Showing papers by "University of Arkansas published in 1997"

Evidence for a clade of nematodes, arthropods and other moulting animals.

Abstract: The arthropods constitute the most diverse animal group, but, despite their rich fossil record and a century of study, their phylogenetic relationships remain unclear. Taxa previously proposed to be sister groups to the arthropods include Annelida, Onychophora, Tardigrada and others, but hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships have been conflicting. For example, onychophorans, like arthropods, moult periodically, have an arthropod arrangement of haemocoel, and have been related to arthropods in morphological and mitochondrial DNA sequence analyses. Like annelids, they possess segmental nephridia and muscles that are a combination of smooth and obliquely striated fibres. Our phylogenetic analysis of 18S ribosomal DNA sequences indicates a close relationship between arthropods, nematodes and all other moulting phyla. The results suggest that ecdysis (moulting) arose once and support the idea of a new clade, Ecdysozoa, containing moulting animals: arthropods, tardigrades, onychophorans, nematodes, nematomorphs, kinorhynchs and priapulids. No support is found for a clade of segmented animals, the Articulata, uniting annelids with arthropods. The hypothesis that nematodes are related to arthropods has important implications for developmental genetic studies using as model systems the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the arthropod Drosophila melanogaster, which are generally held to be phylogenetically distant from each other.

The influence of firm behavior on purchase intention: do consumers really care about business ethics?

Abstract: Posits that although behaving “ethically” should be important for its own sake, whether a firm behaves ethically or unethically may also have a significant influence on consumers’ purchase decisions. Examines the issue of unethical corporate behavior from the perspective of consumers. Addresses several questions. First, what are consumers’ expectations regarding the ethicality of corporate behavior? Second, is whether a firm acts ethically or unethically an important consumer concern, and if so, will information regarding a firm’s behavior influence their purchase decision? Demonstrates that consumers say they do care about a firm’s ethics and will adjust their purchase behaviors accordingly.

Executive Decisions About Adoption of Information Technology in Small Business: Theory and Empirical Tests

Abstract: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used to explain and predict small business executives’ decisions to adopt information technology (IT). These theories were tested in a multiphase field study involving 162 small businesses (25 ≤ n ≤ 200 employees) from a broad set of industries considering a variety of ITs. Results indicate strong support for a decision process based on attitude (perceived positive and negative consequences for the firm), subjective norm (social expectations), and perceived control (resources to overcome obstacles) regarding IT adoption. Additional variables such as firm and individual executive characteristics had no unique effect on adoption decisions. However, as business size increased, so did the importance of expectations from the (social) environment, while the importance of intra-firm consequences and control over potential adoption barriers declined.

The Social Fabric of a Team-Based M.B.A. Program: Network Effects on Student Satisfaction and Performance

Abstract: The present study was an empirical analysis designed to measure the social networks of master of business administration (M.B.A.) students and the networks’ relationships to attitudinal and perform...

The MOS 36-item short form health survey. A conceptual analysis.

Abstract: The SF-36 is a practical and widely-tested instrument for measuring health status and medical outcomes. This article is not a critique of the SF-36, rather, it underscores its viability as an instrument for measuring physical and mental health and well-being. The article is a conceptual analysis of the SF-36, from the viewpoint of four models of health: medical, World Health Organization, wellness, and environmental. All four models suggest that the SF-36 be expanded to include other dimensions of health, especially mental and social. Specific dimensions to be included are: incidents of morbidity, satisfaction with quality of life, absence of mental disorders, social adjustment, social support, higher states of functioning, and adjustment to the environment. The end result of the suggested additions would be an instrument with greater conceptual meaning, for use in medical outcomes studies or surveys of the general population.

Development and validation of a measure of adolescent dissociation : The Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale

Abstract: This study describes the initial reliability and validity data on the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale (A-DES), a screening measure for pathological dissociation during adolescence. The A-DES showed good scale and subscale reliability, and, as hypothesized, increased scores were associated with reported trauma in a patient population. A-DES scores were able to distinguish dissociative disordered adolescents from a normal sample and from a patient sample with a variety of diagnoses.

Biochemical, genetic and applied aspects of drug resistance in Eimeria parasites of the fowl.

