Showing papers by "Georgia State University published in 1991"

The Role of Perceived Consumer Effectiveness in Motivating Environmentally Conscious Behaviors

Abstract: While perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) has consistently been linked to socially conscious attitudes, the concept appears to have been confounded with other related constructs in the empirical...

A Construct Validity Study of the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support

Abstract: Eisenberger, Huntington, Hutchinson, and Sowa (1986) recently conducted a study focused on ameasure of perceived employer commitment that they called the Survey of Perceived Organiza-tional Support (SPOS). In the present study, confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine thedimensionality of the SPOS and to determine the distinctiveness of this construct from othersimilar constructs. Participants were 330 employees in a large corporation headquartered in thesoutheastern United States. The results support the SPOS as a unidimensional scale that is distin-guishable from affective and continuance commitment. However, the data raise some question asto the empirical distinction between the SPOS and satisfaction.

A Fortran language system for mutation-based software testing

Abstract: Mutation analysis is a powerful technique for testing software systems. The Mothra software testing project uses mutation analysis as the basis for an integrated software testing environment. Mutation analysis requires executing many slightly differing versions of the same program to evaluate the quality of the data used to test the program. The current version of Mothra includes a complete language system that translates a program to be tested into intermediate code so that it and its mutated versions can be executed by an interpreter. In this paper, we discuss some of the unique requirements of a language system used in a mutation-based testing environment. We then describe how these requirements affected the design and implementation of the Fortran 77 version of the Mothra system. We also describe the intermediate language used by Mothra and the features of the language system that are needed for software testing. The appendices contain a full description of the intermediate language and the mutation operators used by Mothra. The design and implementation techniques that were developed for Mothra are applicable for constructing not just software testing systems, but any type of program analysis system or language system for a special-purpose application. In particular, we discuss decisions made and techniques developed by the Mothra team that can be useful in such applications as debuggers, program measurement tools, software development environments and other types of program analysis systems.

Resistance to technological innovations: An examination of the role of self-efficacy and performance satisfaction

Abstract: Technological innovation is seen as the key to survival and success for many firms. Whether intended for internal use or for customers, adoption decisions must consider the response of the final user to such technological alternatives. This paper argues for greater attention to the factors which cause individual resistance to technological innovations. The results of two studies are reported which examined the effects of self-efficacy (Bandura 1977) and performance satisfaction on consumers’ response to technological changes. Results indicate that a person’s perceived ability to use a product successfully affects their evaluative and behavioral response to the product. In addition, the level of satisfaction experienced with an existing behavior increases resistance to and reduces likelihood of adopting an alternative.

Connectionism and the mind: An introduction to parallel processing in networks

Abstract: Networks versus symbol systems - two approaches to modelling cognition connectionist architectures learning pattern recognition - connectionism's forte connectionism and nonpropositional representations of knowledge two simulations of higher cognitive processes are rules and symbols needed? - critiques and defences of connectionism connectionism and the disciplines of cognitive science. Appendices: notation glossary.

Salivary testosterone and cortisol among late adolescent male offenders.

Abstract: The relationship of salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations to personality, criminal violence, prison behavior, and parole board decisions was examined among 113 late-adolescent male offenders. Offenders high in testosterone committed more violent crimes, were judged more harshly by the parole board, and violated prison rules more often than those low in testosterone. No main effects for cortisol emerged. However, as expected, a significant interaction between testosterone and cortisol was found, in which cortisol moderated the correlation between testosterone and violence of crime. Cortisol may be a biological indicator of psychological variables (e.g., social withdrawal) that moderate the testosterone-behavior relationship. Paper and pencil measures of personality and behavior showed little relationship to hormones.

Steps toward determination of the size and structure of the broad-line region in active galactic nuclei. II - An intensive study of NGC 5548 at optical wavelengths

Abstract: A large, international program of ground-based optical spectroscopy and photometry of the variable Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 undertaken in support of an IUE monitoring campaign is described. This contribution presents the data base and describes the methods used to correct for systematic differences between spectra from different sources. Optical continuum and H-beta emission-line light curves are derived from the spectra. The behavior of the optical continuum is qualitatively the same as the behavior of the ultraviolet continuum. Cross-correlation of the ultraviolet and optical continuum measurements does not reveal any significant lag between them. The h-beta emission-line variations show the same basic pattern as seen in the continuum and ultraviolet emission lines, with H-beta lagging behind the continuum by about 20 days. This is significantly larger than the about 10 day lag deduced for Ly-alpha.

