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Stanley, Alison. "Language and identity in the literature of the seventeenth-century New England Puritans". Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2012. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/language-and-identity-in-the-literature-of-the-seventeenthcentury-new-england-puritans(e8dcb8d8-a634-494f-80e3-d8dbd6078c69).html.
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Seventeenth-century migrants to New England found themselves in a new and unsettling situation, surrounded by alien European and indigenous groups, whose different languages, cultures and religious beliefs questioned and sometimes threatened the beliefs of the settlers. This thesis examines the points at which the colonists came into contact with other cultures, and analyses what these interactions can tell us about how identity was constructed and displayed in the period. I do this largely through analysis of the ways language was used and discussed in contemporary texts printed in London and Massachusetts which aimed to influence readers’ views of colonial identities. By looking at a series of specific challenges when language or issues relating to it became contentious or important, as detailed below, I argue that language was intrinsically connected to English Puritan identity in the period. My first chapter discusses contemporary language textbooks by Williams and Eliot, analysing the ways in which different presentations of similar Native American languages offer insights into the ways contemporary thought linked language to culture and identity. The next two chapters examine the ways language was linked to Puritan religious identity by discussing colonial responses to two new challenges to their beliefs in the 1650s: firstly, the request of the Praying Indians to be accepted into the colonial churches; and secondly, the denunciations of the colonial churches made by visiting Quakers. The final two chapters discuss questions of language and translation during the traumatic events of King Philip’s War. Chapter four analyses war writing which used Old Testament narratives to re-interpret early defeats, and to excuse acts of violence and destruction perpetrated by colonial forces. The final chapter examines depictions of Indian language during the war, and argues that refusals to discuss the problems of intercultural translation and descriptions of Indians speaking broken English are two manifestations of the same changing attitude to language and identity.
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Meenagh, Martin Lee. "John J. Hughes, first Archbishop of New York, and the Atlantic Irish, c. 1841-c. 1864". Thesis, University of Oxford, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.275762.
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Wiesner, Susan L. "Framing dance writing : a corpus linguistics approach". Thesis, University of Surrey, 2007. http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/974/.
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Al-Tasan, Hamad Saleh A. "An evaluation of housing finance in Saudi Arabia : the Real Estate Development Fund's policies and alternative options". Thesis, Durham University, 1998. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/974/.
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Bocchialini, Elisa <1980>. "Le scelte di investimento dei fondi pensioni italiani: un’analisi degli asset immobiliari". Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2008. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/974/.
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Il lavoro persegue l’obiettivo generale di indagare sulle scelte di investimento dei fondi pensione
italiani. Per giungere al suddetto obiettivo il lavoro si articola in quattro capitoli principali corredati
da premessa e conclusioni.
Il primo capitolo si preoccupa di analizzare in quale modo le scelte operate dal legislatore italiano
abbiano influenzato e influenzino le politiche di investimento dei fondi pensione. E’ indubbio, infatti,
che l’intervento del legislatore abbia un forte ascendente sull’operatività dei fondi e possa limitarne
o, viceversa, agevolarne l’attività.
Alla luce di queste considerazioni, il secondo capitolo mira ad analizzare nel concreto l’influenza
delle scelte operate dal legislatore sullo sviluppo del mercato dei fondi pensione italiani. In sostanza,
l’obiettivo è quello di fornire informazioni circa il mercato italiano dei fondi pensione sviluppatosi in
conseguenza alla normativa testé presentata.
Il successivo capitolo, il terzo, propone un’analisi della letteratura che, nel contesto nazionale ed
internazionale, ha analizzato la tematica dei fondi pensione. Più nel dettaglio, si propone una
disamina dei riferimenti letterari che, affrontando il problema della gestione finanziaria dei fondi
pensione, trattano delle politiche e delle scelte di investimento operate da questi.
Il quarto capitolo riguarda un’analisi empirica mirata ad analizzare le politiche di investimento dei
fondi pensione, in particolare quelle relative agli investimenti alternativi e soprattutto, tra questi,
quelli immobiliari. L’obiettivo generale perseguito è quello di analizzare la composizione del
patrimonio dei fondi appartenenti al campione considerato e ricavarne indicazioni circa le scelte
manageriali operate dai fondi, nonché trarre indicazioni circa lo spazio riservato e/o riservabile alle
asset class alternative, soprattutto a quelle di tipo immobiliare.
Si evidenzia, infatti, che la verifica presentata riguarda prevalentemente gli investimenti
immobiliari che rappresentano nella realtà italiana l’alternative class maggiormente diffusa.
L’analisi si concentra, anche se in modo inferiore e con un approccio quasi esclusivamente
qualitativo, su altre asset class alternative (hedge fund e private equity).
Si precisa, inoltre, che la volontà di focalizzare la verifica sugli alternative investment limita
l’analisi ai soli fondi pensione preesistenti che, ad oggi, rappresentano l’unica categoria alla quale è
consentito effettuare investimenti di tipo alternativo. A differenza dei fondi di nuova generazione,
tali fondi, infatti, non sono sottoposti a limitazioni nell’attività di investimento e, almeno in linea
teorica, essi possono optare senza alcuna restrizione per l’asset allocation ritenuta più appropriata
Tre sono le domande di ricerca a cui l’analisi proposta mira a dare risposta:
Quale è la dimensione e la composizione del portafoglio dei fondi pensione preesistenti?
Quale è la dimensione e la tipologia di investimento immobiliare all’interno del portafoglio dei
fondi pensione preesistenti?
Esiste uno “spazio” ulteriore per gli investimenti immobiliari e/o per altri alternative investment
nel portafoglio dei fondi pensione preesistenti?
L’analisi è condotta su un campione di dieci fondi preesistenti, che rappresenta il 60% dell’universo
di riferimento (dei 29 fondi pensione preesistenti che investono in immobiliare) e la metodologia
utilizzata è quella della case study.
Le dieci case study, una per ogni fondo preesistente analizzato, sono condotte e presentate secondo
uno schema quanto più standard e si basano su varie tipologie di informazioni reperite da tre
differenti fonti.
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La prima fonte informativa utilizzata è rappresentata dai bilanci o rendiconti annuali dei fondi
analizzati. A questi si aggiungono i risultati di un’intervista svolta nei mesi di gennaio e febbraio
2008, ai direttori generali o ai direttori dell’area investimento dei fondi. Le interviste aggiungono
informazioni prevalentemente di tipo qualitativo, in grado di descrivere le scelte manageriali operate
dai fondi in tema di politica di investimento. Infine, laddove presente, sono state reperite
informazioni anche dai siti internet che in taluni casi i fondi possiedono.
Dalle case study condotte è possibile estrapolare una serie di risultati, che consentono di dare
risposta alle tre domande di ricerca poste in precedenza.
Relativamente alla prima domanda, è stato possibile stabilire che il portafoglio dei fondi pensione
preesistenti analizzati cresce nel tempo. Esso si compone per almeno un terzo di titoli di debito,
prevalentemente titoli di stato, e per un altro terzo di investimenti immobiliari di vario tipo. Il
restante terzo è composto da altre asset class, prevalentemente investimenti in quote di OICR. Per
quanto riguarda la politica d’investimento, si rileva che mediamente essa è caratterizzata da un’alta
avversione al rischio e pochissimi sono i casi in cui i fondi prevedono linee di investimento aggressive.
Relativamente alla seconda domanda, si osserva che la dimensione dell’asset class immobiliare
all’interno del portafoglio raggiunge una quota decrescente nell’arco di tempo considerato, seppur
rilevante. Al suo interno prevalgono nettamente gli investimenti diretti in immobili. Seguono le
partecipazioni in società immobiliari. L’analisi ha permesso, poi, di approfondire il tema degli
investimenti immobiliari consentendo di trarre indicazioni circa le loro caratteristiche.