Abstract: Anticoccidial drugs are widely used for the control of coccidiosis in the fowl which has inevitably led to the development of drug resistance. Resistance has developed to all of the compounds that have been introduced and if chemotherapy is to remain the principal method of control of coccidiosis, it will be important to continue the search for new anticoccidial agents. Knowledge of biochemical pathways present in the Eimeria parasite and how they differ from those of the host might help identify novel targets for inhibition. Studies of the mode of action of drugs are required if the biochemical mechanisms of resistance are to be understood. Information on the genetic origins of resistance, the stability of resistance and the factors involved in the spread of resistance throughout parasite populations is required. Since there are no methods at present to prevent resistance, more attention should be given to developing strategies for preserving the efficacy of anticoccidial drugs.

Molecular Dynamics Modeling of Clay Minerals. 1. Gibbsite, Kaolinite, Pyrophyllite, and Beidellite

Abstract: A molecular dynamics model for clays and the oxide minerals is desirable for studying the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption processes. To this end, a valence force field for aluminous, dioctahedral clay minerals was developed. Novel aspects of this development include the bending potential for octahedral O−Al−O angles, which uses a quartic polynomial to create a double-well potential with minima at both 90° and 180°. Also, atomic point charges were derived from comparisons of ab initio molecular electrostatic potentials with X-ray diffraction-based deformation electron densities. Isothermal−isobaric molecular dynamics simulations of quartz, gibbsite, kaolinite, and pyrophyllite were used to refine the potential energy parameters. The resultant force field reproduced all the major structural parameters of these minerals to within 1% of their experimentally determined values. Transferability of the force field to simulations of adsorption onto clay mineral surfaces was tested through simulations of ...

Effects of native grazers on grassland N cycling in Yellowstone National Park

Abstract: We investigated the effects of native ungulates on grassland N cycling in Yellowstone National Park by examining natural '5N abundance (815N) of soils and plants inside and outside long-term (32-36 yr) exclosures. Across six topographically diverse sites, grazers increased W5N of soil (0-20 cm) by 0.7%o, which was substantial considering that values for ungrazed soil ranged 2.4%o (2.4-4.8%o). The magnitude of grazer '5N en- richment was positively related (r2 = 0.70) to the intensity of herbivore activity during the study, indexed by the amount of dung (g/m2) deposited at the sites. We also found that soil W5N of ungulate urine and dung patches was significantly higher than that of control areas. Grazers probably increased soil W5N by promoting N loss from the soil via leaching, ammonia volatilization, and/or denitrification. Each of these processes results in the removal of '5N depleted products from the soil and, consequently, '5N enrichment of the remaining soil. In contrast to soil results, grazers reduced plant '5N by an average of 0.7%o, probably due to isotopically light, soil N03- (compared to soil NH4+) constituting a more important N source for plants in grazed grassland relative to those in ungrazed grassland. These findings indicate that native grazers increased N loss from this north-temperate grassland as a result of accelerated losses on urine- and dung-affected microsites and, potentially, from elevated N loss throughout the grazed landscape due to grazers promoting N cycling. Furthermore, these results suggest that herbivores increase plant N03- assimi- lation, which may positively affect primary productivity in this grazed ecosystem.

Bohr’s power series theorem in several variables

Abstract: Generalizing a classical one-variable theorem of Harald Bohr, we show that if an n-variable power series has modulus less than 1 in the unit polydisc, then the sum of the moduli of the terms is less than 1 in the polydisc of radius 1/(3*n^{1/2}).

The Effects of Nutrition Package Claims, Nutrition Facts Panels, and Motivation to Process Nutrition Information on Consumer Product Evaluations:

Abstract: In a laboratory experiment using a between-subjects design, the authors examine the effects on nutrition and product evaluations of nutrition claims made (e.g., “99% fat free; ” “low in calories ”)...

Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean

Abstract:  Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is one of the most important diseases of soybean in North and South America.  Soybeans are at greater risk for SDS when planted into cool, wet soils, when soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is present, and when summer rains cause saturated soils.  Managing SDS can involve several practices such as relieving soil compaction, delaying planting, and selecting soybean products with a good disease tolerance package.

Solubility and emulsifying properties of soy protein isolates modified by pancreatin

Abstract: Soy protein isolates (SPI) with varying degrees of hydrolysis (DH of 7, 11, 15, 17%) were produced using pancreatin. The surface hydrophobicity indices of pancreatin hydrolyzed SPI (PSPI) (34.5, 34.9, 39. 1, and 40.7 for 7, 11, 15, 17% DH, respectively) were higher than that of SPI (10.5) and control SPI (CSPI) (12.5, 11.9, 12.9, and 12.6 for 10, 60, 120, and 180 min incubation, respectively). The solubilities of PSPI at pH 4.5 were 2.7, 9.1, 11.9, and 18.7%, for 7, 11, 15, and 17% DH, respectively, while the solubilities of SPI and CSPI at the same pH were about 1. 6%. Solubilities of PSPI at pH 7. 0 were > 90% for all DHs tested, while those of SPI and CSPI were 85%. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) of PSPI increased with increasing DH. PSPI with 15% DH had highest EAI (1. 122) which was higher (P < 0. 05) than those of SPI (0.550) and CSPI after 120 min incubation without enzyme (0.568). These results suggest that PSPI could be used as an ingredient for emulsified products and where high solubility at low pH is required.