Interaction of colocalized neuropeptides: functional significance in the circadian timing system.

Abstract: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which appears to act as a circadian clock, contains a subpopulation of local circuit neurons in which vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), and gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) are colocalized. To determine whether VIP, PHI, and GRP interact within the SCN to produce a signal important for circadian control, the behavioral and cellular effects of coadministration of these neuropeptides were investigated. Coadministration of VIP, PHI, and GRP within the SCN mimicked the phase- delaying effects of light on circadian control following in vivo microinjection and activated SCN single units recorded in vitro. These behavioral and cellular effects of coadministration of VIP, PHI, and GRP were significantly greater than administration of VIP, PHI, or GRP alone or coadministration of any 2 of these peptides. These data illustrate a new mechanism whereby multiple, colocalized neuropeptides interact in a functionally significant manner, and indicate that the interaction of VIP, PHI, and GRP may be involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms by the SCN.

Oral Communication in TESOL: Integrating Speaking, Listening, and Pronunciation

Abstract: This article discusses the teaching of oral communication skills (that is, speaking, listening, and pronunciation) in programs of English as a Second Language. The article is addressed to teachers who conduct courses in this area for ESL students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities although the guidelines presented can be adapted to other ESL contexts (e.g., continuing education, private tutorials). Speaking and listening are discussed as major skill areas; pronunciation is presented as a subset of both speaking and listening development. This article argues that attention to these three components of oral communication is viewed as indispensable to any coherent curriculum design. Although relative degrees of emphasis may vary for particular courses, speaking, listening, and pronunciation are characterized as reciprocally interdependent oral language processes.

Ordinal Judgments of Numerical Symbols by Macaques (Macaca Mulatta)

Abstract: Two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) learned that the arabic numerals 0 through 9 represented corresponding quantities of food pellets By manipulating a joystick, the monkeys were able to make a selection of paired numerals presented on a computer screen Although the monkeys received a corresponding number of pellets even if the lesser of the two numerals was selected, they learned generally to choose the numeral of greatest value even when pellet delivery was made arrhythmic In subsequent tests, they chose the numerals of greater value when presented in novel combinations or in random arrays of up to five numerals Thus, the monkeys made ordinal judgments of numerical symbols in accordance with their absolute or relative values

Travel Behavior of Nursing Home Residents Perceived as Wanderers and Nonwanderers

Abstract: A video-based observational methodology was used to assess the travel behaviors of 40 nursing home residents, 24 of whom were identified by nursing staff as wanderers. Travel was monitored continuously for 30 days, resulting in the recording of over 5,000 unassisted travel events. Four basic travel patterns were observed: direct travel (86.8%), lapping (11.6%), random travel (.9%), and pacing (.7%). Travel efficiency (percentage of direct travel) was significantly related to cognitive status (r = .56), with inefficient travel most prevalent in severely demented participants.

The Performance of the Polychoric Correlation Coefficient and Selected Fitting Functions in Confirmatory Factor Analysis with Ordinal Data

Abstract: In a simulation study, no combination of the polychoric correlation coefficient with any LISREL 7 fitting function produced unbiased estimated standard errors or a correctly distributed chi square ...

Synthesis and quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of 2-(aryl or heteroaryl)quinolin-4-amines, a new class of anti-hiv-1 agents

Abstract: Thirty-eight 2-(aryl or heteroaryl)quinolin-4-amines, N,N-disubstituted, N-monosubstituted, and without a substituent at the amino group have been synthesized with use of novel chemistries developed by us recently. Some of these derivatives show anti-HIV-1 activity at a concentration level of 1 microM and low cell toxicity in vitro. The most active and least toxic compounds are derivatives of 2-(3-pyridyl)quinoline. The results of the quantitative structure-activity relationship analyses, including several classical, linear regression correlations and a Free-Wilson approach of de novo model, provide guidelines for the design of new active compounds of this class.