Infine, relativamente all’ultima domanda di ricerca, i dati ottenuti, soprattutto per mezzo delle
interviste, permettono di stabilire che, almeno con riferimento al campione analizzato, l’investimento
immobiliare perde quota e in parte interesse. Questo risulta vero soprattutto relativamente agli
investimenti immobiliari di tipo diretto. I fondi con patrimoni immobiliari rilevanti, infatti, sono per
la totalità nel mezzo di processi di dismissione degli asset, mirati, non tanto all’eliminazione dell’asset
class, ma piuttosto ad una riduzione della stessa, conformemente anche a quanto richiesto dalle
recenti normative. Le interviste hanno messo in luce, tuttavia, che a fronte di un’esigenza generale di
contentere la quota investita, l’asset immobiliare è considerato positivamente soprattutto in termini
di opportunità di diversificazione di portafoglio e buoni rendimenti nel lungo periodo. I fondi
appaiono interessati in modo particolare a diversificare il portafoglio immobiliare, dismettendo parte
degli asset detenuti direttamente e aumentando al contrario le altre tipologie di investimento
immobiliare, soprattutto quote di OICR immobiliari.
Altrettanto positivi i giudizi relativi alle altre asset class alternative. Pur restando ancora limitato
il totale delle risorse destinate, tali investimenti sono percepiti come una buona opportunità di
diversificazione del portafoglio. In generale, si è rilevato che, anche laddove l’investimento non è
presente o è molto ridotto, nel breve periodo è intenzione del management aumentare la quota
impiegata.
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Almagro, García Ma Cristina de. "Paper de la UGT1A6 en la resistència al metotrexat : estudi dels harpins de polipurines per disminuir l'expressió gènica". Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/974.
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El treball presentat en aquesta memòria es centra en l'estudi dels mecanismes pels quals el quimioteràpic metotrexat (MTX) desenvolupa resistència en cèl·lules canceroses. Dins d'aquest objectiu es creen dues línies d'estudi que són, trobar nous mecanismes d'inhibició de la dihidrofolat reductasa (DHFR), principal causant de la resistència al MTX, i la troballa de nous gens que puguin estar implicats en aquest procés de resistència.En el present estudi, hem analitzat la resistència al MTX en cèl·lules de càncer de mama. S'han realitzat microarrays d'expressió amb dues línies cel·lulars sensibles i resistents al MTX, els quals han originat com a únic gen en comú entre les cèl·lules resistents d'ambdues línies la família de les UDP-glucuronosil transferases (UGT1A). Hem estudiat aquesta família de gens, i s'ha identificat la UGT1A6 com la principal responsable de la sobrexpressió de les UGTs a les cèl·lules resistents. En aquest treball s'ha analitzat la implicació de la UGT1A6 en la resistència al MTX. També hem analitzat la inducció transcripcional del MTX sobre la UGT1A6, així com els factors transcripcionals involucrats en aquest procés. A més, s'han estudiat les repercussions terapèutiques que pot tenir la sobrexpressió de la UGT1A6 quan es dóna MTX en combinació amb altres fàrmacs glucuronidables.
Dins de la recerca de nous mètodes per inhibir la DHFR diferents als quimioteràpics clàssics com el MTX, trobem els basats en teràpia gènica. En treballs anteriors del nostre grup s'havien desenvolupat diversos tipus de molècules per disminuir l'expressió de la dhfr, tal com oligonucleòtids antisentit (aODNs), siRNAs i Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs).
En aquest treball hem desenvolupat Template-PPRHs i Coding-PPRHs, hairpins destinats a unir-se a la cadena motlle o codificant del DNA i mRNA, respectivament. Hem estudiat la capacitat citotòxica que tenen els PPRHs en cèl·lules de càncer de mama utilitzant com a model el gen dhfr humà, així com el mecanisme d'acció pel qual aquestes molècules inhibeixen la DHFR. També hem analitzat la capacitat in vitro dels hairpins d'unir-se a la seva seqüència diana i la influència que té la presència d'interrupcions de purines en la cadena de polipirimidines i la forma de minimitzar els seus efectes. Així mateix, hem estudiat l'estabilitat d'aquestes molècules, la seva especificitat i l'activació de la resposta immune. S'ha analitzat l'aplicació terapèutica a partir de l'utilització de PPRHs contra la dhfr en cèl·lules de càncer de mama resistents al MTX, així com el disseny de diferents PPRHs dirigits contra gens amb importància terapèutica en càncer.
The main objective of this work is the study of the mechanisms that lead to resistance to the chemotherapeutic methotrexate (MTX) in cancerous cells. To study this phenomenon there have been two approaches: the search of new strategies to inhibit the expression of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the main responsible for MTX resistance; and the study of new genes that could be involved in MTX resistance.
A microarrays analysis between two breast cancer cell lines sensitive and methotrexate resistant pointed out the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) family as a common deregulated node in both cell lines. UGT1A6 was the main isoform responsible for UGT1A family overexpression in these cells and this overexpression was not due to gene amplification. The importance of UGT1A6 overexppression in MTX resistance was studied as well as the induction of UGT1A6 mRNA levels and enzymatic activity carried out by MTX through the transcription factors ARNT (HIF-1) and AhR/ARNT. Cells incubated with anticancer drugs susceptible to glucuronidation together with MTX, showed a lesser degree of cytotoxicity, due to UGT1A6 induction. The pharmacological effect of this induction should be taken into account when combining MTX with other drugs that are glucuronidated.
Polypurine Reverse-Hoogsteen hairpins, PPRHs, are dsDNA molecules formed by two polypurine stretches linked by a pentathymidine loop. These two polypurine domains are bound by intramolecular Reverse-Hoogsteen bonds, allowing the formation of a hairpin structure. PPRHs bind to their targets by Watson-Crick, forming triplex structures. We designed two types of PPRHS: Template-PPRHs and Coding-PPRHs. Template-PPRHs are designed to bind the template DNA strand, whereas Coding-PPRHs target the mRNA and the coding DNA strand. The dhfr gene was selected as a target in breast cancer therapy. Both PPRHs caused a high degree of cytotoxicity and a decrease in DHFR mRNA and protein levels, but through different mechanisms of action. Template-PPRHs decrease mRNA levels since they interfere with the transcription process. Coding-PPRHs interfere with the splicing process by competing with U2AF65 for binding to the polypyrimidine target sequence, leading to a lower amount of mature mRNA. PPRHs can be considered as new molecules to decrease gene expression.
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Zajc, Elizabeth. "Modelling native bird diversity in the Greater Toronto Area". Thesis, University of Waterloo, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10012/974.
