Showing papers by "University of Arkansas published in 2010"
TL;DR: Evidence regarding the mechanisms of attentional biases is reviewed through careful examination of the components of Attentional bias, the mechanisms underlying these components, and the stage of information processing during which the biases occur.
1,410 citations
TL;DR: This paper conducted an empirical study in a single organization that operated both in the U.S. and China and collected longitudinal data from a total of over 300 employees in one business unit in each of the two countries.
Abstract: This paper seeks to enrich our understanding of research on technology adoption by examining a potential boundary condition, related to culture, of the fairly recently developed model of technology adoption and use-i.e., unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Based on the cultural differences between the U.S. and China, we outline the similarities and dissimilarities between the hypotheses specified in the original UTAUT, which was validated in the U.S., and how the relationships will play in the context of employees in China. We conducted an empirical study in a single organization that operated both in the U.S. and China and collected longitudinal data from a total of over 300 employees in one business unit in each of the two countries. Our study confirmed our hypotheses that social influence will be more uniformly important across all employees, without contingencies related to gender, age and volunatariness that were found to be the case in the U.S. As we theorized, other ...
485 citations
TL;DR: A model integrating theories from collaboration research with a recent theory from technology adoption research to explain the adoption and use of collaboration technology, abbreviated to UTAUT, theorizes that collaboration technology characteristics, individual and group characteristics, task characteristics, and situational characteristics are predictors of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions in UTA UT.
Abstract: The paper presents a model integrating theories from collaboration research (i.e., social presence theory, channel expansion theory, and the task closure model) with a recent theory from technology adoption research (i.e., unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, abbreviated to UTAUT) to explain the adoption and use of collaboration technology. We theorize that collaboration technology characteristics, individual and group characteristics, task characteristics, and situational characteristics are predictors of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions in UTAUT. We further theorize that the UTAUT constructs, in concert with gender, age, and experience, predict intention to use a collaboration technology, which in turn predicts use. We conducted two field studies in Finland among (1) 349 short message service (SMS) users and (2) 447 employees who were potential users of a new collaboration technology in an organization. Our model was supported in both studies. The current work contributes to research by developing and testing a technology-specific model of adoption in the collaboration context.
484 citations
TL;DR: The authors propose a model by which emotion regulation may function in the etiology of anxiety disorders, and suggest suggestions for future research.
Abstract: The construct of emotion regulation has been increasingly investigated in the last decade, and this work has important implications for advancing anxiety disorder theory. This paper reviews research demonstrating that: 1) emotion (i.e., fear and anxiety) and emotion regulation are distinct, non-redundant, constructs that can be differentiated at the conceptual, behavioral, and neural levels of analysis; 2) emotion regulation can augment or diminish fear, depending on the emotion regulation strategy employed; and 3) measures of emotion regulation explain incremental variance in anxiety disorder symptoms above and beyond the variance explained by measures of emotional reactivity. The authors propose a model by which emotion regulation may function in the etiology of anxiety disorders. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.
475 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors of different sustainability journals, including authors of articles in past issues of the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment have acknowledged the rising interest and importance of sustainability in the literature.
Abstract: Purpose Authors of different sustainability journals, including authors of articles in past issues of the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment have acknowledged the rising interest and th ...
418 citations
TL;DR: The results confirmed the hypotheses that disconfirmation in general was bad, as evidenced by low behavioral intention to continue using a system for both positive and negative dis Confirmation, thus supporting the need for a polynomial model to understand expectation disconf confirmation in information systems.
Abstract: Individual-level information systems adoption research has recently seen the introduction of expectation-disconfirmation theory (EDT) to explain how and why user reactions change over time. This prior research has produced valuable insights into the phenomenon of technology adoption beyond traditional models, such as the technology acceptance model. First, we identify gaps in EDT research that present potential opportunities for advances-specifically, we discuss methodological and analytical limitations in EDT research in information systems and present polynomial modeling and response surface methodology as solutions. Second, we draw from research on cognitive dissonance, realistic job preview, and prospect theory to present a polynomial model of expectation-disconfirmation in information systems. Finally, we test our model using data gathered over a period of 6 months among 1,143 employees being introduced to a new technology. The results confirmed our hypotheses that disconfirmation in general was bad, as evidenced by low behavioral intention to continue using a system for both positive and negative disconfirmation, thus supporting the need for a polynomial model to understand expectation disconfirmation in information systems.