Seeking solutions in configurable computing

Abstract: Configurable computing offers the potential of producing powerful new computing systems. Will current research overcome the dearth of commercial applicability to make such systems a reality? Unfortunately, no system to date has yet proven attractive or competitive enough to establish a commercial presence. We believe that ample opportunity exists for work in a broad range of areas. In particular, the configurable computing community should focus on refining the emerging architectures, producing more effective software/hardware APIs, better tools for application development that incorporate the models of hardware reconfiguration, and effective benchmarking strategies.

Cyberspace 2000: dealing with information overload

Abstract: F rancis Bacon is reported to have said that the three things that made his world different from that of the ancient Greeks and Romans were the printing press, the compass and gunpowder. It is instructive to note he didn’t mention the water pump, the rigid horse collar, or lateen sails—all of which were critical to the advancement of agriculture and commerce. One suspects Bacon was not interested in great technological tours de force per se, but in those technological advances that also stretched, or even tore, our social fabric and which irreversibly changed the way we looked at the world and each other. It was not enough to change the way we lived. To make Bacon’s short list, a technology had to change the way we looked at life. Even the abilities to irrigate land and make it fertile, and navigate a ship into the wind as well as away from it, did not qualify. Bacon was looking for things as important to the 16th century as systems of writing were for the ancient peoples and stone tools and controlled fire were for the pre-historic. We are in the midst of a technological revolution that will dramatically set our century apart from Bacon’s—the digital networks and cyberspace. Together with perhaps fossil-fueled transportation, electricity, and television, cyberspace seems to most satisfy Bacon’s requirement that a truly differentiating technology have far-reaching consequences for society. Of these four technologies, cyberspace is the only one that will come to be associated with the 21st century. This installment of “Digital Village” is the first of several columns that will look at the future of cyberspace in the next decade—cyberspace in 2000. We’ll attempt to foresee some of the important social issues, predict technological trends, and investigate promising, new, emerging technologies. We’ll even offer some modest speculation, more than idly if not with perfect insight. We begin with the challenge of information overload on cyberspace.

Forums for MIS scholars

Abstract: W here should I publish my scholarly research? is a question often heard in academic circles. On the surface this appears to be a trivial question. However, when one considers the vast number of journals available, the pressure on faculty to publish, and the impact of publishing on promotion and tenure, the question no longer seems trivial. As early as 1983, Hamilton and Ives [6] noted that the abundance of journals and long publication lead times made it important to identify journal quality so researchers know where to submit their work. Many parties other than MIS faculty have an interest in the quality ratings of MIS publication outlets: (1) selection, promotion, and tenure committees seeking to secure and retain the best faculty [3, 7]; (2) journal editors and associates seeking to raise the quality of their journals [12]; (3) students of the discipline seeking to gain an understanding of the field [6, 11]; (4) members of the MIS field as it continues to mature as a discipline [6, 11]; and (5) librarians seeking to invest wisely their ever-decreasing funds [12]. Overall, the determination of journal quality helps to further the MIS discipline. Several studies have evaluated the quality of MIS publication outlets. However, as Gillenson and Stutz [5] note: “earlier studies addressed the issue of MIS journals in a variety of ways, no two quite the same.” An assortment of methods has been used to assess journal quality. Some have used a numeric scale to assign ratings to various journals [5, 6, 12]. Others have asked respondents to rank the journals in some fashion [3, 7]. Most of the studies asked a crosssection of MIS faculty to evaluate the journals [3, 6, 7, 12]; although at least one polled specific members of the MIS faculty such as department chairs or senior faculty [5]. The only thing these studies have in common is that they all attempt to do the same thing—identify the quality of journals. The study described in this article is a follow-up and update to the 1991 study by Walstrom et al. [12], using the same population and data collection instrument; thus allowing a direct comparison to be made between the findings in this study and those of the 1991 study. MIS faculty in the U.S. and Canada were asked to rate 53 journals according to their appropriateness as publication outlets and 11 conferences according to their value to the MIS field. Over 350 responses were received—by far the largest sample for this type of