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Human-dominated landscapes often have habitat loss and fragmentation. These characteristics described at the landscape scale, called landscape elements, influence species diversity and distribution. These landscape elements include such descriptions as the amount of habitat in the landscape and the degree of fragmentation of the habitat. "Optimization of landscape pattern" studies which landscape elements will maximize species diversity and/or distribution. Some general conclusions have emerged from this research. For example, for some bird species the size of the habitat patch in which a species nests has been found to be more important than landscape variables. However, preliminary research suggested that landscape elements such as the matrix are important urban areas. My study addressed this problem by asking: which elements of the landscape are most important for predicting avian species richness and abundance in the Greater Toronto Area? A literature review revealed a number of variables that have been found to influence bird species diversity within a landscape: area of habitat in which the species nests, amount of habitat within the landscape, degree of fragmentation, vegetation characteristics of the habitat patch, and area within the landscape deemed urban in municipal land-use designations (amount of urbanization). From this literature, I formulated four hypotheses describing the most important variables for avian diversity: (1) the area of the habitat patch is most important, (2) only variables describing the habitat patch itself are important, (3) the area of the habitat patch is important, but landscape variables should also be considered and (4) urbanization is most important. These hypotheses were considered competing explanations of bird species diversity at the landscape scale. A database of breeding bird data and landscape information, in a geographic information system platform, was used to investigate the comparative strength of the competing hypotheses for the Greater Toronto Area. A mathematical expression with a Poisson model format was created to represent each hypothesis. The model selection technique based on Kullback-Leibler information using the Akaike Information Criterion was deemed most appropriate for the comparison of the models. Four separate Poisson model competitions were completed using two habitat types and two response variables: species richness and total abundance. In three of the four competitions, the best model included the habitat area and the amount of urbanization in the landscape. In the forth competition, this model was considered as strong as another model which included habitat area, amount of habitat in the landscape and degree of fragmentation. The results from the model competition support the hypothesis that habitat area is important, but landscape variables must also be considered to explain avian richness and total abundance. It appears that maintaining native bird biodiversity in the Greater Toronto Area should focus on preserving and possibly increasing habitat area and decreasing adjacent urbanization. Exploration of the best model in the forest analysis with the richness response variable found that a 10% increase in habitat area cause approximately a 10% increase in species richness, and a 10% increase in urban area caused approximately a 20% decrease in species richness. Consequently, current natural heritage planning in Ontario should consider urban development as an important negative effect on native birds.
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McCracken, Robert. "Face Saving at the Singles Bar: Effects of Women's Perspectives of Men and Their Performances on Women's Methods of Rejection". TopSCHOLAR®, 1994. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/974.
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Rejection of men by women in singles bars was examined using Erving Goffman's concepts of performance and face to help distinguish variables that influence a woman's decision to help a man save face. Each woman (N=2 0) was observed rejecting a man, then was interviewed about the encounter through a semi-structured interview. The subjects were asked to rate the men's personalities and physical appearances and to describe the encounters with the men to provide an understanding of the subjects' impressions of the men's performances. Subjects' rejections of the men were categorized according to the degree to which the responses offered the men opportunities to save face. An unexpectedly high number of subjects offered rejections that helped the men save face, even when the men were persistent or received low performance ratings. Possible explanations for this unexpectedly high number are suggested.
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Hallam, Edward James. "An evaluation of product quality and consumer satisfaction in the FMCG market : Pick 'n Pay hypermarket, Port Elizabeth". Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/974.
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In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping consumers satisfied has never been more important than currently. Retailers need to understand how to satisfy their customers in order to enhance their appeal and increase consumer loyalty. Globally people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly. Advances in technology, more flexi-time of customers, and the many other social and economic changes affecting family and home life are some of the reasons why, specifically in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, it is important to act fast to service customers. In South Africa, there is indication of strong competition between the most dominant firms’ in the FMCG market, which include Pick ‘n Pay Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), Shoprite Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), the Spar Group Limited (14.9 percent), and Woolworths Holdings Limited (9.0 percent). As a result, it is unmistakable that in order for FMCG firms to grow and survive in the constantly changing, and competitive retail environment of South Africa, they must have a clear understanding of consumer’s expectations, as well as their actual shopping experiences. As stated, service quality for retailers of FMCG is of utmost importance to their level of success and ability to successfully cater for the market’s needs. Closely linked to this, is the focus of this study, namely to investigate consumers’ perceived levels of product quality, as well as the overall level of satisfaction experienced by customers. The purpose of this analytical research project is twofold: Firstly, to empirically test the hypothetical model and the associated hypotheses (as phrased in Section 1.4) by using confirmatory statistical techniques. Secondly, based on the findings of the research, to craft appropriate retail marketing strategies within the FMCG market that are suitable for implementation to address potential mismatches (gaps) of perceived product quality and consumers’ satisfaction. By the crafting of appropriate retail strategies, the potential to develop the FMCG industry in South Africa will be enhanced. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. The utilization of a Likert seven-point scale enabled primary data to be sourced from 301 consumers’ (respondents), who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences about the product quality of FMCG in South Africa. The statistical analysis of quantitative data comprised seven distinct phases. Firstly, the data was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model by assessing the construct (convergent, discriminant and nomological) validity of the pre-specified (predicted) factors. Secondly, the reliability (internal consistency) of the research instrument was assessed by means of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. This phase was followed by a multiple linear regression analyses which were used to test the impact of independent variables on the intervening variable. In order to test the second set of hypotheses (null and alternative hypotheses dealing with consumers’ expected product quality and their actual experiences) matched paired t-tests were utilized. Additionally, mean scores and relative percentage ratings on consumers’ expected and perceived product quality levels were also calculated and interpreted. Finally, bivariate linear regression analyses were used to test the third set of hypotheses (impact of consumers perceived product quality on consumers overall level of satisfaction). The findings of the multiple linear regression analyses required that the hypothetical model be reconstructed. Two variables were removed from the hypothetical model, namely, ‘South African culture’ and ‘service promises’. The findings of the matched pair t-tests show that significant statistical differences do exist between the ‘expectations’ and ‘actual experiences’ of consumers’ perceived product quality to support the hypothesis H3.A, namely: “There are no perceived differences between consumers’ expectations and their perceptions (actual experience) of product quality”. Besides the matched pair t-tests, further descriptive statistical analyses were also performed to assess the magnitude of the “gap” between expectations and actual experiences of consumers on South African FMCG product quality, such as the values for Cohen’s d and relative percentage ratings. The findings reveal that the consumers’ were not completely satisfied with their actual experiences. Three sets of conclusions and recommendations were identified for this research. Firstly, conclusions emanating from secondary sources on product quality and consumers’ satisfaction literature were provided, such as consumer satisfaction is seen more as a psychological state, which reveals an overall feeling of consumers’ purchase and consumption experience with FMCG. Secondly, the conclusions linked to the interpretation of the empirical findings revealed significant statistical differences between the expectations and perceptions (actual experiences) of consumers’ on perceived product quality. Finally, recommendations on relevant FMCG retail marketing strategies can be grouped into five domains: To build customer-led firms which adhere to the principles of true marketing orientation where the focus is on consumers and their needs and wants. Identify and clearly define the FMCG market in South Africa which comprises different market segments that are of great importance for the retail firms. The decision on a proper positioning strategy entails the choice of the target market segments, which will determine where and how the FMCG firm competes and the choice of differential advantages. Retailers should apply suitable marketing strategies to benefit optimally from their FMCG retail marketing strategies. A sound feedback system is a necessary component in the strategic marketing plan to obtain proper feedback that would contribute to the “management by exception” principle. It further will facilitate performance evaluation of product quality and service delivery, as well as and enable corrective actions to be taken in the case of deviations from the norm.
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Jiang, Haiyan. "Three essays on ownership concentration in New Zealand". Diss., Lincoln University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10182/974.
