University of Georgia

About: University of Georgia is a education organization based out in Athens, Georgia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 41934 authors who have published 93622 publications receiving 3713212 citations. The organization is also known as: UGA & Franklin College.

Science motivation questionnaire II: Validation with science majors and nonscience majors

Abstract: From the perspective of social cognitive theory, the motivation of students to learn science in college courses was examined The students—367 science majors and 313 nonscience majors—responded to the Science Motivation Questionnaire II, which assessed five motivation compo- nents: intrinsic motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy, career motivation, and grade motivation Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence of questionnaire construct validity The motivation components, especially self-efficacy, were related to the students' college science grade point averages The science majors scored higher than the nonscience majors on all of the motivation components Among both science majors and nonscience majors, men had higher self-efficacy than women, and women had higher self-determination than men The findings suggest that the questionnaire is a valid and efficient tool for assessing components of students' motivation to learn science in college courses, and that the components play a role in students' science achievement 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Res Sci Teach 48: 1159-1176, 2011 ey

Motivational bases of affective organizational commitment: A partial test of an integrative theoretical model

Abstract: A theoretical process-oriented model of affective organizational commitment is presented to explain the psychological mechanisms that may trigger individuals' affective commitment to their organization. An operational version of the model is tested, along with several theoretically based alternative models, using meta-analytic correlations and structural equations modelling. Results suggest that intrinsic motivation is a partial mediator of the relationship between several exogenous variables (job characteristics and work context variables) and work attitudes (affective organizational commitment and general job satisfaction). In addition, affective commitment and general job satisfaction are related to turnover behaviour, whereas only affective commitment is related to absenteeism. Implications for theory and applied research are discussed.

Improved Understanding of Hyperaccumulation Yields Commercial Phytoextraction and Phytomining Technologies

Abstract: Th is paper reviews progress in phytoextraction of soil elements and illustrates the key role of hyperaccumulator plant species in useful phytoextraction technologies. Much research has focused on elements which are not practically phytoextracted (Pb); on addition of chelating agents which cause unacceptable contaminant leaching and are cost prohibitive; and on plant species which off er no useful phytoextraction capability (e.g., Brassica juncea Czern). Nickel phytoextraction by Alyssum hyperaccumulator species, which have been developed into a commercial phytomining technology, is discussed in more detail. Nickel is ultimately accumulated in vacuoles of leaf epidermal cells which prevents metal toxicity and provides defense against some insect predators and plant diseases. Constitutive up-regulation of trans-membrane element transporters appears to be the key process that allows these plants to achieve hyperaccumulation. Cadmium phytoextraction is needed for rice soils contaminated by mine wastes and smelter emissions with 100-fold more soil Zn than Cd. Although many plant species can accumulate high levels of Cd in the absence of Zn, when Cd/Zn > 100, only Th laspi caerulescens from southern France has demonstrated the ability to phytoextract useful amounts of Cd. Production of element-enriched biomass with value as ore or fertilizer or improved food (Se) or feed supplement may off set costs of phytoextraction crop production. Transgenic phytoextraction plants have been achieved for Hg, but not for other elements. Although several researchers have been attempting to clone all genes required for eff ective hyperaccumulation of several elements, success appears years away; such demonstrations will be needed to prove we have identifi ed all necessary processes in hyperaccumulation.

Philanthropy as Strategy: When Corporate Charity “Begins at Home”

Abstract: Scholars and practitioners alike indicate a movement in corporate philanthropy toward “strategic” giving, for example, giving that improves the firm's strategic position (ultimately the “bottom line”) while it benefits the recipient of the philanthropic act. Although the existence of this trend is widely accepted, it is represented in the literature most often by anecdotal evidence. This article presents the findings of a survey of corporate giving managers of U.S. firms that have had an established giving program of at least 5 years, with annual giving totaling at least $200,000 each year. The data show that corporate giving managers believe their firms are becoming increasingly strategic in their philanthropic activities. The findings also indicate that institutional-, firm-, and individual-level influences combine to precipitate strategic philanthropy. These findings lend support to the belief that the nature of corporate philanthropy is evolving to fit a more competitive marketplace.