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Customers’ Attitudes toward the Acceptance of AI Service Devices Cross Different Service Contexts

Customers’ Attitudes toward the Acceptance of AI Service Devices Cross Different Service Contexts

Primary Author: Hengxuan Chi

Faculty Sponsor: Dogan Gursoy

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Nowadays, service providers introduced Artificially intelligent (AI) service devices (e.g., robots) into their regular service operations. These devices are used to directly interact with customers and provide services that were originally delivered by human employees. As a result, the use of these AI devices challenges not only customers’ perceptions of service but also employees’ job security. Therefore, it is critical to understand when (service contexts) customers want to use AI and when they prefer to be served by humans.

 

Method

This study hypothesized that consumers’ attitudes towards the use of AI devices differ across hedonic (enjoyment-focused) and utilitarian (task-focused) service contexts. A conceptual model was proposed using the theory of Artificially Intelligent Device Use Acceptance. The data was collected from the customers of hospitality and airline industries, which are dominated by either more utilitarian or hedonic offerings (airline and hospitality services, respectively). A cross-group SEM analysis and a series of t-test were performed to test the hypotheses.

 

Results/implications

This study confirms the applicability of the AIDUA theory in both service contexts. Findings indicate that social influence is a stronger determinant of AI device acceptance in hedonic services (e.g. hospitality services); individuals have higher performance expectancy toward the use of AI device in utilitarian services (e.g., airline services); individuals’ willingness to use AI devices is lower in hedonic services due to the need for human-human interaction. This result highlights that, in hedonic services, AI devices should be used to empower rather than to replace human employees.

 

Pinpointing regions of the barley genome contributing to hybrid disease susceptibility

Pinpointing regions of the barley genome contributing to hybrid disease susceptibility

Primary Author: Shaun Clare

Faculty Sponsor: Robert Brueggeman

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Barley is an essential ingredient in beer and whiskey. Barley breeding allows for the improvement of barley by crossing two different parents to contribute favorably to offspring for traits such as yield and disease resistance. The increased use of hybrid varieties that possess genes from each parent (heterozygous) rather than favorable genes from either parent (homozygous) has allowed increased yield termed hybrid vigor. However, two lines that are resistant to a disease called net blotch have been shown to be susceptible to the disease when in a heterozygous state. Identifying the mechanism that allows two resistant parents to produce susceptible offspring is important to avoid releasing varieties that do not perform for growers.

Method

To identify the gene responsible for the hybrid susceptibility, ~2000 offspring were propagated with mosaic genomes of each parent. Single nucleotide changes in the genome that are known to be different between each parent were used on the susceptible offspring as a roadmap through the mosaic to pinpoint the region of the genome responsible for susceptibility.

Results/implications

The susceptibility region of the genome has been pinpointed to a five million nucleotide region within the barley genome that contains over five billion nucleotides. Next steps include adding additional markers by sequencing genes and validating which genes in the region are responsible for susceptibility. Removal of this gene will allow for the development of barley varieties that are healthy under disease pressure to ensure secure production of quality barley to feed the beer and whiskey industry.

 

Effects of water stress on transmission of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ pathogen by the vector Bactericera cockerelli

Effects of water stress on transmission of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ pathogen by the vector Bactericera cockerelli

Primary Author: Abigail Cohen

Faculty Sponsor: David Crowder

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principle Topic

Both plant pathogens and insects cause damage to crops and be financially ruinous to growers, and do even more damage when a damaging pest transmits the pathogen. However, environmental factors moderate how plant, pest, and pathogen interact with one another. This experiment looks at how water stress alters potato plant defenses when exposed to the pest Bactericera cockerelli, or potato psyllid. The potato psyllid feeds on solanaceous plants, and pierces plant veins to extract phloem sap. This makes it a capable vector for the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso), which causes an economically damaging disease known as zebra chip.

Method

To test the effect of water stress on transmission of the Lso pathogen and potato plant defenses, we exposed potato plants with and without water stress to infected B. cockerelli over 3h, 24h, 28h, and 120 h, while stress-free uninfected plants were used as control. Potato psyllids have a wide range and multiple sub-populations, so we ran the experiment twice, first with the Northwestern sub-population, then with Western.

Results/Implications

These results indicate that water stress in the plant has a negative effect on transmission or circulation of the bacterial pathogen through the plant, in both sub-populations. Furthermore, testing the level of defensive hormones in the exposed plants showed that water stress correlates to higher levels of the hormone associated with defense induction, suggesting that stress primes the plant for infection. This indicates that managed water stress may have the potential to reduce Lso infection in potato plants.

 

A Methodology for the Identification and Measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility Constructs with Existing Analyst Data

A Methodology for the Identification and Measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility Constructs with Existing Analyst Data

Primary Author: Michael Craven

Faculty Sponsor: Bernard Wong-On-Wing

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Research on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and business outcomes has produced inconsistent results, which may be associated with difficulties in measuring CSR. Prevailing measurement methodologies use existing databases with indicators of strengths and weaknesses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues including MSCI ESG KLD STATS. However, current research assumes that the strengths and weaknesses of each category accurately reflect differentiable constructs, that strengths are equivalently reduced by weaknesses, and that each indicator is equal when measuring those constructs.