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There are two competing theoretical debates about the impact of ownership concentration on organisational outcomes, namely efficient-monitoring hypothesis and conflict-of-interest (strategic-alignment) hypothesis. New Zealand has a distinctively concentrated ownership structure. This raises an important research question: Does concentrated ownership in New Zealand perform an efficient monitoring or opportunistic function? This question remains unanswered due to the very limited research on ownership structure in New Zealand. This research considers three specific where studying the function of ownership concentration is likely to be insightful. Three contexts are: CEO compensation scheme, corporate voluntary disclosures and investor perception of ownership structure in the stock market. This research further contributes to the existing literature by decomposing ownership into four mutually exclusive groups, namely financial institution-, government-, management- and other company-controlled ownership structures. The different impacts of ownership concentration under each type of controlling ownership structure are investigated. The findings of Essay One reveal that concentrated ownership is a significant contributor to the poor CEO compensation pay-for-performance relationship in New Zealand listed companies. However, reduced ownership concentration promotes the alignment between CEO compensation and firm performance. These results imply that large shareholders in New Zealand do not play a monitoring role in curbing managerial power; rather it exacerbates the poor relationship between CEO compensation and firm performance. In Essay Two, regression results show that companies characterised by financial institution-controlled ownership structure tend to make significantly fewer (more) disclosures at high (low) concentration levels. In contrast, firm observations in the high concentration group with government- and management-controlled ownership structures have considerably higher voluntary disclosure scores compared with their low concentration counterparts. With respect to the linearity assumption, the relationship between ownership concentration and voluntary disclosure practices unveil a non-linear pattern, indicating that the efficiency of large shareholders’ monitoring varies with the level of intensity of ownership concentration. The results of Essay Three demonstrate that ownership concentration in general is positively associated with information asymmetry observed around annual report release date. This is supportive of investor-adverse selection towards ownership concentration, and such an adverse selection problem is strongly associated with financial institutional and managerial shareholdings. Also, ownership concentration decreases stock liquidity, so no result is found in line with the ownership concentration liquidity hypothesis. When voluntary disclosure is taken into account, regression results suggest that disclosure significantly attenuates information asymmetry risk related to ownership concentration. This effect is particularly pronounced for firms with management-controlled ownership structure. Findings highlight the importance of corporate disclosures under concentrated ownership structure in eliminating information asymmetry and enhancing market efficiency in New Zealand.
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Rocha, Alberto Frederico Moraes da. "Case study of a Brazilian community association : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Public Policy at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand". Massey University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/974.
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This is a Case Study Research done inside a poor community in Brazil. The main goal of the research is to facilitate this community to understand their problems and to overcome it. Therefore the researcher and the researched developed the following question ‘why NovaMosanta is not achieving its goals? The researcher wanted to work as a facilitator throughout the whole process of dialogue that aims to empower the community. Departing from that question and based on Freire’s ideas of education the research aims to build new knowledge from the interaction of academic and community knowledge. To implement this case study field research the researcher decided to use Participant observation and questionnaires. Surprisingly during the research the NGO called NovaMosanta faced the challenge of remodeling a public school without government help; otherwise the school would be closed. This NGO succeeded with the help of the New Zealand Government that gave NZ$15,000 to build two new classrooms in the school. Community members helped working in the remodeling and local commerce gave discounts to enable the remodeling. As a result the school will not be closed and the students will continue to study there. It also helped to increase community support and participation. Although not designed as a Participant Action Research, this thesis evolved to produce action and to change the community reality. It was an empowering process to the researcher and the researched. The community support increased and it also served s a catalytic event in the process of transformation and inclusion. Finally it clarifies the importance of producing fast results to maintain community support. You can check the research results in the links below that contain two local network reports about it. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz_FItXp3nM) & (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py5emCNXRlo)
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Du, Youhua. "Airway smooth muscle response to vibrations". AUT University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/974.
Texto completoResumen
The main goal of this research was the in vitro investigation of the stiffness response of contracted airway smooth muscles under different external oscillations. Living animal airway smooth muscle tissues were dissected from pig tracheas and stimulated by a chemical stimulus (acetylcholine). These tissues were then systematically excited with different external vibrations. The force change was recorded to reflect the muscle stiffness change under vibration. The static and dynamic stiffness of contracted airway smooth muscles in isometric contraction were determined before, during and after vibrations. A continuum cross-bridge dynamic model (the fading memory model) was modified to accommodate smooth muscle behaviour and dynamically describes the cross-bridge kinetics. A two-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate longitudinal and transverse vibrations of the tissue. An empirical equation, derived from the experiments, is incorporated into the FEM. The results indicate that the stiffness of active smooth muscles can be physically reduced using external vibrations. This reduction is caused by a certain physical position change between actin and myosin. The dynamic stiffness has the tendency of decreasing as the frequency and/or amplitude of external vibration increases. However, the static stiffness decreases with an increase in the frequency and amplitude of excitation until it reaches a critical value of frequency where no variation in stiffness is observed. It is postulated that the tissue elasticity and mass inertia are the main contributors to the dynamic stiffness while the actin-myosin cross-bridge cycling is the main contributor to the static stiffness.
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Rannenberg, Ansgar. "Explaining medium run swings in unemployment : shocks, monetary policy and labour market frictions". Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/974.
Texto completoResumen
The literature trying to link the increase in unemployment in many western European countries since the middle of the 1970s to an increase in labour market rigidity has run into a number of problems. In particular, changes in labour market institutions do not seem to be able to explain the evolution of unemployment across time. We conclude that a new theory of medium run unemployment swings should explain the increase in unemployment in many European countries and the lack thereof in the United States. Furthermore, it should also help to explain the high degree of endogenous unemployment persistence in the many European countries and findings suggesting a link between disinflationary monetary policy and subsequent increases in the NAIRU. To address these issues, we first develop an endogenous growth sticky price model. We subject the model to an uncorrelated cost push shock, in order to mimic a scenario akin to the one faced by central banks at the end of the 1970s. Monetary policy implements a disinflation by following an interest feedback rule calibrated to an estimate of a Bundesbank reaction function. 40 quarters after the shock has vanished, unemployment is still about 1.8 percentage points above its steady state. The model also partly explains cross country differences in the unemployment evolution by drawing on differences in the size of the disinflation, the monetary policy reaction function and wage setting. We then draw some conclusions about optimal monetary policy in the presence of endogenous growth and find that optimal policy is substantially less hawkish than in an identical economy without endogenous growth. The second model introduces duration dependent skill decay among the unemployed into a New-Keynesian model with hiring frictions developed by Blanchard/Gali (2008). If the central bank responds only to inflation and quarterly skill decay is above a threshold level, determinacy requires a coefficient on inflation smaller than one. The threshold level is plausible with little steady-state hiring and firing ("Continental European Calibration") but implausibly high in the opposite case ("American calibration"). Neither interest rate smoothing nor responding to the output gap helps to restore determinacy if skill decay exceeds the threshold level. However, a modest response to unemployment guarantees determinacy. Moreover, under indeterminacy, both an adverse sunspot shock and an adverse technology shock increase unemployment extremely persistently.
14
Kuragasaki-Laughton, Ayami. "The Japanese Migrant Community in Christchurch: The Quest for New Values and Identity". Thesis, University of Canterbury. History, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/974.
Texto completoResumen
Until the 1980s, there was no Japanese community in Christchurch, but only a small number of individuals living mainly amongst European New Zealanders. However, from the mid-1980s changes in New Zealand's immigration policies and the introduction of a working holiday scheme between Japan and New Zealand, led to the growth of a distinctive Japanese community. Its distinctiveness lays in a fact that unlike the classic 'New' immigrant communities of Japanese in Auckland and some other countries, it consisted largely of permanent residents rather than business expatriates. By the 1990s, the community had become large enough to support formal organisational structures, such as the Japanese Society of Canterbury, established in 1991 and the Japanese Supplementary School of Canterbury, opened in 1999. These organisations were founded by the permanent residents, not business sojourners. They fostered a sense of community and were expressions of Japanese identity, but they also promoted links with the host society. In this respect, they were representative of attitudes prevalent amongst the Christchurch's Japanese permanent residents. A survey conducted as a part of the research for this thesis reveals that Japanese in Christchurch retain a strong ethnic identification with Japan. However, it as well shows that they also have a strong civic identification with Christchurch and with New Zealand because they are glad that they live there; and it shows that most of them socialise extensively with European New Zealanders, support Canterbury and the All Blacks, and adopt aspects of 'Kiwi culture'. They have a dual loyalty to the land of their birth and the place where they live.
15
Mzinyane, Nozipho Nompumelelo. "Characterization of NaA-zeolite membranes using pervaporation / Nozipho Nompumelelo Mzinyane". Thesis, North-West University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/974.
