and some domains of behavioral regulation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the stochastic conditional convergence of per capita health care expenditures (PCHCE) among 19 OECD countries over the period 1972-2008, and employed LM and RALS-LM unit root tests with allowance for two endogenously determined structural breaks.
Abstract: This study examines the stochastic conditional convergence of per capita health care expenditures (PCHCE) among 19 OECD countries over the period 1972–2008. Specifically, newly developed LM and RALS-LM unit root tests with allowance for two endogenously determined structural breaks are employed. The results indicate support for PCHCE convergence among most OECD countries. The results are stronger in more general tests that control for two breaks and nonnormal errors. Panel unit root tests provide additional support for the stochastic convergence of PCHCE.
TL;DR: In this article, Simulations and standardized patient (SP) encounters are used to provide clinical experiences for students in athletic training, and no research has examined the perceived educational benefit of these encounters.
Abstract: Context: Simulations and standardized patient (SP) encounters are used to provide clinical experiences for students. In athletic training, no research has examined the perceived educational benefit...
TL;DR: A hybrid mentor teacher training designed to promote mentor teacher awareness of training program requirements and mentoring responsibilities as well as proficiency in evidence-based practices is described.
Abstract: In order to promote high quality clinical experiences for teacher candidates, one of the recent changes to educator preparation accreditation standards specifically targeted clinical faculty qualif...
Shandong University1, California Institute of Technology2, Georgia College & State University3, Centre national de la recherche scientifique4, National Central University5, Chinese Academy of Sciences6, Harvard University7, University of Cape Town8, University of Granada9, Houston Museum of Natural Science10, University of Massachusetts Amherst11
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented Herschel PACS $&$ SPIRE far-infrared (FIR) and sub-mm imaging observations for a large K-band selected sample of 88 close major-merger pairs of galaxies (H-KPAIRs) in 6 photometric bands.
Abstract: We present Herschel PACS $\&$ SPIRE far-infrared (FIR) and sub-mm imaging observations for a large K-band selected sample of 88 close major-merger pairs of galaxies (H-KPAIRs) in 6 photometric bands (70, 100, 160, 250, 350, and 500 $\mu m$). Among 132 spiral galaxies in the 44 spiral-spiral (S$+$S) pairs and 44 spiral-elliptical (S$+$E) pairs, 113 are detected in at least one Herschel band. Star formation rate (SFR) and dust mass ($M_{\rm dust}$) are derived from the IR SED fitting. Mass of total gas ($M_{\rm gas}$) is estimated by assuming a constant dust-to-gas mass ratio of 0.01. Star forming spiral galaxies (SFGs) in S$+$S pairs show significant enhancements in both specific star formation rate (sSFR) and star formation efficiency (SFE), while having nearly the same gas mass, compared to control galaxies. On the other hand, for SFGs in S$+$E pairs, there is no significant sSFR enhancement and the mean SFE enhancement is significantly lower than that of SFGs in S$+$S pairs. This suggests an important role for the disc-disc collision in the interaction induced star formation. The $M_{\rm gas}$ of SFGs in S$+$E pairs is marginally lower than that of their counterparts in both S$+$S pairs and the control sample. Paired galaxies with and without interaction signs do not differ significantly in their mean sSFR and SFE. As found in previous works, this much larger sample confirms the primary and secondary spirals in S+S pairs follow a Holmberg effect correlation on sSFR.
23 Jan 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the role the Soviet Union's western borderlands played in the evolution of Soviet politics of empire and argue that Sovietization had a profound impact on these borderlands, integrating them into a larger Soviet polity.
Abstract: This article considers the role the Soviet Union's western borderlands annexed during World War II played in the evolution of Soviet politics of empire. Using the Baltic Republics and Western Ukraine as case studies, it argues that Sovietization had a profound impact on these borderlands, integrating them into a larger Soviet polity. However, guerrilla warfare and Soviet policy-making indirectly led to these regions becoming perceived as more Western and nationalist than other parts of the Soviet Union. The Baltic Republics and Western Ukraine differed in their engagement with the Western capitalist world. Different experiences of World War II and late Stalinism and contacts with the West ultimately led to this region becoming Soviet, yet different from the rest of the Soviet Union. While the Soviet West was far from uniform, perceived differences between it and the rest of the Soviet Union justified claims at the end of the 1980s that the Soviet Union was an empire rather than a family of nations.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the political organization-public relationship cultivated via social media using Twitter as a vehicle, and found that active engagement (tweeting at an organization), even for a short term, increases the sense that there is a real conversational exchange, enhancing the organization public relationship.