412 citations
TL;DR: High levels of aggression in pornography in both verbal and physical forms are found, with perpetrators of aggression usually male, whereas targets of aggression were overwhelmingly female.
Abstract: This current study analyzes the content of popular pornographic videos, with the objectives of updating depictions of aggression, degradation, and sexual practices and comparing the study's results to previous content analysis studies. Findings indicate high levels of aggression in pornography in both verbal and physical forms. Of the 304 scenes analyzed, 88.2% contained physical aggression, principally spanking, gagging, and slapping, while 48.7% of scenes contained verbal aggression, primarily name-calling. Perpetrators of aggression were usually male, whereas targets of aggression were overwhelmingly female. Targets most often showed pleasure or responded neutrally to the aggression.
391 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Mg isotope composition of the Earth and chondrites has been investigated using high-precision (±0.13 ± 0.06) analyses of Mg-IoS for 47 mid-ocean ridge basalts.
389 citations
TL;DR: Investigators from each of the CMCRs organized and met for an Animal Models Workshop, which discussed the wide range of animal models available for assessing agent efficacy in a number of relevant tissues and organs, including the immune and hematopoietic systems.
Abstract: Since September 11, 2001, there has been the recognition of a plausible threat from acts of terrorism, including radiological or nuclear attacks. A network of Centers for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation (CMCRs) has been established across the U.S.; one of the missions of this network is to identify and develop mitigating agents that can be used to treat the civilian population after a radiological event. The development of such agents requires comparison of data from many sources and accumulation of information consistent with the "Animal Rule" from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Given the necessity for a consensus on appropriate animal model use across the network to allow for comparative studies to be performed across institutions, and to identify pivotal studies and facilitate FDA approval, in early 2008, investigators from each of the CMCRs organized and met for an Animal Models Workshop. Working groups deliberated and discussed the wide range of animal models available for assessing agent efficacy in a number of relevant tissues and organs, including the immune and hematopoietic systems, gastrointestinal tract, lung, kidney and skin. Discussions covered the most appropriate species and strains available as well as other factors that may affect differential findings between groups and institutions. This report provides the workshop findings.
366 citations
TL;DR: Based on a 12-month study of 2,794 employees in a telecommunications firm, it is found that ERP system implementation moderated the relationships between three job characteristics and job satisfaction.
Abstract: Little research has examined the impacts of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems implementation on job satisfaction. Based on a 12-month study of 2,794 employees in a telecommunications firm, we found that ERP system implementation moderated the relationships between three job characteristics (skill variety, autonomy, and feedback) and job satisfaction. Our findings highlight the key role that ERP system implementation can have in altering well-established relationships in the context of technology-enabled organizational change situations. This work also extends research on technology diffusion by moving beyond a focus on technology-centric outcomes, such as system use, to understanding broader job outcomes.
362 citations
TL;DR: Warm droughts, inferred from paleoclimatic records, demonstrate the plausibility of extensive, severe droughtts, provide a long-term perspective on the ongoing drought conditions in the Southwest, and suggest the need for regional sustainability planning for the future.
Abstract: A key feature of anticipated 21st century droughts in Southwest North America is the concurrence of elevated temperatures and increased aridity. Instrumental records and paleoclimatic evidence for past prolonged drought in the Southwest that coincide with elevated temperatures can be assessed to provide insights on temperature-drought relations and to develop worst-case scenarios for the future. In particular, during the medieval period, ∼AD 900–1300, the Northern Hemisphere experienced temperatures warmer than all but the most recent decades. Paleoclimatic and model data indicate increased temperatures in western North America of approximately 1 °C over the long-term mean. This was a period of extensive and persistent aridity over western North America. Paleoclimatic evidence suggests drought in the mid-12th century far exceeded the severity, duration, and extent of subsequent droughts. The driest decade of this drought was anomalously warm, though not as warm as the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The convergence of prolonged warming and arid conditions suggests the mid-12th century may serve as a conservative analogue for severe droughts that might occur in the future. The severity, extent, and persistence of the 12th century drought that occurred under natural climate variability, have important implications for water resource management. The causes of past and future drought will not be identical but warm droughts, inferred from paleoclimatic records, demonstrate the plausibility of extensive, severe droughts, provide a long-term perspective on the ongoing drought conditions in the Southwest, and suggest the need for regional sustainability planning for the future.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employ a weighted network approach to study the empirical properties of the web of trade relationships among world countries, and its evolution over time, and show that most countries are characterized by weak trade links; yet, there exists a group of countries featuring a large number of strong relationships, thus hinting to a core-periphery structure.