Texto completoResumen
Pervaporation has gained increasing attention as an energy saving process for
separating azeotropes such as ethanol and water mixtures. Pervaporation
distinguishes itself from other membrane processes in that it entails a phase
transition step that occurs during the diffusion through the membrane, from the
liquid phase in the feed to a vapor phase in the permeate. Pervaporation
performance is mainly regulated by the physicochemical structure of the
membrane rather than the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the system. A significant
amount of literature is available to show the successful developments in terms of
membranes and their use for pervaporation applications.
In spite of the substantial progress in pervaporation using polymeric membranes,
as has been reviewed in several articles, zeolite membranes have various
advantages over polymeric membranes, most notably their chemical and thermal
stability. Due to their uniform molecular-sized pores, zeolites are highly suitable for
the separation of molecules in mixtures both through their adsorption capacity and
molecular sieving effects. It was the aim of this study to evaluate the suitability of
our in-house manufactured centrifugally casted ceramic support for coating with a
thin defect free NaA zeolite layer. The composite membrane was used to optimise
some of the variables pertaining to water ethanol pervaporation.
Both single and double coated NaA ceramic composite membranes were
manufactured. The integrity of the zeolite layer was confirmed by SEM. XRD was
used to show that the coated layer consisted of the zeolite NaA. According to the
XRD no impurities were present.
Both the single and double coated membranes were used for pervaporation.
During pervaporation, the influence of the feed temperature and composition on
both the single components and binary mixtures was determined. The binary
mixtures were evaluated by varying the feed composition from 5 to 95% water and
the feed temperature from 308K to 328K.
The single coated membrane performed better than the double coated membrane
both in terms of flux and selectivity. The single coated membrane yielded a
maximum flux of 4.50 kg.m-2h-1at a selectivity of nearly 20 000, compared to the
highest flux for the double coated membrane of 0.70 kg.m-2.h-1and a selectivity of
4000. While the fluxes for the single components were higher than for the binary
mixtures, the real selectivity for the binary mixture increased substantially from the
ideal selectivity obtained with the single components. This was explained in terms
of the preferential adsorption and condensation of water in the hydrophilic zeolite
pores (both intra- and intercrystalline). Due to the condensation of water in the
pores, the permeation of the ethanol is restricted, resulting in the significant
separation factor obtained.
For the binary mixture, it was found that both the total flux and the water flux
increase with increasing temperature and water content in the feed. The best
compromise in terms of flux and selectivity, i.e. an average flux and maximum
selectivity was obtained between 55 and 75% water in the feed at 328K. The high
selectivity obtained throughout this study confirmed that a defect free zeolite NaA
had been grown onto the smooth inside surface of the tubular ceramic support.
The zeolite layer was furthermore very thin, confirmed by the high fluxes obtained
compared to literature.Thesis (M.Sc. (Chemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
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Willoughby, Emily. "An Examination of Alcohol Use and Abuse in College Students". Scholarship @ Claremont, 2014. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/974.
Texto completoResumen
The purpose of this thesis is to examine how some college students become alcohol abusers and how, if at all, colleges can reduce such behavior. I will begin with a brief overview of the positive and negative economic impacts of alcohol consumption in the United States. Underage drinking is responsible for a significant portion of the negative impact, so the remainder of this thesis will focus on the negative role that alcohol plays during one of the most transformative times in young adults' lives: college. I will provide a review of the research that examines various risk factors for alcohol abuse in the college setting, the alcohol-related negative consequences, and an examination of explanations for why students consume alcohol. I will conclude with examples of three different actions that university administrators can take to reduce alcohol abuse.
17
Al-Abdullah, Mohammed Masoud. "Relevance of the local people's socio-cultural values in the landscape development of recreational sea fronts of Saudi Arabia : the case of Dammam". Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/974.
Texto completoResumen
In Saudi Arabia two massive and costly coastal land reclamations and developments were undertaken in the 1980s to define the borders of the expansion of two main coastal cities towards the sea. The first was started in the city of Jeddah on the Red Sea, and the second was started in the Dammam metropolitan area on the Arabian Gulf, to the west and the east of Saudi Arabia respectively. Two coastal roads were constructed on the shoreline of these two cities. ... Taking the case of the recreational sea front of the city of Dammam, and set against the background of the nature and history of recreational activity in Saudi Arabia, this study investigates the part played by the socio-cultural background of the local users of the sea front, and its effect on their picnicking behaviour there, in order to assist in providing appropriate information for landscape architects and other decision makers involved in the planning and design of outdoor leisure facilities in Saudi Arabia. ... The development of suitable recreational sea fronts, then, depends not only on the technical expertise of landscape architects, but also on a proper understanding of the role played by socio-cultural factors in the requirements of the users. Steps should be taken, both in the training of landscape architects and in the monitoring of plans for leisure areas, which will enable them to develop facilities which will be appropriate to the needs, aspirations, and values of their primary users, the local people. The potential for further study in this area exists. A quantitative approach could help establish more exact data about the preferences of local users of recreational facilities, and thus more precise criteria for their design. This would also help in site management. And the possibility exists for research into the impact of sea front developments on natural resources and ecology
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Tokhi, Mohammad Osman. "Analysis, design and implementation of self-tuning active noise control systems". Thesis, Heriot-Watt University, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10399/974.
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Sundt-Ohlson, Eilert. "Kant and the epistemology of metaphysics". Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2000. http://sas-space.sas.ac.uk/974/.
Texto completoResumen
I argue in this thesis that the topic of Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason is an epistemology of metaphysics. This has important consequences for how the argumentative structure of the work should be understood. While the Critique constitutes an indispensable part of Kant’s philosophy in general and his ethics in particular, it is doubtful whether it is fully successful as it stands. In a footnote to his Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science Kant hints at an alternative argumentative strategy to establish the claims of the Critique, but he seems not to have developed this in the subsequent 2nd edition of the Critique. In this thesis I present a critical reconstruction of this alternative argumentative strategy applied to the central topics of the Transcendental Analytic. I claim that it is the aim of the Transcendental Analytic as a whole to provide a justification for the claim that pure concepts – Categories – are validly applied to objects of experience. Following Kant’s hint in the footnote to the Foundations, I argue that this can be established directly from an analysis of the forms of empirical judgements, and that claims about space and time as forms of intuition and considerations about the nature of human sensibility, are redundant. This reconstruction offers a profoundly Kantian, yet robustly realist way of resolving important philosophical problems.
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Rodrigues, Aline. "Experiências visuais de sujeitos surdos: encontros com a fotografia". reponame:Repositório Institucional da UNIVATES, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10737/974.
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Um clique. Uma luz. Um registro. Um afecto. A fotografia a partir das experiências visuais. O que registrar surge do inesperado. Uma caminhada por instantes. Diante do sol, da chuva, do dia, da noite: uma vida. Caminhadas carto(foto)grafadas, buscando dar passagem ao que captura, na leveza dos acontecimentos, sob tentativas de desviar o tempo. Experiência que se faz e desfaz, entre meu corpo, sujeitos surdos, uma máquina fotográfica e movimentos. Nessa medida, o propósito desta pesquisa foi articular uma relação entre o caminhar como prática permeada por afectos e um olhar para as singularidades de sujeitos surdos, em meio a teorizações de filósofos da diferença, entre eles, Gilles Deleuze e Roland Barthes. Nesse trajeto, alguns rastros foram traçados, percebendo-se que um sujeito surdo pode ser pensado pela sua imprevisibilidade. O que o toca, toca-o de maneira singular, na potência da sua diferença, como um gesto criador de Caminhando, obra de Lygia Clark (1964). Às vezes, um sujeito inacabado, em movimento de constante recusa à fixação. Em muitas outras, apenas um sujeito capturado por linhas estratificadas. Ao finalizar a pesquisa, percebe-se que a entrega do sujeito é sempre algo difícil, de modo que, ao rastrear definições e representações, fixa-se mais na objetividade e brevidade.
