Showing papers by "Georgia State University published in 2007"

Specifying formative constructs in information systems research

Abstract: While researchers go to great lengths to justify and prove theoretical links between constructs, the relationship between measurement items and constructs is often ignored. By default, the relationship between construct and item is assumed to be reflective, meaning that the measurement items are a reflection of the construct. Many times, though, the nature of the construct is not reflective, but rather formative. Formative constructs occur when the items describe and define the construct rather than vice versa. In this research, we examine whether formative constructs are indeed being mistaken for reflective constructs by information systems researchers. By examining complete volumes of MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research over the last 3 years, we discovered that a significant number of articles have indeed misspecified formative constructs. For scientific results to be valid, we argue that researchers must properly specify formative constructs. This paper discusses the implications of different patterns of common misspecifications of formative constructs on both Type I and Type II errors. To avoid these errors, the paper provides a roadmap to researchers to properly specify formative constructs. We also discuss how to address formative constructs within a research model after they are specified.

Revising the SES: A Collaborative Process to Improve Assessment of Sexual Aggression and Victimization:

Abstract: The Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) assesses victimization and perpetration of unwanted sexual experiences (e.g., Koss, Gidycz, & Wisniewski, 1987). Revised versions of the SES that resulted from the work of the SES Collaboration are now available. This article reviews weaknesses of the SES that were identified, strengths that were preserved, and methodological considerations in the measurement of unwanted sexual experiences that informed the revisions. The primary changes include: more behavioral specificity; conversion to gender neutrality; full crossing of unwanted acts and coercive tactics; and revised and updated wording for assessing consent, alcohol-related incidents, unwanted acts, and coercive tactics. For illustration, the full text of the revised victimization version and its scoring rules are provided. The article concludes with suggestions for future research. These suggestions aim to involve researchers in a coordinated agenda to develop data that clarify methodological questions and contribute to continued improvement in assessing sexual victimization and perpetration.

Why Do Firms Pay Dividends? International Evidence on the Determinants of Dividend Policy

Abstract: In the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, and Japan, the propensity to pay dividends is higher among larger, more profitable firms, and those for which retained earnings comprise a large fraction of total equity. Although there are hints of reductions in the propensity to pay dividends in most of the sample countries over the 1994 to 2002 period, they are driven by a failure of newly listed firms to initiate dividends when expected to do so. Dividend abandonment and the failure to initiate by existing nonpayers are economically unimportant except in Japan. Moreover, in each country, aggregate dividends have not declined and are concentrated among the largest, most profitable firms. Finally, outside of the U.S. there is little evidence of a systematic positive relation between relative prices of dividend paying and non-paying firms and the propensity to pay dividends. Overall, these findings cast doubt on signaling, clientele, and catering explanations for dividends, but support agency cost-based lifecycle theories.

Studying sex and gender differences in pain and analgesia: a consensus report

Abstract: In September 2006, members of the Sex, Gender and Pain Special Interest Group of the International Association for the Study of Pain met to discuss the following: (1) what is known about sex and gender differences in pain and analgesia; (2) what are the "best practice" guidelines for pain research with respect to sex and gender; and (3) what are the crucial questions to address in the near future? The resulting consensus presented herein includes input from basic science, clinical and psychosocial pain researchers, as well as from recognized experts in sexual differentiation and reproductive endocrinology. We intend this document to serve as a utilitarian and thought-provoking guide for future research on sex and gender differences in pain and analgesia, both for those currently working in this field as well as those still wondering, "Do I really need to study females?"

Pervasive healthcare and wireless health monitoring

Abstract: With an increasingly mobile society and the worldwide deployment of mobile and wireless networks, the wireless infrastructure can support many current and emerging healthcare applications. This could fulfill the vision of "Pervasive Healthcare" or healthcare to anyone, anytime, and anywhere by removing locational, time and other restraints while increasing both the coverage and the quality. In this paper, we present applications and requirements of pervasive healthcare, wireless networking solutions and several important research problems. The pervasive healthcare applications include pervasive health monitoring, intelligent emergency management system, pervasive health-care data access, and ubiquitous mobile telemedicine. One major application in pervasive healthcare, termed comprehensive health monitoring is presented in significant details using wireless networking solutions of wireless LANs, ad hoc wireless networks, and, cellular/GSM/3G infrastructure-oriented networks. Many interesting challenges of comprehensive wireless health monitoring, including context-awareness, reliability, and, autonomous and adaptable operation are also presented along with several high-level solutions. Several interesting research problems have been identified and presented for future research.