Abstract: This paper employs a weighted network approach to study the empirical properties of the web of trade relationships among world countries, and its evolution over time. We show that most countries are characterized by weak trade links; yet, there exists a group of countries featuring a large number of strong relationships, thus hinting to a core-periphery structure. Also, better-connected countries tend to trade with poorly-connected ones, but are also involved in highly-interconnected trade clusters. Furthermore, rich countries display more intense trade links and are more clustered. Finally, all network properties are remarkably stable across the years and do not depend on the weighting procedure.
TL;DR: This paper evaluated the use and efficacy of check-all-that-apply (CATA) data for the creation of preference maps, and compared these maps to classical external maps generated from traditional sensory profiles.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an in-depth treatment of the various mechanisms by which an incident light beam can produce an intensity- or flux-dependent change in the refractive index and absorption coefficient of different materials.
Abstract: We provide an in-depth treatment of the various mechanisms by which an incident light beam can produce an intensity- or flux-dependent change in the refractive index and absorption coefficient of different materials. Whenever possible, the mechanisms are initially traced to single-atom and -molecule effects in order to provide physical understanding. Representative values are given for the various mechanisms. Nine different mechanisms are discussed, starting with the Kerr effect due to atoms and/or molecules with discrete states, including organic materials such as molecules and conjugated polymers. Simplified two and/or three-level models provide useful information, and these are summarized. The nonlinear optics of semiconductors is reviewed for both bulk and quantum-confined semiconductors, focusing on the most common types II–VI and III–V. Also discussed in some detail are the different nonlinear mechanisms that occur in liquid crystals and photorefractive media. Additional nonlinear material systems and mechanisms such as glasses, molecular reorientation of single molecules, the electrostrictive effect, the nuclear effect (vibrational contributions), cascading, and the ever-present thermal effects are quantified, and representative tables of values are given.
TL;DR: This work argues that the division of choice into reinforcing value versus delay discounting is based on an arbitrary definition based on the temporality of choices, and presents a model that integrates reinforcing value and Delay discounting approaches.
TL;DR: These analyses highlight the power of population genomics in agricultural systems to identify functionally important regions of the genome and to decipher the role of human-directed breeding in refashioning the genomes of a domesticated species.
Abstract: Background: The domestication of Asian rice (Oryza sativa) was a complex process punctuated by episodes of introgressive hybridization among and between subpopulations. Deep genetic divergence between the two main varietal groups (Indica and Japonica) suggests domestication from at least two distinct wild populations. However, genetic uniformity surrounding key domestication genes across divergent subpopulations suggests cultural exchange of genetic material among ancient farmers. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we utilize a novel 1,536 SNP panel genotyped across 395 diverse accessions of O. sativa to study genome-wide patterns of polymorphism, to characterize population structure, and to infer the introgression history of domesticated Asian rice. Our population structure analyses support the existence of five major subpopulations (indica, aus, tropical japonica, temperate japonica and GroupV) consistent with previous analyses. Our introgression analysis shows that most accessions exhibit some degree of admixture, with many individuals within a population sharing the same introgressed segment due to artificial selection. Admixture mapping and association analysis of amylose content and grain length illustrate the potential for dissecting the genetic basis of complex traits in domesticated plant populations. Conclusions/Significance: Genes in these regions control a myriad of traits including plant stature, blast resistance, and amylose content. These analyses highlight the power of population genomics in agricultural systems to identify functionally important regions of the genome and to decipher the role of human-directed breeding in refashioning the genomes of a domesticated species.
TL;DR: In this paper, anisotropic mechanical properties are observed for a sheet of graphene along different load directions, attributed to the hexagonal structure of the unit cells of the graphene, and it is shown that the loading and unloading stress-strain response curves overlap as long as the graphene is unloaded before the fracture point.
Abstract: Anisotropic mechanical properties are observed for a sheet of graphene along different load directions. The anisotropic mechanical properties are attributed to the hexagonal structure of the unit cells of the graphene. Under the same tensile loads, the edge bonds bear larger load in the longitudinal mode (LM) than in the transverse mode (TM), which causes fracture sooner in LM than in TM. The Young's modulus and the third order elastic modulus for the LM are slightly larger than that for the TM. Simulation also demonstrates that, for both LM and TM, the loading and unloading stress–strain response curves overlap as long as the graphene is unloaded before the fracture point. This confirms that graphene sustains complete elastic and reversible deformation in the elongation process.
