Mississippi State University

About: Mississippi State University is a education organization based out in Starkville, Mississippi, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catfish. The organization has 14115 authors who have published 28594 publications receiving 700030 citations. The organization is also known as: The Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science & Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.

Rapid gas chromatographic technique for quantifying 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and hexanal in rice (Oryza sativa, L.)

Abstract: The aroma of rice plays a role in its consumer acceptability. The popcorn-like smell of aromatic rice stemming primarily from its 2- acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) content is considered desirable by many consumers. Conversely, hexanal has been correlated with off odors in rice that develop from lipid oxidation. A rapid method for 2-AP and hexanal quantification suitable for use in breeding programs, large-scale research efforts, and quality assurance programs is needed. While developing such a method, sample preparation (degree of milling, particle size), solvent extraction time and temperature, and gas chromatographic parameters were studied. Particle size had no influence on 2-AP or hexanal recovered. One extraction solubilized ≈80% of the 2-AP and 56% of the hexanal present in milled rice. The optimum extraction method was assessed to require 0.3 g of ground brown or milled rice in methylene chloride held at 85°C for 2.5 hr. The complete gas chromatographic run requires ≈25 min, and 50 samples can ...

Growth and physiological responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to elevated carbon dioxide and ultraviolet‐B radiation under controlled environmental conditions

Abstract: Better understanding of crop responses to projected changes in climate is an important requirement. An experiment was conducted in sunlit, controlled environment chambers known as soil–plant–atmosphere–research units to determine the interactive effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, development and leaf photosynthetic characteristics. Six treatments were used, comprising two levels of [CO2] (360 and 720 µmol mol−1) and three levels of 0 (control), 7.7 and 15.1 kJ m−2 d−1 biologically effective UV-B radiations within each CO2 level. Treatments were imposed for 66 d from emergence until 3 weeks after the first flower stage. Plants grown in elevated [CO2] had greater leaf area and higher leaf photosynthesis, non-structural carbohydrates, and total biomass than plants in ambient [CO2]. Neither dry matter partitioning among plant organs nor pigment concentrations was affected by elevated [CO2]. On the other hand, high UV-B (15.1 kJ m−2 d−1) radiation treatment altered growth resulting in shorter stem and branch lengths and smaller leaf area. Shorter plants at high UV-B radiation were related to internode lengths rather than the number of mainstem nodes. Fruit dry matter accumulation was most sensitive to UV-B radiation due to fruit abscission. Even under 7.7 kJ m−2 d−1 of UV-B radiation, fruit dry weight was significantly lower than the control although total biomass and leaf photosynthesis did not differ from the control. The UV-B radiation of 15.1 kJ m−2 d−1 reduced both total (43%) and fruit (88%) dry weights due to smaller leaf area and lower leaf net photosynthesis. Elevated [CO2] did not ameliorate the adverse effects of UV-B radiation on cotton growth and physiology, particularly the boll retention under UV-B stress.

Social institutions and violence: a sub‐national test of institutional anomie theory

Abstract: Messner and Rosenfeld's institutional anomie theory is grounded in the assumption that relatively higher crime rates in the United States are due to (1) the overwhelming influence of economic motives and institutions in society, and (2) the subjugation of all other social institutions to cultural economic interests (e.g., the American Dream). Our analysis is designed to extend the limited body of empirical research on this theory in several ways. First, we seek to test the utility of institutional anomie theory for predicting crime rates across aggregate units within the United States (counties). Second, we draw out the theory's emphasis on instrumental crime and suggest that measures of noneconomic social, political, familial, religious, and educational institutions will be particularly relevant for explaining instrumental as opposed to expressive violence. Third, in contrast to prior research, we develop conceptual reasons to expect that these factors will primarily mediate (as opposed to moderate) the relationship between economically motivating pressures and instrumental violence. Our negative binomial regression analyses of data from the Supplementary Homicide Reports and various censuses indicate that the measures of noneconomic institutions perform well in explaining both instrumental and expressive homicides, but that these measures mediate the impact of economic pressures (as measured by the Gini coefficient of family income inequality) to commit instrumental violence most strongly. Further, we find only very limited support for the more popular moderation hypothesis.

Stress-Buffering Role of Social Support during COVID-19

Abstract: In order to reduce the high infection rate of COVID-19, individuals began to engage in self-isolation amid a time of uncertainty and worry. Given that social support can be protective against the negative effects of distress on mental and physical health, the lack of support may negatively impact individuals during their self-isolation. Thus, the current study examined the role of self-isolation on feelings of stress, the perception and reception of social support, and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 405 college students were asked to report on the amount of self-isolation in which they were engaging, worry about COVID-19, psychological health, and received and perceived social support. Results indicated that when the length of time in self-isolation was taken into account, perceived social support buffered the connection between worry about COVID-19 and psychological health. These results indicate that social support, worry about COVID-19, and self-isolation may influence individuals' psychological health during times of stress.

An assessment and refinement of jehn's intragroup conflict scale

Abstract: Jehn (1992, 1994) developed the Intragroup Conflict Scale (ICS) to measure two theoretically distinct dimensions of conflict: relationship and task conflict. In the years since, the ICS has been widely adopted by researchers as a measurement tool for group conflict. However, limited evidence of the scale's psychometric properties has been published. Following guidelines provided by Schwab (1980) and Hinkin (1995), we assess the construct validity of the scale, using both individual level and group level techniques, and test proposed nomological relationships, using six diverse samples. We conclude that a 6‐item version of the original 9‐item scale best captures relationship and task conflict.