Interval Neutrosophic Sets and Logic: Theory and Applications in Computing

Abstract: A neutrosophic set is a part of neutrosophy that studies the origin, nature, and scope of neutralities, as well as their interactions with different ideational spectra. The neutrosophic set is a powerful general formal framework that has been recently proposed. However, the neutrosophic set needs to be specified from a technical point of view. Here, we define the set-theoretic operators on an instance of a neutrosophic set, and call it an Interval Neutrosophic Set (INS). We prove various properties of INS, which are connected to operations and relations over INS. We also introduce a new logic system based on interval neutrosophic sets. We study the interval neutrosophic propositional calculus and interval neutrosophic predicate calculus. We also create a neutrosophic logic inference system based on interval neutrosophic logic. Under the framework of the interval neutrosophic set, we propose a data model based on the special case of the interval neutrosophic sets called Neutrosophic Data Model. This data model is the extension of fuzzy data model and paraconsistent data model. We generalize the set-theoretic operators and relation-theoretic operators of fuzzy relations and paraconsistent relations to neutrosophic relations. We propose the generalized SQL query constructs and tuple-relational calculus for Neutrosophic Data Model. We also design an architecture of Semantic Web Services agent based on the interval neutrosophic logic and do the simulation study.

Pushing the envelope on youth civic engagement: A developmental and liberation psychology perspective.

Abstract: In this article, we take a critical look at the growing interest in U.S. political participation as it exists in the youth civic engagement literature. Our critique draws from principles of liberation and developmental psychology, and from the incisive writings of experts in youth organizing. Youth Organizing evolved from the Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Community Youth Development (CYD) perspectives but its addition of social justice activism is consistent with liberation psychology. The essence of our critique is this: Although there is certainly value in the current civic engagement literature, much of it focuses on the maintenance of social and political institutions rather than on action for social justice. To promote a better balance, and one more relevant to the lives of youth of color and other marginalized young people, we offer a framework for empirical research on youth sociopolitical development. The focus is on the relationship between social analysis (including critical consciousness) and societal involvement that includes the full range of service and political work. Because youth is the focus, we also include a brief discussion of a distinctive challenge that adults face in doing just work with young people—namely, adultism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 779–792, 2007.

Energy loss and flow of heavy quarks in Au+Au collisions at sNN=200GeV

Abstract: The PHENIX experiment at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has measured electrons with 0.3 < p(T) < 9 GeV/c at midrapidity (y < 0.35) from heavy-flavor (charm and bottom) decays in Au + Au collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV. The nuclear modification factor R-AA relative to p + p collisions shows a strong suppression in central Au + Au collisions, indicating substantial energy loss of heavy quarks in the medium produced at RHIC energies. A large azimuthal anisotropy v(2) with respect to the reaction plane is observed for 0.5 < p(T) < 5 GeV/c indicating substantial heavy-flavor elliptic flow. Both R-AA and v(2) show a p(T) dependence different from those of neutral pions. A comparison to transport models which simultaneously describe R-AA(p(T)) and v(2)(p(T)) suggests that the viscosity to entropy density ratio is close to the conjectured quantum lower bound, i.e., near a perfect fluid.