Use of the ideal protein concept for precision formulation of amino acid levels in broiler diets

Abstract: Ideal amino acid ratios for chicks during the early growth period (0 to 21 days) are well documented by empirical evidence, but suggested ratios for older birds are in need of confirmation. Based on best empirical estimates of lysine, SAA, and threonine requirements of broiler chicks during 0 to 21, 21 to 42, and 42 to 56 days of age, together with new knowledge of maintenance contributions to the total requirement for these amino acids, it appear that the ideal ratio of SAA and threonine to lysine may change very little as birds advance in age and weight toward a 56-day market weight. This paper presents regression equations that predict both digestible and total lysine, SAA, and threonine requirements at any age or weight between hatching and 56 days.

Rhizosphere microbial populations in contaminated soils

Abstract: Rhizosphere microbial populations may increase bioremediation of soil contaminated with organic chemicals. A growth chamber study was conducted to evaluate rhizosphere microbial populations in contaminated and non-contaminated soil. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and alpine bluegrass (Poa alpina L.) were grown in soil containing a mixture of organic chemicals for 14 weeks. The equal millimolar mixture of hexadecane, (2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-benzene, cis-decahydronaphthalene (decalin), benzoic acid, phenanthrene, and pyrene was added at levels of 0 and 2000 mg/kg. Organic chemical degrader (OCD) populations were assessed by a Most-Probable-Number technique, and bacteria and fungi were enumerated by plate count methods. Different methods for expressing OCD rhizosphere populations were investigated to determine the effect it had on interpretation of the results. At 9 weeks, the OCD numbers were significantly higher in rhizosphere and contaminated soils than in bulk and non-contaminated soils, respectively. Alfalfa rhizosphere OCD levels were 4 × 107/g for contaminated and 6 × 106/g for non-contaminated soils. Bluegrass rhizosphere OCD levels were 1 × 107/g and 1 × 106/g in contaminated and non-contaminated soils, respectively. Selective enrichment of OCD populations was observed in contaminated rhizosphere soil. Higher numbers of OCD in contaminated rhizospheres suggest potential stimulation of bioremediation around plant roots.

Imaginability, conceivability, possibility and the mind-body problem

Abstract: L'A. defend le materialisme du type contre la ligne de pensee developpee par Kripke a partir de la manifestation de la douleur, dans son etat physique et dans son etat cerebral defini en termes de stimulation de la fibre-C. Examinant les notions de separabilite et imagination chez T. Nagel, et la faculte de concevoir le possible (desincarnation, zombie), l'A. montre que la position de Kripke ne met en question que l'ensemble des intuitions modales a posteriori qui se forment independamment de l'information concernant les faits empiriques

An Empirical Classification of Motivations for Domestic Violence

Abstract: National survey research suggests that males and females are equally likely to perpetrate domestic violence, but surveys have not examined the interpersonal context or motivation for domestic violence. The questioning of identified partner assaulters suggests that females use violence for self-defense and escape, whereas males use violence to exercise control, punish, or demand attention. The perception of perpetrator violence, however, appears also to be a function of the gender of the individual appraising the violence. Six male and 6 female adult nonperpetrators sorted into categories the stated motivations for domestic violence of 215 male and 66 female court-referred perpetrators. Factor analysis revealed (a) motivations common to all: control, anger expression, and coercive communication; (b) motivations specific to gender of perpetrator: retaliation, self-defense, escape, and punishment; and (c) motivations specific to gender of perpetrator and sorter: alcohol use and response to verbal abuse.

Modified Soy Proteins with Improved Foaming and Water Hydration Properties

Abstract: Soy proteins were modified by alkali treatment at pH 10.0, followed by papain hydrolysis. Solubility, water hydration capacity (WHC), surface hydrophobicity, foaming and emulsifying properties of unmodified, alkali-treated, and papain-modified soy protein (PMSP) were compared. PMSP exhibited higher solubility (100% at pH > 7.0), WHC (3.13) and hydrophobicity (40.8) than unmodified soy protein which had solubility 68.5%, WHC 0.21, and hydrophobicity 8.1. The PMSP had foaming capacity (22.0 mL) similar to egg white (21.2 mL) at pH 7.0; and enhanced foam stability (36.4) compared to the unmodified control (32.9). In general, alkali-treated soy had lower functional properties. Emulsifying properties of PMSP and alkali treated soy were unchanged by the modification. PMSP could be used as an egg white substitute in foaming applications at neutral pH.