Abstract: Contributing to the development of digital political public relations scholarship, this study examines the political organization–public relationship cultivated via social media. Using Twitter as a vehicle, this posttest-only experimental design looked at whether interaction with a political organization facilitated a relationship. Furthermore, the study examined whether that relationship might manifest into political support. Results indicate active engagement (tweeting at an organization), even for a short term, increases the sense that there is a real conversational exchange, enhancing the organization–public relationship. Internal political disposition such as political cynicism, political information efficacy, or strength of ideology in some cases can help predict organization–public relationship.
TL;DR: It is reported that interacting with standardized patients (SPs) is a worthwhile and realistic experience for athletic training students and these encounters enhance students' academic performance.
Abstract: Context: Researchers have reported that interacting with standardized patients (SPs) is a worthwhile and realistic experience for athletic training (AT) students. These encounters enhance students'...
TL;DR: Foondun et al. as mentioned in this paper studied non-linear noise excitation for the following class of space-time fractional stochastic equations in bounded domains: $$\partial^\beta_tu_t(x)=-
u(-\Delta)^{\alpha/2} u_t (x)+I^{1-\beta}_t[\lambda \sigma(u)\stackrel{\cdot}{F}(t,x)]$$ in $(d+1)$ dimensions.
Abstract: In this paper we study non-linear noise excitation for the following class of space-time fractional stochastic equations in bounded domains: $$\partial^\beta_tu_t(x)=-
u(-\Delta)^{\alpha/2} u_t(x)+I^{1-\beta}_t[\lambda \sigma(u)\stackrel{\cdot}{F}(t,x)]$$ in $(d+1)$ dimensions, where $
u>0, \beta\in (0,1)$, $\alpha\in (0,2]$. The operator $\partial^\beta_t$ is the Caputo fractional derivative, $-(-\Delta)^{\alpha/2} $ is the generator of an isotropic stable process and $I^{1-\beta}_t$ is the fractional integral operator. The forcing noise denoted by $\stackrel{\cdot}{F}(t,x)$ is a Gaussian noise. The multiplicative non-linearity $\sigma:\RR{R}\to\RR{R}$ is assumed to be globally Lipschitz continuous. These equations were recently introduced by Mijena and Nane(J. Mijena and E. Nane. Space time fractional stochastic partial differential equations. Stochastic Process Appl. 125 (2015), no. 9, 3301--3326). We first study the existence and uniqueness of the solution of these equations {and} under suitable conditions on the initial function, we {also} study the asymptotic behavior of the solution with respect to the parameter $\lambda$. In particular, our results are significant extensions of those in Foondun et al (M. Foondun, K. Tian and W. Liu. On some properties of a class of fractional stochastic equations. Preprint available at arxiv.org 1404.6791v1.), Foondun and Khoshnevisan (M. Foondun and D. Khoshnevisan. Intermittence and nonlinear parabolic stochastic partial differential equations, Electron. J. Probab. 14 (2009), no. 21, 548--568.), Nane and Mijena (J. Mijena and E. Nane. Space time fractional stochastic partial differential equations. Stochastic Process Appl. 125 (2015), no. 9, 3301--3326; J. B. Mijena, and E.Nane. Intermittence and time fractional partial differential equations. Submitted. 2014).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed state and metropolitan housing prices in the United States, focusing on the long range dependence of price volatility proxied by squared and absolute returns based on the...
Abstract: In this study, we analyze state and metropolitan housing prices in the United States, focusing on the long range dependence of price volatility proxied by squared and absolute returns based on the ...
TL;DR: In this article, Chandra X-ray observations of the IGR source fields have yielded very likely identifications of Xray counterparts for three of IGR sources: IGR J14091-6108, IGRJ18088-2741, and IGRj18381-0924.
