University of Memphis

About: University of Memphis is a education organization based out in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 7710 authors who have published 20082 publications receiving 611618 citations. The organization is also known as: U of M.

PREVENTING SCHOOL FAILURE, DRUG USE, AND DELINQUENCY AMONG LOW-INCOME CHILDREN: Long-Term Intervention in Elementary Schools

Abstract: A six-year, school-based prevention program, which modified classroom teacher practices, offered parent training, and provided child social skills training, was evaluated for its effects on school failure, drug abuse, and delinquency among low-income urban children. Compared to a low-income control group, children in the intervention group showed enhanced school commitment and class participation. The girls in the group also evidenced lower rates of substance use initiation, while the boys exhibited increased social and school work skills.

The Persuasive Effects of Metaphor: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Empirical investigations of metaphor's persuasive effects have produced mixed results. In an effort to integrate the literature, we present a review and meta-analytic summary of existing studies. Six explanations for the potential suasory advantage of metaphor over literal language were reviewed: (a) pleasure or relief, (b) communicator credibility, (c) reduced counterarguments, (d) resource-matching, (e) stimulated elaboration, and (f) superior organization. Next, a meta-analysis was conducted and the impact of seven moderator variables was tested. The overall effect for the metaphor-literal comparison for attitude change was r = .07, which supported the claim that metaphors enhance persuasion. The effect rose to r = .42 under optimal conditions, when a single, nonextended metaphor was novel, had a familiar target, and was used early in a message. Metaphor appeared to exert a small effect on perceptions of source dynamism (r = .06), but showed no demonstrable impact on competence (r =−.01) or character (r =−.02). Of the six theories considered, the superior organization explanation of metaphor's persuasive impact was most supported by the results.

An Empirical Investigation of Audit Fees, Nonaudit Fees, and Audit Committees*

Abstract: This stody examines the association between audit committee characteristics and the ratioof nonaudit service (NAS) fees to audit fees, using data gathered under the Secuiities andExchange Commission's (SEC's) fee disclosure rules. Issues related to NAS fees have beenof concern to practitioners, regulators, and academics for a number of years. Prior researchsuggests that audit committees possessing certain characteristics are important participantsin the process of managing the client—auditor relationship. We hypothesize that audit com-mittees that are independent and active financial monitors have incentives to limit NAS fees(relative to audit fees) paid to incumbent auditors, in an effort to enhance auditor indepen-dence in either appearance or fact. Our analysis using a sample of 538 flrms indicates thataudit committees comprised solely of independent directors meeting at least four timesamiually are significantly and negatively associated with the NAS fee ratio. This evidence isconsistent with audit committee members perceiving a high level of NAS fees in a negativelight and taking actions to decrease the NAS fee ratio.Keywords Audit committee; Audit fees; Auditor independence; Nonaudit seiYicesCoiidenseLes auteurs examinent le lien entre les caracteristiques du comite de verification et le rapportentre les honoraires des services autres que la verification (designes NAS — non-auditsenAces) et les honoraires des services de verification, a l'aide de donnees recueillies auxEtats-Unis, sous le regime des regies imposees par la Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) en matiere d'ioformation a foumir sur les honoraires. Depuis bon nombre d'annees,les questions relatives aux honoraires des NAS preoccupent les praticiens, les responsablesde !a reglementation et ies chercheurs. La presente etude est motivee par deux decisions

Computational Analyses of Multilevel Discourse Comprehension

Abstract: The proposed multilevel framework of discourse comprehension includes the surface code, the textbase, the situation model, the genre and rhetorical structure, and the pragmatic communication level. We describe these five levels when comprehension succeeds and also when there are communication misalignments and comprehension breakdowns. A computer tool has been developed, called Coh-Metrix, that scales discourse (oral or print) on dozens of measures associated with the first four discourse levels. The measurement of these levels with an automated tool helps researchers track and better understand multilevel discourse comprehension. Two sets of analyses illustrate the utility of Coh-Metrix in discourse theory and educational practice. First, Coh-Metrix was used to measure the cohesion of the text base and situation model, as well as potential extraneous variables, in a sample of published studies that manipulated text cohesion. This analysis helped us better understand what was precisely manipulated in these studies and the implications for discourse comprehension mechanisms. Second, Coh-Metrix analyses are reported for samples of narrative and science texts in order to advance the argument that traditional text difficulty measures are limited because they fail to accommodate most of the levels of the multilevel discourse comprehension framework.

Oxytocin: behavioral associations and potential as a salivary biomarker.

Abstract: Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide that is produced primarily in the hypothalamus and is best known for its role in mammalian birth and lactation. Recent evidence also implicates OT in social behaviors, including parental behavior, the formation of social bonds, and the management of stressful experiences. OT is reactive to stressors, and plays a role in the regulation of both the central and autonomic nervous system, including effects on immune and cardiovascular function. Knowledge of patterns of OT release would be of value in many fields of science and medicine. However, measurements of OT concentration in blood are infrequently performed, and previous attempts to measure OT in saliva have been unsuccessful. Using a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and concentrated samples we were able to detect reproducible changes in salivary OT as a function of lactation and massage. These results indicate that measurements of biologically relevant changes in salivary OT are possible. These results confirm the biological relevance of changes in salivary OT with stressors and support saliva as a noninvasive source to monitor central neuroendocrine function.