A click. A light. A record. Affectio. Photography regarded from visual experiences. The unexpected determines what must be recorded. Walking for a while. Before the sun, the rain, the day, the night: a life. Carto(photo)graphed walking, trying to give way to what captures in the lightness of the events, in attempts to deviate time. Experience that does and undoes between my body, deaf subjects, a camera and movements. The purpose of this research is to articulate a relationship between walking as a practice permeated with affectios and a look at the singularities of deaf subjects amidst theorizations by philosophers of difference, such as Gilles Deleuze and Roland Barthes. Along this way, some trails have been traced, and deaf subjects can be thought from their unpredictability. That which touches them, does it in a singular way, in the potency of their difference, as a creating gesture in Walking, by Lygia Clark (1964). Sometimes, an unfinished subject in a movement of constant refusal to fixation. In many other times, just a subject captured by stratified lines. By concluding the research, it is possible to perceive that subject surrender is always something difficult; by tracking definitions and representations, it is more fixed on objectivity and brevity.
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Brossala, Diddy Kondjo. "The Missing Profiles and Co‐Presencing : Finding a Horizon of Mutuality and Intersubjectivity for a Democratic Political Society in Husserl’s Phenomenology". Thesis, Boston College, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/974.
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Sifunda, Pindiwe. "The development of a business model for the national intellectual property management office". Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/974.
Texto completoResumen
Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many countries recognise the importance of realising economic growth through the exploitation of research outputs culminating from publicly financed institutions. At the forefront of these countries is the United States of America which has seen increased commercialisation efforts made by its universities since the passing of its Intellectual Property (IP) legislation, the Bayh-Dole Act in the 1980s. The Act assigned IP rights to public institutions. Most countries have since followed suit and SA is likewise in the process of adopting similar legislation, namely the Intellectual Property Rights Bill (IPR Bill). The Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is responsible for growing the knowledge base of the country, guided by the National R&D Strategy adopted in 2002, has developed a framework for IP rights emanating from publicly financed research. This will form the basis for IPR legislation, which is currently under review by Parliament. The legislation is similar to that adopted in the USA, with due consideration for local content. It also assigns IP rights emanating from publicly financed research to the recipient entities, that is, public institutions and small businesses. The legislation aims to stimulate inter alia a culture of patenting by public institutions. This has the potential to increase the commercialisation of these research outputs, as evidenced in other countries. The abovementioned legislation refers to the establishment of a national agency, the National IP Management Office (NIPMO), which will have the responsibility of undertaking the administrative function set out in the legislation. This paper investigates a business model, as well as an institutional framework for NIPMO, taking into account the challenges of IP management in SA and abroad. Desktop research was carried out for a better understanding of the status quo in the IP management landscape, both locally and abroad. This was followed by primary research by means of interviews in order to gain insight into the nature of local IP management offices, the challenges they are faced with and also the expectations of the planned National IP Management Office. The literature survey indicated that many countries have come to realise the importance of developing their economies through exploitation of publicly financed research outputs. Most countries have since adopted IPR legislation to enable public research institutions to manage their IP, and commercialise their research outputs. There are still challenges faced by this system, which are similar across countries. These range from the financing required for the management and running of these office, limited capacity, and also traditional mindsets of researchers in putting greater value on publications than on patents. Exploiting the information gathered, an environmental analysis in the form of SWOT and stakeholder analyses was carried out, which culminated in the development of a business model and a governance model. Some of the key recommendations that have been made in this study include the following: NIPMO should follow the proposed business model which outlines the different number of expertise and services that should be provided to ensure the sustainable administering of the IPR legislation. In order to be able to provide a much needed service and be accessible to the institutional technology transfer offices (TTOs), NIPMO should set up provincial offices to better assist the under-capacitated TTOs, as well as institutions without TTOs. As skills are being developed in the area of IP Management, it should be considered to roll-out these regional offices incrementally, starting with areas that are in most need of these services, namely Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. NIPMO should play a major role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation and the impact of the new legislation on the innovativeness of the country’s research environment.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Baie lande besef die belangrikheid van die verwesenliking van ekonomiese groei deur die benutting van navorsingsuitsette wat van staatsgefinansierde instellings afkomstig is. Die Verenigde State van Amerika (VSA) is aan die voorpunt van hierdie lande, met toenemende kommersialisering deur hierdie land se universiteite sedert die wetgewing oor Intellektuele Eiendom (IE) by wyse van die Bayh-Dole-wet in die 1980’s goedgekeur is. Hierdie wet het IE-regte aan regeringsinstellings toegeken. Die meeste lande het hierdie voorbeeld gevolg, en ook Suid-Afrika is tans besig om soortgelyke wetgewing goed te keur, naamlik die Wetsontwerp op Intellektuele Eiendomsregte (IER-wetsontwerp). Die Departement van Wetenskap en Tegnologie (DWT), wat verantwoordelik is vir die uitbreiding van die land se kennisbasis en deur die Nasionale Navorsings- en Ontwikkelingstrategie wat in 2002 goedgekeur is, gerig word, het ’n raamwerk vir IE-regte wat uit staatsgefinansierde navorsing afkomstig is, ontwikkel. Dít sal die grondslag vorm van IER-wetgewing en die IER-wetsontwerp, wat tans deur die Parlement in hersiening geneem word. Die wetgewing stem ooreen met dít wat in die VSA goedgekeur is, en skenk behoorlike oorweging aan plaaslike inhoud. Dit ken ook IE-regte wat uit staatsgefinansierde navorsing afkomstig is, aan die ontvangerentiteite, naamlik staatsinstellings en klein besighede, toe. Die wetgewing is daarop gemik om onder andere ’n kultuur van patentering deur staatsinstellings te stimuleer. Dit bied die moontlikheid van verhoogde kommersialisering van hierdie navorsingsuitsette, soos in ander lande aangetoon. Die bogenoemde wetgewing verwys na die stigting van ’n nasionale agentskap, die Nasionale IE-bestuurskantoor (NIMPO), wat daarvoor verantwoordelik sal wees om die administratiewe funksie, soos in die wetgewing gestipuleer, uit te voer. Hierdie tesis ondersoek ’n sakemodel asook ’n institusionele raamwerk vir NIPMO, wat die uitdagings van IE-bestuur in Suid-Afrika en in die buiteland in aanmerking neem. Literatuur oor die onderwerp is ondersoek om beter begrip van die status quo in die terrein van IE-bestuur, sowel plaaslik as in die buiteland, te verkry. Hierna het primêre navorsing deur middel van onderhoude gevolg, ten einde insig in die aard van plaaslike IE-bestuurskantore, die uitdagings waarvoor hulle te staan kom en ook die verwagtinge van die beplande NIMPO te verkry. Die literatuuroorsig het getoon dat baie lande die belangrikheid van die ontwikkeling van hul ekonomieë deur die benutting van staatsgefinansierde navorsingsuitsette besef. Die meeste lande het intussen IER-wetgewing goedgekeur ten einde staatsnavorsingsinstellings in staat te stel om hul IE te bestuur, en om hul navorsingsuitsette te kommersialiseer. Hierdie stelsel kom steeds voor uitdagings te staan, soos ook die geval in ander lande. Hierdie uitdagings wissel van die finansiering wat nodig is vir die bestuur en werking van hierdie kantore en beperkte kapasiteit tot ’n tradisionele ingesteldheid van navorsers om groter waarde op publikasies as op patente te plaas. Op grond van die inligting wat ingesamel is, is ’n omgewingsontleding in die vorm van SWOT- en belanghebberontledings uitgevoer, wat tot die ontwikkeling van ’n sake- en ’n beheermodel gelei het. Op grond van die ontledings is belangrike aanbevelings gemaak, wat die volgende insluit: NIPMO moet die voorgestelde sakemodel volg, wat die hoeveelheid kundigheid en dienste stipuleer wat nodig is om die volhoubare uitvoering van die IER-wetgewing te verseker. Ten einde in staat te wees om ’n uiters noodsaaklike diens te verskaf en vir die institusionele tegnologie-oordragkantore (TOK’s) toeganklik te wees, moet NIPMO provinsiale kantore stig om TOK’s met ’n lae kapasiteit asook instellings sonder TOK’s beter te kan bystaan. Aangesien vaardighede in die veld van EI-bestuur nog ontwikkel word, moet oorweging daaraan geskenk word om hierdie streekskantore toenemend van stapel te laat loop deur te begin by gebiede wat hierdie dienste die nodigste het, soos Kwa-Zulu Natal en die Oos-Kaap. NIPMO moet ’n belangrike rol in die monitering en evaluering van die implementering en die impak van die nuwe wetgewing op die vernuwende aard van die land se navorsingsomgewing speel.