Temple University1, University of British Columbia2, University of Arkansas3, Sogang University4, Indiana University5, Drexel University6, University of Minnesota7, University of Graz8, Zeppelin University9, University of Houston10, Johannes Kepler University of Linz11, University of Liechtenstein12, University of Bonn13
TL;DR: This article discusses the role of commonly used neurophysiological tools such as psychophysiological tools and neuroimaging tools and a set of practical suggestions for developing a research agenda for NeuroIS and establishing NeuroIS as a viable subfield in the IS literature.
Abstract: This article aims to discuss the use of common neurophysiological tools, such as psychophysiological tools (e.g., EKG, eye tracking) and neuroimaging tools (e.g., fMRI, EEG) in Information Systems (IS) research. There is much interest in the social sciences in capturing objective data directly from the human body, and this interest has also been gaining momentum in IS research (termed NeuroIS). This article first introduces several commonly-used neurophysiological tools, and it then discusses several application areas and research questions where IS researchers can benefit from neurophysiological data toward developing a research agenda for NeuroIS. The proposed research areas are presented within four fundamental levels of analysis - individuals, groups, organizations, and markets - that are typically used to examine the use of IT.The article concludes with a set of recommendations on how to use neurophysiological tools in IS research along with practical suggestions for establishing NeuroIS as a viable sub-field in the IS literature.
TL;DR: The discovery, mode of action, and efficacy of monensin are discussed, together with matters of importance to the poultry industry such as commercial use, drug resistance, toxicity, pharmacology and residues, host immunity to coccidiosis, and effects in other avian species.
TL;DR: This paper investigated whether CEO compensation is less sensitive to securitization gains than to other earnings components in the presence of proxies for how independent (outsiders, females, fewer CEO-selected directors) and informed (financial expertise) directors are.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed and tested a model of mandatory citizen adoption of an e-government technology based on a framework that outlines the key stages associated with the launch of technology products, identifying various external factors as antecedents of four key technology adoption variables from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology.
Abstract: While technology adoption is a major stream of research in information systems, few studies have examined the antecedents and consequences of mandatory adoption of technologies. To address this gap, we develop and test a model of mandatory citizen adoption of an e-government technology. Based on a framework that outlines the key stages associated with the launch of technology products, we identify various external factors as antecedents of four key technology adoption variables from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), i.e., performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, which ultimately impact citizen satisfaction. The four stages of technology launch and the salient antecedents in each stage are: market preparation stage - awareness; targeting stage - compatibility and self-efficacy; positioning stage - flexibility and avoidance of personal interaction; and execution stage - trust, convenience, and assistance. We test our model in a two-stage survey of 1,179 Hong Kong citizens, before and after they were issued a mandatory smart card to access e-government services. We find that the various factors tied to the different stages in launching the technology predict key technology adoption variables that, in turn, predict citizen satisfaction with e-government technology. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for governments implementing technologies whose use by citizens is mandated.
TL;DR: In this paper, high-precision Mg isotopic data are reported for 100 well-characterized samples (granites, loess, shales and upper crustal composites) that were previously used to estimate the upper continental crust composition.
TL;DR: Analysis of studies pertaining to the temporal patterning of sleep problems and traumatic event-related factors suggests exposure to a traumatic event can interfere with sleep and limited evidence suggests sleep problems may interfere with recovery from elevated posttraumatic stress levels.