 

METHOD

A scale development methodology is created to overcome the limitations of the existing data and to empirically identify and measure CSR constructs from the analyst data. Because indicators are added and removed, the indicators are screened with a co-measurement based variation of Cronbach’s Alpha to ensure sufficient covariance for further analysis. These indicators are then analyzed with logistic regression based exploratory factor analysis to identify the latent CSR constructs represented by the data and confirmatory factor analysis to provide continuous measures from the dichotomous indicators.

 

RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results indicate that prior measurement models for CSR poorly reflect the underlying aspects of CSR. In most categories, the assumption of differentiable strengths and weaknesses misidentifies the extant constructs. The assumption of equal weighting of indicators does not hold. Work is needed to validate these new measures against know CSR outcomes, such as fines for pollution. These empirically identified CSR constructs and measurements will resolve a long-standing issue and contribute to resolving the inconsistent results of prior CSR research.

 

Customized Porous Materials for Selective Separation via Confinement Effect

Customized Porous Materials for Selective Separation via Confinement Effect

Primary Author: Derek Deming

Faculty Sponsor: Qiang Zhang

 

Primary College/Unit: Arts and Sciences

Category: Physical and Social Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been subject to extensive research in recent years owing to their diverse porous molecular frames and adaptability to targeted applications. MOFs are comprised of inorganic nodes and organic linkers that can be tailored to suit a prodigious scope of applications, such as catalysis, sensing and separations. One of the most important separations is isolating xenon (Xe) from a mixture of xenon and krypton (Kr). Not only is Xe scarce and an important inert gas used in a variety of purposes (i.e., aerospace, electrical, and medical industries), the capture of Xe from gas mixtures embodies one of the most challenging molecular gas separations. In this work, we have designed a series of novel MOFs based on customized “v-shaped” organic linkers with electron donating and/or withdrawing groups to investigate the role of structure and functional groups in the separation of Xe via the “confinement effect”. Computational results suggested that a series of symmetrical diaryl sulfone and dimethyl-4,4’-oxalyldibenzoate linkers provide the most promising selectivity due to their ideal pore size, approximately 5 Å, to immobilize Xe molecules. These MOFs were comprehensively characterized via x-ray diffraction (single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction), nitrogen adsorption isotherm analysis, ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The role of pore size, shape, and functional groups will be extensively explored to help us gain deep insights into the vital factors influencing Xe adsorption. The goal of the project was to design and synthesize ideal materials for the separation of Xe from gas mixtures.

 

High Performance and Stability Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell without Hydrogen as Safe Gas

High Performance and Stability Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell without Hydrogen as Safe Gas

Primary Author: Martinus Dewa

Faculty Sponsor: Su Ha

 

Primary College/Unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

Category: Engineering and Environmental Science

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is a device that can transform CO2 and water into hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) using electricity through co-electrolysis process. H2 is often added during the SOEC operation as a safe gas to prevent the SOEC degradation. Removing H2 from the system can reduce the capital cost of the process. Nickel (Ni)/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a state-of-the-art electrode material for SOEC due to its good catalytic performance and electrical conductivity. However, many researchers claimed that it will rapidly deactivate under co-electrolysis without hydrogen since the Ni can be oxidized and becomes electrically non-conductive. CuFe2O4 has been recently investigated to substitute Ni/YSZ in SOECs since it has better stability under highly oxidizing condition such as co-electrolysis.

We fabricated the SOEC using both Nickel (Ni)/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and CuFe2O4 by screen printing method. The electrochemical performance was measured under 1:1 ratio of CO2 and H2O at 800°C.

Our Ni/YSZ cell shows a decent performance of -400 mA/cm2 at 1.5 V and was stable after 24 h. However, Ni/YSZ requires activation by H2 during start up. CuFe2O4 cell can run without H2 activation and shows a slightly better performance of -475 mA/cm2 at 1.5 V. However, the stability was lower due to interface compatibility. Applying an additional La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) barrier layer successfully solved the stability issue, but electrochemical performance is compromised (-275 mA/cm2). Therefore, optimization of the design and fabrication method for the CuFe2O4 cell needs to be conducted to get both good performance and stability.

 

An examination of emoji usage in news teasers on Facebook

An examination of emoji usage in news teasers on Facebook

Primary Author: Rebecca Donaway

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Willoughby

 

Primary College/Unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Online news use is growing at a rapid rate. This study is particularly interested in news exposure on social networking sites (SNSs) like Facebook. The physical layout of news on social media is such that the teaser (status message) allows news organizations to add additional text to shared news posts. In some cases, the language used in the news teaser is subjective, more emotional, and less formal that traditional news norms would suggest. Political communication research has not thoroughly explored the teaser space or how this relaxed formality affects user engagement with the news online (likes, comments, shares). The goals of this mixed methods study are two-fold. First, using focus group data from young adults, the research explores user impressions of various features of the news teaser that communicate emotion, namely exaggerated punctuation, uppercase text, and the use of emojis. The results for emojis in news teasers were the most complex. While users recognize that emojis are less formal, they are interested in their use, especially the descriptive emojis.  To further study this, an experiment will be conducted to test the effect of four different emoji conditions: no emoji, descriptive emoji, positive emoji, and negative emoji. The research posits the role of anger and enthusiasm will mediate message exposure and engagement outcomes. Thus, this second study will contribute to our collective understanding of the antecedents of emotional reactions within the Affective Intelligence Theory, as well as informs news and content creators alike on the effects of the teaser space.