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Pittman, Jason Alan. "The Effects of Time-compression and Learner-control in Multimedia Instruction". NSUWorks, 2016. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/gscis_etd/974.
Texto completoResumen
There is a significant gap in the body of knowledge concerning time-compressed multimedia instruction. Although research indicates that there is no loss in learning through well-designed multimedia instruction compressed at 25%, research is lacking that analyzes the effects of time-compression with learner-control included in the multimedia instruction. The aim of the study was to address this gap in the research by integrating learner-control into the interface of a time-compressed multimedia instructional lesson using similar methodologies from previous research.
Effects were analyzed of time-compressed learner-controlled multimedia instruction on learning and perceived cognitive load. Additionally, the researcher employed a participant population from a corporate environment to increase the generalizability of the results. The researcher investigated two hypotheses concerning the differences in effects between a treatment group that used multimedia instruction featuring learner-control over two pre-determined compression speeds (0% and 25%) and a control group with no time-compression.
The primary results of the study were that there was no significant difference in either learning or perceived cognitive load between the treatment and control group. Also, another noteworthy result was that only one-fifth of the participants in the treatment group (n=7) altered the compression speed during the presentation.
One implication of these results is that learners might want more compression speed options during a presentation. Another implication is that learners might choose to use time-compression during a multimedia presentation if there was more information provided to the learner concerning what time-compression is and how it affects learning. Recommendations for future research include investigating the implications of this study and expanding the types of populations that are sampled for time-compressed multimedia research. Overall, both industry and academia must commit to aiding in the research of time-compression technology if its benefits and hindrances are ever to be fully explored.
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Childs, Lauren. "A New Orleans State of Crime: Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Shifting Homicide Patterns In Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, LA". ScholarWorks@UNO, 2009. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/974.
Texto completoResumen
Dubbed the "most murderous" and "deadliest" city in the United States during 2006, 2007 and 2008, New Orleans has wrestled with crime and murder since its founding in 1718. Following Hurricane Katrina the city saw an increase in the murder rate despite a sharp decrease in population. The focus of this project was to map homicide data trends in the city of New Orleans over a period of seven years, 2002 to 2008, and compare spatial and temporal patterns via GIS. NOPD homicide location data were geocoded and analyzed in ESRI's ArcGIS geospatial software. Methodologies of hotspot detection included point maps, choropleth graduated color maps, and quartic kernel density maps. The project's goal was to not only detect hotspots, but to create a synoptic view of shifting homicide trends throughout the city of New Orleans, highlighting the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
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Ribeiro, Filho Napoleão Póvoa. "Melhorando o desempenho da técnica de clusterização hierárquica single linkage utilizando a metaheurística GRASP". Universidade Federal do Tocantins, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11612/974.
Texto completoResumen
O problema de clusterização (agrupamento) consiste em, a partir de uma base de dados,
agrupar os elementos de modo que os mais similares fiquem no mesmo cluster (grupo),
e os elementos menos similares fiquem em clusters distintos. Há várias maneiras de se
realizar esses agrupamentos. Uma das mais populares é a hierárquica, onde é criada uma
hierarquia de relacionamentos entre os elementos. Há vários métodos de se analisar a
similaridade entre elementos no problema de clusterização. O mais utilizado entre eles é o
método single linkage, que agrupa os elementos que apresentarem menor distância entre si.
Para se aplicar a técnica em questão, uma matriz de distâncias é a entrada utilizada. Esse
processo de agrupamento gera ao final uma árvore invertida conhecida como dendrograma.
O coeficiente de correlação cofenética (ccc), obtido após a construção do dendrograma,
é utilizado para avaliar a consistência dos agrupamentos gerados e indica o quão fiel o
dendrograma está em relação aos dados originais. Dessa forma, um dendrograma apresenta
agrupamentos mais consistentes quando o ccc for o mais próximo de um (1) . O problema
de clusterização em todas as suas vertentes, inclusive a clusterização hierárquica (objeto
de estudo nesse trabalho), pertence a classe de problemas NP-Completo. Assim sendo, é
comum o uso de heurísticas para obter soluções de modo eficiente para esse problema. Com
o objetivo de gerar dendrogramas que resultem em melhores ccc, é proposto no presente
trabalho um novo algoritmo que utiliza os conceitos da metaheurística GRASP. Também
é objetivo deste trabalho implementar tal solução em computação paralela em um cluster
computacional, permitindo assim trabalhar com matrizes de dimensões maiores. Testes
foram realizados para comprovar o desempenho do algoritmo proposto, comparando os
resultados obtidos com os gerados pelo software R.The problem of clustering (grouping) consists of, from a database, group the elements so that more queries are in the same cluster (group) and less similar elements are different clusters. There are several ways to accomplish these groupings. One of the most popular is the hierarchical, where a hierarchical relationships between the elements is created. There are several methods of analyzing the similarity between elements in the clustering problem. The most common among them is the single linkage method, which brings together the elements that are experiencing less apart. To apply the technique in question, distance matrix is the input used. This grouping process generates the end an inverted tree known as dendrogram. The cophenetic correlation coefficient (ccc), obtained after the construction of the dendrogram is a measure used to evaluate the consistency of the clusters generated and indicates how faithful he is in relation to the original data. Thus, a dendrogram gives more consistent clusters when the ccc is closer to one (1). The clustering problem in all its aspects, including hierarchical clustering (object of study in this work), belongs to the class of NP-complete problems. Therefore, it is common to use heuristics for efficient solutions to this problem. In order to generate dendrograms that result in better ccc, it is proposed in this paper a new algorithm that uses the concepts of GRASP metaheuristic. It is also objective of this work to implement such a solution in parallel computing in a computer cluster, thus working with arrays larger. Tests were conducted to confirm the performance of the proposed algorithm, comparing the results with those generated by the software R.
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Sousa, Patrícia Maria Bocarro de. "Migração e saúde comunitária: Acesso a serviços de saúde, conhecimentos e comportamentos em relação ao VIH / SIDA". Master's thesis, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/974.
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Dissertação de Mestrado em Psicoloiga ComunitáriaO acesso aos serviços de saúde é um direito humano fundamental, indispensável para garantir o desenvolvimento, o bem-estar e a dignidade do Ser Humano. A presente investigação pretende estudar na área do acesso aos serviços de saúde, os obstáculos que possam existir e, conhecimentos e comportamentos em relação ao VIH/SIDA em pessoas migrantes. A recolha de dados foi realizada com a população de migrantes que recorre à Unidade Móvel dos Médicos do Mundo, que respondeu a um questionário. Este instrumento de investigação é composto por um questionário desenvolvido pelo Observatório Europeu do Acesso aos Cuidados de Saúde dos Médicos do Mundo e por um questionário desenvolvido pela ONUSIDA que foi traduzido para português. Por um lado, esta investigação permitiu conhecer as dificuldades e obstáculos que os migrantes encontram no acesso a serviços de saúde e, por outro, permitiu compreender os conhecimentos e os comportamentos que os migrantes têm em relação ao VIH/SIDA. Os dados obtidos conduzem-nos a concluir que necessitamos de uma intervenção urgente, de modo a eliminar barreiras no acesso a serviços de saúde e a promover comportamentos protectores para a saúde dos migrantes.