Abstract: We report on 0.3-10 keV observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory of eight hard X-ray sources discovered within 8 degrees of the Galactic plane by the INTEGRAL satellite. The short (5 ks) Chandra observations of the IGR source fields have yielded very likely identifications of X-ray counterparts for three of the IGR sources: IGR J14091-6108, IGR J18088-2741, and IGR J18381-0924. The first two have very hard spectra in the Chandra band that can be described by a power-law with photon indices of Gamma = 0.6+/-0.4 and -0.7(+0.4)(-0.3), respectively (90% confidence errors are given), and both have a unique near-IR counterpart consistent with the Chandra position. IGR J14091-6108 also displays a strong iron line and a relatively low X-ray luminosity, and we argue that the most likely source type is a Cataclysmic Variable (CV), although we do not completely rule out the possibility of a High Mass X-ray Binary. IGR J18088-2741 has an optical counterpart with a previously measured 6.84 hr periodicity, which may be the binary orbital period. We also detect five cycles of a possible 800-950 s period in the Chandra light curve, which may be the compact object spin period. We suggest that IGR J18088-2741 is also most likely a CV. For IGR J18381-0924, the spectrum is intrinsically softer with Gamma = 1.5(+0.5)(-0.4), and it is moderately absorbed, nH = (4+/-1)e22 cm-2. There are two near-IR sources consistent with the Chandra position, and they are both classified as galaxies, making it likely that IGR J18381-0924 is an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). For the other five IGR sources, we provide lists of nearby Chandra sources, which may be used along with further observations to identify the correct counterparts, and we discuss the implications of the low inferred Chandra count rates for these five sources.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore how the history of a supply chain relationship impacts expectations concerning negotiation strategy use, and they develop a theoretical framework emphasizing the impact of relationship history on negotiation strategy expectations in long-term buyersupplier relationships.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how the history of a supply chain relationship impacts expectations concerning negotiation strategy use. Design/methodology/approach – Following a grounded theory approach, experienced buyers and suppliers were interviewed to enhance understanding of the complexity of supply chain negotiations. Findings – Qualitative analysis developed a theoretical framework emphasizing the impact of relationship history on negotiation strategy expectations in long-term buyer-supplier relationships. Data supports that previous negotiation interactions build a history between the involved organizations. This relationship history creates expectations. When negotiation strategy use is consistent with expectations, the relationship history will continue to develop in the same manner as it has previously. When negotiation strategy expectations are violated, the relationship impact will differ depending on evidence of an Extrarelational Factor that leads to the strategy change....
TL;DR: In this paper, the degree of persistence in tourist arrivals and overnight stays for seven Croatian coastal counties over the period January 1998 to December 2013 using fractional integration techniques was examined, revealing that the respective regional tourism indicators exhibit seasonal unit roots which require seasonal first differences to render the respective time series stationary.
Abstract: This study examines the degree of persistence in foreign tourist arrivals and overnight stays for seven Croatian coastal counties over the period January 1998 to December 2013 using fractional integration techniques. Our findings reveal that the respective regional tourism indicators exhibit seasonal unit roots which require seasonal first differences to render the respective time series stationary. With respect to the long-run evolution of the respective time series, both the parametric and semi-parametric fractional integration approaches show the degree of persistence is greater than zero, but significantly less than one for the majority of the coastal counties. Impulse response analysis reveals indeed shocks to the deseasonalized time series, either foreign tourist arrivals or foreign tourist overnight stays, appear short-lived with the exception of Istria and Primorje-Gorski kotar counties. Policy implications of the results are also discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a longitudinal design was used to examine the relationship between group member perceptions of engagement at the session (within member), member (within group), and group (between-groups) level and members' feeling involved and valued.
Abstract: A longitudinal design was used to examine (a) the relationship between group member perceptions of engagement at the session (within-member), member (within-group), and group (between-groups) level and members’ feeling involved and valued, and (b) how the person– group fit and misfit at the session and member level predicts members feeling involved and valued. Data came from 112 students in 18 groups enrolled in an undergraduate group dynamics class. At each session, group members completed measures of the group’s engagement climate and items that assessed members feeling involved and valued. The engagement ratings were decomposed into between-group, within-group, and within-member components. Hierarchical Linear Modeling and Response Surface Analysis were used to analyze decomposed engagement and Involved/Valued scores. Results indicated that (a) members’ Involved/Valued scores were related to an engaged group climate at the session (within-member), member (within-group), and group (between-group) level; (b) within-group and within-member fit in perceptions of engaged climate positively predicted members feeling involved and valued; and (c) within-group and within-member misfit, interpreted as an “optimistic bias” (a member’s general rating of the group or her/his rating of a session is high but the group’s general rating is low) was associated with members feeling more involved and valued, than a “pessimistic bias.” Study results highlight the importance of decomposing engagement, and examining person– group fit in engagement perceptions, at the intraindividual, interpersonal, and group-as-a-whole levels to best understand its nuanced relationship between engagement and members feeling involved and valued.
TL;DR: This was the second study to determine surface water concentrations of CBZ in the Caribbean and the first in Puerto Rico, and higher CBZ concentrations were associated with the detection of HF183.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the cointegration between city-gate and residential retail natural gas prices at the U.S. state level using monthly data from 1989:1 to 2012:12.