01 Dec 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured the behavior of Mg isotopes during continental weathering and found that the loss of light Mg during weathering can be modeled by Rayleigh distillation with an apparent fractionation factor between the saprolite and fluid (α) of 1.00005 to 1.0004, i.e., up to 0.4
Abstract: Magnesium isotopic compositions of a profile through saprolites developed on a diabase dike from South Carolina have been measured in order to study the behavior of Mg isotopes during continental weathering. As weathering progresses, Mg isotopes are greatly fractionated and are correlated with Mg concentration, clay mineral proportions and density of the saprolites. δ 26 Mg values increase from −0.22 in the unweathered diabase to + 0.65 in the most weathered saprolite. These observations are consistent with the release of light Mg to the hydrosphere and formation of isotopically heavy Mg in the weathered products. The loss of Mg during weathering can be modeled by Rayleigh distillation with an apparent fractionation factor between the saprolite and fluid (α) of 1.00005 to 1.0004, i.e., up to 0.4‰ fractionation in the 26 Mg/ 24 Mg ratio between the saprolite and fluid. The large variation in α value reflects a mineralogical control on Mg isotope fractionation during primary dissolution of Mg-rich minerals and formation of secondary minerals during continental weathering. Like Mg isotopes, Li isotopes in the saprolite profile are also greatly fractionated, with δ 7 Li values ranging from −6.7 down to −20. The large Li isotope fractionation and variation in Li concentration, as well as irregularities in the δ 7 Li profile with depth, however, cannot be explained by Li loss during weathering alone. Instead, Li can be modeled by a two-step process: (1) equilibrium isotope fractionation during continental weathering, which lowered δ 7 Li and Li concentrations and produced a Li concentration gradient in the saprolites like that seen in Mg, and (2) subsequent kinetic isotope fractionation produced by diffusion of Li in the saprolites, possibly across a paleo-water table. The results presented here suggest that continental weathering will shift the Mg isotopic composition of the continental crust to values higher than the mantle value, whereas crustal recycling over the history of the Earth will have no discernible effect on the Mg isotopic composition of the mantle.
TL;DR: Magnesium isotopic compositions of a profile through saprolites developed on a diabase dike from South Carolina have been measured in order to study the behavior of Mg isotopes during continental weathering as mentioned in this paper.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present results from a between-subjects experiment with more than 500 smokers that test the effectiveness of pictorial warnings that vary in their graphic depiction of the warning and an underlying mechanism proposed to drive potential effects of the manipulation of the graphic depiction.
Abstract: The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act requires cigarette packages to contain stronger warnings in the form of color, graphic pictures depicting the negative health consequences of smoking. The authors present results from a between-subjects experiment with more than 500 smokers that test (1) the effectiveness of pictorial warnings that vary in their graphic depiction of the warning and (2) an underlying mechanism proposed to drive potential effects of the manipulation of the graphic depiction. The findings indicate that more graphic pictorial warning depictions strengthen smokers' intentions to quit smoking. Recall of warning message statements is reduced by moderately or highly graphic pictures compared with a no-picture control or less graphic pictures. The results also show that the graphic warnings affect evoked fear, and in turn, fear mediates the effects of the graphic warning depiction on intentions to quit for the sample of smokers. This pattern of results indicates t...
TL;DR: A suite of SNP-based resources have been developed and made publicly available for broad application in rice research, including large SNP datasets, tools for identifying informative SNPs for targeted applications, and a suite of custom-designed SNP assays for use in marker-assisted and genomic selection, association and QTL mapping, positional cloning, pedigree analysis, variety identification and seed purity testing as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant form of genetic variation in eukaryotic genomes. SNPs may be functionally responsible for specific traits or phenotypes, or they may be informative for tracing the evolutionary history of a species or the pedigree of a variety. As genetic markers, SNPs are rapidly replacing simple sequence repeats (SSRs) because they are more abundant, stable, amenable to automation, efficient, and increasingly cost-effective. The integration of high throughput SNP genotyping capability promises to accelerate genetic gain in a breeding program, but also imposes a series of economic, organizational and technical hurdles. To begin to address these challenges, SNP-based resources are being developed and made publicly available for broad application in rice research. These resources include large SNP datasets, tools for identifying informative SNPs for targeted applications, and a suite of custom-designed SNP assays for use in marker-assisted and genomic selection, association and QTL mapping, positional cloning, pedigree analysis, variety identification and seed purity testing. SNP resources also make it possible for breeders to more efficiently evaluate and utilize the wealth of natural variation that exists in both wild and cultivated germplasm with the aim of improving the productivity and sustainability of agriculture.
TL;DR: Blueberry juice was not as effective as the low dose of anthocyanins in the drinking water in preventing obesity, and factors responsible for the differing responses of blueberry juice and whole blueberry in preventing the development of obesity are needed.