 

Survival of the quickest: Pathogen pressure drives rapid evolution at a barley resistance gene cluster

Survival of the quickest: Pathogen pressure drives rapid evolution at a barley resistance gene cluster

Primary Author: Karl Effertz

Faculty Sponsor: Robert Brueggeman

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Principal topic

Net form net blotch (NFNB), caused by the fungal pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), results in significant yield loss in effected barley fields worldwide. An important region on barley chromosome 6H has been reported in several studies investigating Ptt resistance and susceptibility. Our group investigated this region, which confers susceptibility or resistance to Ptt, depending on fungal isolate and barley cultivar. Our research has uncovered a unique adaptive mechanism that allows barley plants to rapidly exchange resistance genes in response to pathogen attack.

 

Method

Using DNA markers, we analyzed three separate barley populations to delimit the 6H region associated with Ptt resistance by correlating marker alleles with disease outcome.

 

Results/Implications

Our results indicate that the 6H disease resistance cluster covers 3 MB of the genome, containing 36 genes. Of these, four genes resemble disease resistance genes that have been previously characterized. Strikingly, this resistance cluster consistently transfers as a block, with ~5% of individuals from each population harboring a double recombination event where only this block of genes transfers from parent to progeny. The conserved nature of recombination at this site suggests an evolutionary mechanism where the barley plant can rapidly exchange resistance genes in the face of pathogen pressure. This directed recombination bears similarity to mammalian VDJ recombination, an adaptive mechanism allowing for diverse immune responses. The discovery of this mechanism in plants would create a new paradigm for describing host-parasite evolution and breeding for disease resistance.

 

Whole lentil flours exhibit their highest puffing ability at low processing temperature during extrusion

Whole lentil flours exhibit their highest puffing ability at low processing temperature during extrusion

Primary Author: Pichmony Ek

Faculty Sponsor: Girish Ganjyal

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Extrusion processing is commonly used to produce breakfast cereals and puffed snacks. These products are typically made from cereal flours with a high amount of starch which has high caloric bulk. Lentil is one of the attractive crops that can be used as an alternative ingredient for these products because of their high protein content and bioactive compounds. The source of raw materials including their varieties, can significantly affect the product qualities.

Method

This study was to evaluate the qualities of the puffs made from three varieties of lentils (Brewer, Crimson, and Richlea). Whole seeds of the lentils were ground into flours and then processed with different extrusion processing conditions. Expansion ratio, water absorption index (WAI), and water solubility index (WSI) of the puffs were evaluated. The products with high expansion ratio (high puffing ability) generally provide crispy texture which consumers like. The products with low WAI could be produced as breakfast cereals because they can be crispy longer in milk and the products with high WSI are suitable for the foods for kids and old people.

Results/implications

The three lentils had relatively lower expansion compared to other cereals such as corn, but they exhibited their highest expansion at lower processing temperatures. Richlea variety was found to be the most suitable to produce these puffed products. The product characteristics of Crimson and Brewer varieties were comparable. The result of this study is useful for the food industry to select the lentil varieties for their specific products using extrusion.

 

Roles of Chickpea Protein (PGIP) in Defense Against Pathogenic Fungi

Roles of Chickpea Protein (PGIP) in Defense Against Pathogenic Fungi

Primary Author: Vishnutej Ellur

Faculty Sponsor: Weidong Chen

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Plant diseases and pests continue to cause as much as 40% losses during production, storage, and transport of staple crops affecting food security worldwide. Ensuring food security in an environmentally sustainable way is imperative. Over the years, the mainstay of disease management strategies came to rely on the use of pesticides. However, pesticide usage can be detrimental to the environment and continuous use resulted in targeted pathogens developing resistance. Therefore the use of disease-resistant varieties is the most effective and environmentally sustainable approach and it requires plant genes that can produce proteins with pathogen inhibiting properties.

 

Pathogenic fungi produce several tissue macerating enzymes to penetrate plant tissue and polygalacturonase (PG) being very significant among them. To counteract PGs, plants produce inhibitory proteins called polygalacturonase inhibiting proteins (PGIP). The purpose of this study is to understand the pathogen inhibiting potential of PGIP in chickpea (CaPGIP1). Studying homology, location and expression of any protein is important in understating its role and function. Using a technique called homology modeling we observed that CaPGIP1 contains domains crucial in interacting with pathogen enzymes. Further, its location was investigated using the subcellular localization method and found the protein to be located in the cell wall, a critical defense location of plant proteins. An increased expression of the CaPGIP1 gene was observed when infected with Ascochyta rabiei fungus, using a relative expression technique. These results indicate that chickpea PGIP has a potential role to combat pathogens, our further research will help to gain a better understanding.