Space, Knowledge and Power: Foucault and Geography

Abstract: Contents: Introduction: Space, knowledge and power: Foucault and geography, Stuart Elden and Jeremy W. Crampton. Part 1 Questions: Some questions from Michel Foucault to HA(c)rodote, Michel Foucault (translated by Stuart Elden). Part 2 Francophone Responses a " 1977: HA(c)rodote editorial, translated by Gerald Moore Response: Jean-Michel Brabant (translated by Gerald Moore) Response: Alain Joxe (translated by Gerald Moore) Response:Jean-Bernard Racine and Claude Raffestin (translated by Gerald Moore) Response: Michel Riou (translated by Gerald Moore). Part 3 Anglophone Responses a " 2006: The Kantian roots of Foucault's dilemmas, David Harvey Geography, gender and power, Sara Mills Overcome by space: reworking Foucault, Nigel Thrift Foucault among the geographers, Thomas Flynn. Part 4 Contexts: Strategy, medicine and habitat: Foucault in 1976, Stuart Elden Formations of 'Foucault' in Anglo-American geography: an archaeological sketch, Matthew Hannah Catalysts and converts: sparking interest for Foucault among Francophone geographers, Juliet J. Fall Could Foucault have revolutionized geography?, Claude Raffestin (translated by Gerald Moore). Part 5 Texts: The incorporation of the hospital into modern technology, Michel Foucault (translated by Edgar Knowlton Jr., William J. King, and Stuart Elden) The meshes of power, Michel Foucault (translated by Gerald Moore) The language of space, Michel Foucault (translated by Gerald Moore) The force of flight, Michel Foucault (translated by Gerald Moore) Questions on geography, Michel Foucault (translated by Colin Gordon). Part 6 Development: Geographies of governmentality, Margo Huxley The history of medical geography after Foucault, Gerry Kearns Maps, race and Foucault: eugenics and territorialization following World War I, Jeremy W. Crampton Beyond the Panopticon? Foucault and surveillance studies, David Murakami Wood Beyond the European province: Foucault and postcolonialism, Stephen Legg Foucault, sexuality, geography, Philip Howell The problem with Empire, Mathew Coleman and John A. Agnew 'Bellicose history' and 'local discursivities': an archaeological reading of Michel Foucault's Society Must be Defended, Chris Philo. Index.

J/psi production versus centrality, transverse momentum, and rapidity in Au+Au collisions at root S-NN=200 GeV

Abstract: The PHENIX experiment at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has measured J/psi production for rapidities -2.2 < y < 2.2 in Au+Au collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV. The J/psi invariant yield and nuclear modification factor R-AA as a function of centrality, transverse momentum, and rapidity are reported. A suppression of J/psi relative to binary collision scaling of proton-proton reaction yields is observed. Models which describe the lower energy J/psi data at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron invoking only J/psi destruction based on the local medium density predict a significantly larger suppression at RHIC and more suppression at midrapidity than at forward rapidity. Both trends are contradicted by our data.

School Characteristics Related to High School Dropout Rates

Abstract: A B S T R A C T Dropping out of high school culminates a long-term process of disengagement from school and has profound social and economic consequences for students, their families, and their communities. Students who drop out of high school are more likely to be unemployed, to earn less than those who graduate, to be on public assistance, and to end up in prison. The present study examined dropout rates in Kentucky high schools (N = 196), using both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were computed to identify those school-level variables that showed strong relationships to dropout rates. A sample of 20 schools with the highest dropout rates was compared to a sample of 20 schools with the lowest dropout rates using a multivariate analysis of variance. Furthermore, 4 schools from each group were selected as case examples. Information gathered from administrator surveys, staff interviews, and on-site observations provided detailed descriptions of the c...

A reappraisal of the habitability of planets around M dwarf stars.

Abstract: Stable, hydrogen-burning, M dwarf stars make up about 75% of all stars in the Galaxy. They are extremely long-lived, and because they are much smaller in mass than the Sun (between 0.5 and 0.08 MSun), their temperature and stellar luminosity are low and peaked in the red. We have re-examined what is known at present about the potential for a terrestrial planet forming within, or migrating into, the classic liquid–surface–water habitable zone close to an M dwarf star. Observations of protoplanetary disks suggest that planet-building materials are common around M dwarfs, but N-body simulations differ in their estimations of the likelihood of potentially habitable, wet planets that reside within their habitable zones, which are only about one-fifth to 1/50th of the width of that for a G star. Particularly in light of the claimed detection of the planets with masses as small as 5.5 and 7.5 MEarth orbiting M stars, there seems no reason to exclude the possibility of terrestrial planets. Tidally locked synchron...