Abstract: Male C57BL/6J mice (25 days of age) were fed either a low-fat diet (10% kcal from fat) (LF) or a high-fat diet (45% kcal from fat) (HF45) for a period of 72 days. Blueberry juice or purified blueberry anthocyanins (0.2 or 1.0 mg/mL) in the drinking water were included in LF or HF45 treatments. Sucrose was added to the drinking water of one treatment to test if the sugars in blueberry juice would affect development of obesity. Total body weights (g) and body fat (%) were higher and body lean tissue (%) was lower in the HF45 fed mice compared to the LF fed mice after 72 days, but in mice fed HF45 diet plus blueberry juice or blueberry anthocyanins (0.2 mg/mL), body fat (%) was not different from those mice fed the LF diet. Anthocyanins (ACNs) decreased retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissue weights. Fasting serum glucose concentrations were higher in mice fed the HF45 diet. However, it was reduced to LF levels in mice fed the HF45 diet plus 0.2 mg of ACNs/mL in the drinking water, but not with bluebe...
TL;DR: While P reductions have been actively pursued, human population growth has been paralleled by accelerating N inputs, often at rates much higher than those of P.
Abstract: A worldwide proliferation of harmful (toxic, food-web altering, hypoxia-generating) algal blooms (HABs) has been linked to human nutrient (phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N)) overenrichment. In addressing this pressing environmental and human health issue, reducing P inputs has received the most attention, in part because this nutrient was first identified as driving eutrophication (1), and because P is simpler and less expensive to remove from pollution sources (e.g., wastewater, industrial effluents). Furthermore, P reductions have been prescribed to control a particularly noxious group of HABs, the N2 fixing cyanobacteria, which can obtain N2 from the atmosphere, thereby minimizing ecosystem-level nitrogen (N) limitation (1). However, less than 50%, of primary production demands are typically met by N2 fixation, even when P supplies are sufficient. Furthermore, denitrification, the microbially mediated reduction of nitrate to N2 gas, often offsets fixed N input (Table 1). The net balance of these N transformations in eutrophic waters can result in sustained ecosystem N limitation (2). Also, eutrophying freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems are increasingly plagued with non-N2 fixing Cyanobacterial HABs (CyanoHABs) and eukaryotic bloom-forming groups (dinoflagellates, chrysophytes, prymnesiophytes), indicating that these systems may be increasingly influenced by accelerating N loads. Nutrient loading dynamics have changed substantially over the past several decades. While P reductions have been actively pursued, human population growth has been paralleled by accelerating N inputs, often at rates much higher than those of P. Sources of N inputs include fossil fuel combustion, agricultural fertilizers, stormwater discharge, groundwater pollution, and urban, agricultural, and industrial wastes (3). Biologically available reactive nitrogen (Nr), includes reduced (ammonium, organic N compounds) and oxidized (nitrate, nitrite) forms; inputs of all have increased dramatically. On the global scale, human activities now create approximately 2-fold more Nr than natural ecosystems, while in the U.S., anthropogenically generated Nr is about 5-fold larger than natural processes (3). A large proportion of Nr loading, generally exceeding 50%, is from diffuse, nonpoint sources (agricultural and urban runoff, atmospheric deposition, groundwater), which complicates remediation of this vast and rapidly growing supply of N pollution. Excessive N loading has been recognized as promoting marine (estuarine and coastal) eutrophication and HAB expansion. However, the “N problem” is not isolated to these waters. Increasingly Nr plays either a primary or secondary (i.e., colimiting) role as a limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems. For example, oligotrophic, alpine, tropical, and subtropical, and other lakes having small watersheds relative to the lake surface/volume, and lakes experiencing various stages of eutrophication, tend to be N-limited (4). Additionally, numerous reservoirs, rivers, and fjords worldwide exhibit N limitation and N and P
TL;DR: The results show that diffusion of responsibility, attribution of blame, and dehumanization all mediate (partially) the effects of team size on social loafing, while only dehumanization mediates the effect of dispersion onsocial loafing.
Abstract: Social loafing is the tendency of individuals to withhold contributions to a task in a team setting. Team size and dispersion are two primary drivers of social loafing in technology-supported team settings. However, the mechanisms through which these drivers affect social loafing are not well understood. Consequently, the objective of this study is to identify the cognitive mechanisms that mediate the effect of team size and dispersion on social loafing in technology-supported teams. Drawing on the theory of moral disengagement, we posit that three primary cognitive mechanisms-diffusion of responsibility, attribution of blame, and dehumanization-will mediate the effect of team size and dispersion on social loafing. We conducted a laboratory study involving 140 students randomly assigned to 32 teams performing a brainstorming task using group systems software. The results show that diffusion of responsibility, attribution of blame, and dehumanization all mediate (partially) the effects of team size on social loafing. Meanwhile, only dehumanization mediates (fully) the effect of dispersion on social loafing.