TL;DR: Results indicate potential benefits of mindfulness among smokers of Mexican heritage and suggest that smoking cessation interventions might be enhanced by central focus on the Nonjudging aspect of mindfulness.
Abstract: Although most smokers express interest in quitting, actual quit rates are low. Identifying strategies to enhance smoking cessation is critical, particularly among underserved populations, including Hispanics, for whom many of the leading causes of death are related to smoking. Mindfulness (purposeful, nonjudgmental attention to the present moment) has been linked to increased likelihood of cessation. Given that mindfulness is multifaceted, determining which aspects of mindfulness predict cessation could help to inform interventions. This study examined whether facets of mindfulness predict cessation in 199 Spanish-speaking smokers of Mexican heritage (63.3% male, mean age of 39 years, 77.9% with a high school education or less) receiving smoking cessation treatment. Primary outcomes were 7-day abstinence at weeks 3 and 26 postquit (biochemically confirmed and determined using an intent-to-treat approach). Logistic random coefficient regression models were utilized to examine the relationship between mindfulness facets and abstinence over time. Independent variables were subscales of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (Observing, Describing, Acting With Awareness, Nonjudging, and Nonreactivity). The Nonjudging subscale (i.e., accepting thoughts and feelings without evaluating them) uniquely predicted better odds of abstinence up to 26 weeks postquit. This is the first known study to examine whether specific facets of mindfulness predict smoking cessation. The ability to experience thoughts, emotions, and withdrawal symptoms without judging them may be critical in the process of quitting smoking. Results indicate potential benefits of mindfulness among smokers of Mexican heritage and suggest that smoking cessation interventions might be enhanced by central focus on the Nonjudging aspect of mindfulness.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined whether real interest rates exhibit changes in persistence for a panel of Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development countries and found that for long-term real interest rate there are changes in persistent from I(0) to I(1).
Abstract: This study examines whether real interest rates exhibit changes in persistence for a panel of Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development countries. The findings show that for long-term real interest rates there are changes in persistence from I(0) to I(1). For short-term real interest rates, the results display the absence of changes in persistence, while under cross-sectional dependence there is only weak evidence of changes in persistence from I(1) to I(0). The evidence of changes in persistence when the direction is considered unknown is even weaker.
TL;DR: A Web-based, self-directed tutorial program that provides various scaffolds e.g., prompts, expert models, visual guidance to help college students enhance their skills and abilities in solving problems in science.
Abstract: The understanding of core concepts and processes of science in solving problems is important to successful learning in biology. We have designed and developed a Web-based, self-directed tutorial program, SOLVEIT, that provides various scaffolds e.g., prompts, expert models, visual guidance to help college students enhance their skills and abilities in solving problems in science. An initial version of SOLVEIT was used in this study. This paper details the features of SOLVEIT that are contextualized within the biological domains of evolution and ecology. A qualitative case study was conducted to evaluate the usability of the program. Selected students were recruited from an introductory biology course at a large public university in the south-eastern United States. Data for this study were collected through the SOLVEIT database and semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of the program for improving students' problem solving in biology. Suggestions for the use of SOLVEIT and its further improvement and development are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. This study also provides more general guidance for researchers and practitioners who are interested in the design, development and evaluation of Web-based tutorial programs in science education.
TL;DR: This study supports the recognition of the populations from moist pine forest/cloud forest habitats of the Massif de la Hotte, occurring mainly from 1450–2300 m, as M. subcompressa subsp.
Abstract: The pattern of morphological variation in Miconia subcompressa, a species endemic to the mountains of southern Hispaniola, is assessed by a consideration of numerous herbarium specimens (many collected by the authors) and a phenetic (Principal Components) analysis of 14 vegetative characters, and morphological entities are compared with a phylogenetic hypothesis based on nrDNA-sequence variation (ITS, ETS) including several accessions of this species (from across its geographic and elevational range) as well as related species of Miconia sect. Chaenopleura , especially those of the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti. Our morphological data, incorporating recently collected herbarium material, indicate that the populations of M. subcompressa from the Monteada Nueva region (= Loma Trocha de Pey) are diagnosable morphologically from those of the Massif de la Selle and Massif de la Hotte, and these plants are described here as Miconia subcompressa subsp. beverlyana . Additionally, this study supports the recognition of the populations from moist pine forest/cloud forest habitats of the Massif de la Hotte, occurring mainly from 1450–2300 m, as M. subcompressa subsp. plumieri (= M. plumerii, sic). Finally, Miconia subcompressa may be paraphyletic, as preliminary molecular evidence suggests that M. xenotricha may have arisen within its phylogenetic structure.