Imaging the Surface of Altair

Abstract: Spatially resolving the surfaces of nearby stars promises to advance our knowledge of stellar physics. Using optical long-baseline interferometry, we constructed a near-infrared image of the rapidly rotating hot star Altair with a resolution of <1 milliarcsecond. The image clearly reveals the strong effect of gravity darkening on the highly distorted stellar photosphere. Standard models for a uniformly rotating star cannot explain our findings, which appear to result from differential rotation, alternative gravity-darkening laws, or both.

Agile requirements engineering practices and challenges: an empirical study

Abstract: This paper describes empirical research into agile requirements engineering (RE) practices Based on an analysis of data collected in 16 US software development organizations, we identify six agile practices We also identify seven challenges that are created by the use of these practices We further analyse how this collection of practices helps mitigate some, while exacerbating other risks in RE We provide a framework for evaluating the impact and appropriateness of agile RE practices by relating them to RE risks Two risks that are intractable by agile RE practices emerge from the analysis First, problems with customer inability and a lack of concurrence among customers significantly impact agile development Second, risks associated with the neglecting non-functional requirements such as security and scalability are a serious concern Developers should carefully evaluate the risk factors in their project environment to understand whether the benefits of agile RE practices outweigh the costs imposed by the challenges

Noncovalent interactions with DNA: an overview.

Abstract: Over the last four decades, intense research has focused on the effects of small organic compounds that noncovalently bind to nucleic acids. These interactions have been shown to disrupt replication and/or transcription culminating in cellular death. Accordingly, DNA binding compounds have potential applications as anti-cancer and anti-viral agents. This report provides an overview of the different DNA-binding modes with an emphasis on DNA groove specificity for the groove-binding and intercalation modes. While most DNA-interacting agents selectively bind to DNA by either groove binding or intercalation, some compounds can exhibit both binding modes. The binding mode with the most favorable free energy for complex formation depends on the DNA sequence and structural features of the bound ligand.

Feasibility of using the Sony PlayStation 2 gaming platform for an individual poststroke: a case report.

Abstract: :Rationale:Many Americans live with physical functional limitations stemming from stroke These functional limitations can be reduced by task-specific training that is repetitive, motivating, and augmented with feedback Virtual reality (VR) is reported to offer an engaging environment that

Human African trypanosomiasis: pharmacological re-engagement with a neglected disease

Abstract: This review discusses the challenges of chemotherapy for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). The few drugs registered for use against the disease are unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. HAT has two stages. In stage 1 the parasites proliferate in the haemolymphatic system. In stage 2 they invade the central nervous system and brain provoking progressive neurological dysfunction leading to symptoms that include the disrupted sleep wake patterns that give HAT its more common name of sleeping sickness. Targeting drugs to the central nervous system offers many challenges. However, it is the cost of drug development for diseases like HAT, that afflict exclusively people of the world's poorest populations, that has been the principal barrier to new drug development and has led to them becoming neglected. Here we review drugs currently registered for HAT, and also discuss the few compounds progressing through clinical trials. Finally we report on new initiatives that might allow progress to be made in developing new and satisfactory drugs for this terrible disease.

Scaling properties of azimuthal anisotropy in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at sNN=200GeV

Abstract: Differential measurements of elliptic flow (v(2)) for Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV are used to test and validate predictions from perfect fluid hydrodynamics for scaling of v(2) with eccentricity, system size, and transverse kinetic energy (KET). For KET equivalent to m(T)-m up to similar to 1 GeV the scaling is compatible with hydrodynamic expansion of a thermalized fluid. For large values of KET mesons and baryons scale separately. Quark number scaling reveals a universal scaling of v(2) for both mesons and baryons over the full KET range for Au+Au. For Au+Au and Cu+Cu the scaling is more pronounced in terms of KET, rather than transverse momentum.

Who's patenting in the university? evidence from the survey of doctorate recipients

Abstract: We use the Survey of Doctorate Recipients to examine the question of who in US universities is patenting. Because standard methods of estimation are not directly applicable, we use a zero-inflated negative binomial model to estimate the patent equation, using instruments for the number of articles to avoid problems of endogeneity. We also estimate the patent model using the generalized method of moments estimation of count data models with endogenous regressors. We find work context and field to be important predictors of the number of patent applications. We also find patents to be positively and significantly related to the number of publications. This finding is robust to the choice of instruments and method of estimation. The cross-sectional nature of the data preclude an examination of whether a trade-off exists between publishing and patenting, holding individual characteristics constant over time. But the strong cross-sectional correlation that we find does not suggest that commercialization has co...