Informal and formal requirements specification languages: bridging the gap

Abstract: The differences between informal and formal requirements specification languages are noted, and the issue of bridging the gap between them is discussed. Using structured analysis (SA) and the Vienna development method (VDM) as surrogates for informal and formal languages, respectively, two approaches are presented for integrating the two. The first approach uses the SA model of a system to guide the analyst's understanding of the system and the development of the VDM specifications. The second approach proposes a rule-based method for generating VDM specifications from a set of corresponding SA specifications. The two approaches are illustrated through a simplified payroll system case. The issues that emerge from the use of the two approaches are reported. >

Facilitated isolation, purification, and analysis of glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Abstract: Cryptococcus neoformans was cultured in a chemically defined medium. The culture was adjusted to 0.25% formaldehyde or autoclaved after 5 days of growth at 35 degrees C, and a cell-free supernatant was obtained by centrifugation. Solid calcium acetate was added to the supernatant to give a 5% solution, and the pH was adjusted to approximately 5 with glacial acetic acid. The polysaccharide (PS) was precipitated by the addition of 3 volumes of 95% ethanol. The PS was dissolved in 0.2 M NaCl, and insoluble calcium salts were solubilized by the addition of several drops of glacial acetic acid. The PS solution was treated by ultrasonic irradiation for 15 min. This concurrently decreased the molecular weight of the PS and reduced the viscosity of the solution. The ultrasonically irradiated PS was precipitated by differential complexation with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide at 23 degrees C, the complex was dissolved in 1 M NaCl, and the glucuronoxylomannan was precipitated by adding 3 volumes of ethanol. The glucuronoxylomannan was dissolved in 1 M NaCl and then ultrasonically irradiated for 2 h to reduce the molecular mass to a limiting value of approximately 100 kDa (GXMS). The purified GXMS was centrifuged, dialyzed, and finally recovered by lyophilization. GXMS was chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose at reasonable concentrations without the complication of high solution viscosity. The sugar composition and structure of GXMS were determined by gas-liquid chromatography, permethylation gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The improved solution characteristics of GXMS were ideal for the determination of its chemical and serological properties.

NMR and molecular modeling evidence for a G.A mismatch base pair in a purine-rich DNA duplex.

Abstract: 1H NMR experiments indicate that the oligomer 5'-d(ATGAGCGAATA) forms an unusual 10-base-pair duplex with 4 G.A base pairs (underlined) and a 3' unpaired adenosine. NMR results indicate that guanosine imino protons of the G.A mismatches are not hydrogen bonded but are stacked in the helix. A G----I substitution in either G.A base pair causes a dramatic decrease in duplex stability and indicates that hydrogen bonding of the guanosine amino group is critical. Nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) and two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy (COSY) results indicate that the overall duplex conformation is in the B-family. Cross-strand NOEs in two-dimensional NOESY spectra between a mismatched AH2 and an AH1' of the other mismatched base pair and between a mismatched GH8 and GNH1 of the other mismatch establish a purine-purine stacking pattern, adenosine over adenosine and guanosine over guanosine, which strongly stabilizes the duplex. A computer graphics molecular model of the unusual duplex was constructed with G.A base pairs containing A-NH2 to GN3 and G-NH2 to AN7 hydrogen bonds and B-form base pairs on both sides of the G.A pairs [5'-d(ATGAGC)]. The energy-minimized duplex satisfies all experimental constraints from NOESY and COSY results. A hydrogen bond from G-NH2 of the mismatch to a phosphate oxygen is predicted.

Kinetic and equilibrium analysis of a threading intercalation mode: DNA sequence and ion effects.

Abstract: The interaction of a symmetric naphthalene diimide with alkylamino substituents at each imide position was investigated with the alternating sequence polymers, poly[d(A-T)]2 and poly[d(G-C)]2. Spectrophotometric binding studies indicate strong binding of the diimide to both sequences although the GC binding constant is 20-25 times larger than the AT binding constant. Analysis of the effects of salt concentration on the binding equilibria shows that the diimide forms two ion pairs in its complex with both polymers as expected for a simple dication. Stopped-flow kinetics experiments demonstrate that the diimide both associates and dissociates from DNA more slowly than classical intercalators with similar binding constants. Analysis of salt concentration effects on dissociation kinetics rate constants (kd) reveals that slopes in log kd versus log [Na+] plots are only approximately half the value obtained for classical dicationic intercalators that have both charged groups in the same groove. These kinetics results support a threading intercalation model, with one charged diimide substituent in each of the DNA grooves rather than with both side chains in the same groove, for the diimide complex with DNA. In the rate-determining step of the mechanism for dissociation of a threading complex only one ion pair is broken; the free side chain can then slide between base pairs to put both diimide side chains in the same groove, and this is followed by rapid full dissociation of the diimide. This sequential release of ion pairs makes the dissociation slope for dicationic threading intercalators more similar to the slope for classical monocationic intercalating ligands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Salivary testosterone measurements among women: relative magnitude of circadian and menstrual cycles.