Predictors of Optimal Outcome in Toddlers Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract: A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is usually taken to be permanent. In this study, 13 two-year-old children with ASD lost the diagnosis by age 4, at which time they scored within the normal range on standardized measures of cognitive and adaptive functioning. No differences were found in symptom severity, socialization, or communication between children who lost the ASD diagnosis and children who did not, but children with PDD-NOS were significantly more likely than those with full autistic disorder to move off the spectrum. The clearest distinguishing factor was motor skills at age 2. Results support the idea that some toddlers with ASD can lose their diagnosis and suggest that this is difficult to predict.

Explaining and Predicting the Impact of Branding Alliances and Website Quality on Initial Consumer Trust of E-Commerce Websites

Abstract: Trust is a crucial factor in e-commerce. However, consumers are less likely to trust unknown websites. This study explores how less-familiar e-commerce websites can use branding alliances and website quality to increase the likelihood of initial consumer trust. We use the associative network model of memory to explain brand knowledge and to show how the mere exposure effect can be leveraged to improve a website's brand image. We also extend information integration theory to explain how branding alliances are able to increase initial trust and transfer positive effects to websites. Testing of our model shows that the most important constructs for increasing initial trust in our experimental context are branding and website quality. Finally, we discuss future research ideas, limitations, implications, and ideas for practitioners.

Pain reduction during pediatric immunizations: evidence-based review and recommendations.

Abstract: The pain associated with immunizations is a source of anxiety and distress for the children receiving the immunizations, their parents, and the providers who must administer them. Preparation of the child before the procedure seems to reduce anxiety and subsequent pain. The limited available data suggest that intramuscular administration of immunizations should occur in the vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) for children 36 months of age. Controversy exists in site selection for 18- to 36-month-old children. A number of studies suggest that the ventrogluteal area is the most appropriate for all age groups. Longer needles are usually associated with less pain and less local reaction. During the injection, parental demeanor clearly affects the child9s pain behaviors. Excessive parental reassurance, criticism, or apology seems to increase distress, whereas humor and distraction tend to decrease distress. Distraction techniques vary with the age, temperament, and interests of the child, but their efficacy is well supported in the literature. Sucrose solution instilled directly into the mouth or administered on a pacifier reduces evidence of distress reliably in children

Abusive Supervision, Upward Maintenance Communication, and Subordinates' Psychological Distress

Abstract: This study reanalyzes data from Tepper's (2000) two-wave study regarding the effects of subordinates' perceptions of supervisory abuse to assess previously unexamined relationships. As predicted, we found that subordinates who more rather than less strongly perceived that they had been abused by supervisors tended to use regulative maintenance tactics with higher frequency. Further, the positive relationship between abusive supervision and subordinates' psychological distress was exacerbated by subordinates' use of regulative maintenance communications, and that relationship was reduced by subordinates' use of direct maintenance communication. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Interaction of TIA-1/TIAR with West Nile and dengue virus products in infected cells interferes with stress granule formation and processing body assembly

Abstract: The West Nile virus minus-strand 3' terminal stem loop (SL) RNA was previously shown to bind specifically to cellular stress granule (SG) components, T cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) and the related protein TIAR. In vitro TIAR binding was 10 times more efficient than TIA-1. The 3'(-)SL functions as the promoter for genomic RNA synthesis. Colocalization of TIAR and TIA-1 with the viral replication complex components dsRNA and NS3 was observed in the perinuclear regions of West Nile virus- and dengue virus-infected cells. The kinetics of accumulation of TIAR in the perinuclear region was similar to those of genomic RNA synthesis. In contrast, relocation of TIA-1 to the perinuclear region began only after maximal levels of RNA synthesis had been achieved, except when TIAR was absent. Virus infection did not induce SGs and progressive resistance to SG induction by arsenite developed coincident with TIAR relocation. A progressive decrease in the number of processing bodies was secondarily observed in infected cells. These data suggest that the interaction of TIAR with viral components facilitates flavivirus genome RNA synthesis and inhibits SG formation, which prevents the shutoff of host translation.