Abstract: Measures of testosterone among women are potentially useful in behavioral research, but information is needed on how much error is introduced by variability across the menstrual cycle. Morning and evening salivary testosterone concentrations were measured at weekly intervals across one menstrual cycle in each of 22 women, using the luteinizing hormone surge to mark midcycle. Menstrual cycles were statistically significant but smaller than daily cycles or individual differences. Menstrual cycle effects can be ignored in most research relating psychological and behavioral variables to individual differences in testosterone.

Tomographic separation of composite spectra - The components of the O-star spectroscopic binary AO Cassiopeiae

Abstract: The UV photospheric lines of the short-period, double-lined O-star spectroscopic binary AO Cas are analyzed. Archival data from IUE (16 spectra uniformly distributed in orbital phase) were analyzed with a tomography algorithm to produce the separate spectra of the two stars in six spectral regions. The spectral classifications of the primary and secondary, O9.5 III and O8 V, respectively, were estimated through a comparison of UV line ratios with those in spectral standard stars. An intensity ratio of 0.5-0.7 (primary brighter) at 1600 A is compatible with the data.

SCN lesions block responses to systemic melatonin infusions in Siberian hamsters.

Abstract: The role of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the response to short-day melatonin (MEL) signals was examined in long-day-housed pinealectomized (PINX) Siberian hamsters. Five- or ten-hour MEL infusions that mimicked the peak nocturnal durations of serum MEL levels in long or short days, respectively, or control saline infusions were given for 5 wk. Half the hamsters in each infusion group also received bilateral electrolytic SCN lesions. The 10-h MEL infusions reduced testes weight, body and fat pad weights, and serum prolactin (PRL) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in unoperated controls. These short-day-type effects were blocked by SCN lesions, which often produced hyperprolactinemia. Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity were disrupted or sparse in hamsters with lesions in or near the SCN. In a second experiment, 5 wk of long-day-like, short-duration (5-h) MEL infusions were administered to hamsters that had been PINX after 8 wk of short-day exposure. Control hamsters given 5-h MEL infusions, but not 10-h MEL or saline infusions, exhibited testicular growth and increased serum PRL levels. Hamsters with SCN lesions showed similar responses, regardless of the duration or type of infusion. Although the blockade of 10-h MEL infusion-induced testicular regression by SCN lesions in experiment 1 may have been due to stimulation of the testes by PRL, it is unlikely that the hyperprolactinemia accounted for the ability of SCN lesions to block effects of 10-h MEL infusions on fat pad and body weights. Therefore, the SCN and/or neighboring structures may participate in the response to short-day MEL signals in Siberian hamsters.

Connections Between Childhood Abuse and HIV Infection

Abstract: This study examined the incidence of childhood sexual and physical abuse in 52 human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infected adults. Behaviors and dynamics associated with unresolved childhood abuse (revictimization, sexual compulsivity, chronic depression, and alcohol and other drug abuse) are discussed in light of those behaviors and dynamics that increase a person's risk of exposure to the virus causing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). lnterview results showed that 65% of those infected reported physical or sexual abuse in childhood. The prevalence of adult survivor characteristics was also examined, and responses were compared based on HIV transmission modes. Recommendations for counselors working with HIV-infected clients are also provided.

Critical Success Factors in Manufacturing Resource Planning Implementation

Abstract: The implementation process of any information system is a challenging task which becomes even more difficult when the system to be implemented is complex and requires significant organisational change, such as Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II). The study reported here was conducted to identify factors which affect the success of the implementation. This study extends prior research in the MRP II implementation area by evaluating more specific aspects of environmental and methodological factors such as an organisation′s willingness to change and consultant involvement in the MRP II implementation. This empirical study determined the association among environmental factors, methods of implementation, and MRP II success. A conceptual implementation model was developed and factors were identified which were associated with two measures of MRP II success. Two environmental factors and twelve methodological factors were identified as being associated with MRP II success. Based on the results of the study...

The Psychology Student Stress Questionnaire.

Abstract: Stressors of graduate psychology training remain relatively unexplored. The Psychology Student Stress Questionnaire (PSSQ) was developed to assess the impact of emotional, financial, and academic stressors of graduate psychology training on students. The PSSQ was administered, along with the Symptom Check List-90-R and the Health and Daily Living Form, to 133 graduate psychology students. Significant though limited correlations were obtained between the PSSQ and the two stress measures. Factor analysis of the PSSQ yielded seven underlying factors; time constraints accounted for the greatest variance in stress ratings. Female students had higher stress scores than males. These results suggest that the PSSQ could be useful in exploring student stress in graduate psychology training.