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Rebelo, Carlos José Branquinho. "Veterinary controls at border inspection posts in the Netherlands". Master's thesis, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/974.
Texto completoResumen
Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina VeterináriaThe trade between the European Community and third countries, as well as among Member States, of animal products or products of animal origin and live animals, is detailed by an ample collection of harmonized laws and regulations, allowing a similar approach from the competent authorities of the Member States. The referred imports may only enter the Community territory through approved points of entry, the “Border Inspection Post” (BIP), where official veterinary checks are carried out to arriving consignments. BIPs must, to be approved and listed, comply with the general conditions set down in Community legislation, and such compliance is regularly evaluated by the Food and Veterinary Office in inspections carried out in the Member States. Two of the busiest BIPs in Europe are located in the Netherlands, in Rotterdam’s harbour and in Amsterdam’s airport (Schiphol). These are supervised by the Dutch Competent Central Authority, the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA). The veterinary checks to perform vary from consignment to consignment, according to their origin, type and purpose of usage. Such controls are supported by a number of electronic programs and interfaces that provide updated information over the consignment in hand. This thesis expects to describe the veterinary checks carried out at Dutch BIPs, from the moment of the consignment’s arrival, to its release/rejection.
RESUMO - O comércio entre a Comunidade Europeia e países terceiros, bem como as trocas intracomunitárias de produtos animais ou produtos de origem animal e animais vivos estão regularizados por um conjunto de leis e regulamentos sanitários idênticos, que permitem uma abordagem harmonizada das autoridades dos vários Estados-Membros. As importações destes bens na União Europeia só se poderão efectuar através de determinados pontos de entrada aprovados para tal efeito, denominados “Posto de Inspecção Fronteiriço” (PIF), onde se efectuam os controlos veterinários oficiais às remessas que chegam. A aprovação destes PIFs está sujeita a um conjunto de requisitos definidos em legislação europeia, e o cumprimento dessas condições de aprovação é regularmente avaliado em missões aos Estados-Membros, levadas a cargo por inspectores da Comissão Europeia (do Serviço Alimentar e Veterinário). Dois dos principais PIFs europeus localizam-se na Holanda, no Porto de Roterdão e no Aeroporto de Amesterdão (Schiphol), sendo supervisionados pela Autoridade para a Segurança dos Alimentos e Produtos de Consumo (VWA). Os controlos veterinários a efectuar variam de remessa para remessa, consoante a origem, natureza e destino das mesmas. Esses controlos são sustentados por um conjunto de programas e sistemas electrónicos que mantêm os veterinários actualizados acerca do estado actual de cada remessa. Este trabalho visa descrever os controlos veterinários efectuados nos PIFs holandeses, desde o momento da recepção da remessa, até à libertação/rejeição da mesma.
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Louro, Marlene Morgado. "Cirurgia laparoscópica vs cirurgia convencional: custos em saúde". Master's thesis, Universidade da Beira Interior, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.6/974.
Texto completoResumen
Para lá do benefício estético e funcional derivado do pequeno tamanho das incisões, a cirurgia laparoscópica apresenta cada vez mais vantagens em relação à cirurgia convencional, como sejam: as reduzidas perdas sanguíneas, que originam uma menor necessidade de transfusões de componentes hemáticos; diminuição da demora média no internamento, com menos dor, o que acarreta uma inferior necessidade de utilização de terapêuticas analgésicas pós-operatórias; e menos risco de infecção cirúrgica. No entanto, como em todas as técnicas, existem sempre riscos e possíveis efeitos adversos. Com este estudo, pretende-se saber quais os protocolos e abordagens cirúrgicas utilizadas na colecistectomia laparoscópica, procedimento efectuado no Centro Hospitalar Cova da Beira (CHCB), tendo como objectivo avaliar se o custo de utilização desta via de acesso é, ou poderá ser, compensado pelos benefícios em termos de recuperação mais precoce e menor utilização de antibióticos e outros meios, comparando também o custo-beneficio e incidência de complicações (intra-operatórias, pós-operatórias e tardias), com a colecistectomia laparotómica. Este é um estudo documental retrospectivo, realizado através da consulta de processos de doentes submetidos a colecistectomia quer por via laparoscópica, quer por via laparotómica, durante os anos de 2005 a 2009, no Centro Hospitalar Cova da Beira (CHCB). Foram obtidos protocolos do serviço de cirurgia, dados de GDH (Grupo de Diagnostico Homogéneo) e custos de instrumentos, medicamentos e exames complementares de diagnóstico, utilizados em ambas as cirurgias.
Foram consideradas para análise 663 doentes, dos quais 617 foram submetidos a colecistectomia laparoscópica e 46 a cirurgia laparoscópica convertida. Os doentes submetidos a cirurgia laparoscópica, tiveram significativamente menor probabilidade de usar antibióticos (odds ratio 0,12; p=0,005), hemoderivados (odds ratio 30,70; p=0.00) e exames complementares de diagnóstico (odds ratio 8,36; p=0,00).
Este grupo apresentou também uma probabilidade significativamente menor de ter complicações de qualquer tipo pós-operatórias (odds ratio 0,269 p=0,006) e tardias (odds ratio 0,124; p=0,00), ao contrário das complicações intra-operatórias, que demonstraram ser um pouco mais elevadas que na cirurgia laparotómica (odds ratio 0,99; p=0,674), em relação ao grupo submetido a cirurgia laparotómica.
O custo final médio de uma laparoscopia ficou avaliado em 3298,09€, enquanto o custo de uma laparotomia se situou num patamar acima, com 7670,77€. Este facto permitiu validar a hipótese colocada, de que apesar de a cirurgia laparoscópica ter um custo elevado a nível técnico, a diminuição da utilização de hemoderivados, analgesia, antibioterapia e a menor taxa de complicações permite compensar este facto, e ser menos onerosa que a cirurgia laparotómica.Beyond the functional and aesthetic benefits derived from the small size of the incisions, this technique has more advantages over conventional surgery, such as the reduced blood loss, giving rise to a reduced need for hematologic transfusions, decreased average delay, with less pain, which carries a lower need for use of postoperative analgesic therapies, and less risk of surgical infection. However, as in all techniques, there are always risks and possible adverse effects. This study aims to find out what guidelines and surgical approaches are used in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a procedure performed in the Cova da Beira Hospital Center (CHCB) and if the cost of using this access route is or may be, offset by benefits in terms of earlier recovery and less use of drugs and other means, comparing also the cost-benefit and incidence of complications (intraoperative, postoperative and late) with laparotomic cholecystectomy. A documentary, retrospective study was carried out through the consultation of files from patients who underwent laparoscopic and laparotomic cholecystectomy, during the years 2005 to 2009, in Cova da Beira Hospital Center (CHCB). Protocols were obtained from the surgery service, data from DRG (Diagnosis Related Groups) and the cost of instruments, medicines and diagnostic exams used in both surgeries. Were considered for analysis 663 patients, of which 617 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 46 underwent converted laparoscopic surgery. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were significantly less likely to use antibiotics (odds ratio 0.12, p= 0.005), blood products (odds ratio 30.70, p= 0.00) and diagnostic exams (odds ratio: 8.36 P = 0.00). This group also showed significantly less chance to develop post-operative (odds ratio 0,269; p=0,006) and late complications (odds ratio 0,124; p=0,00). However intra-operative complications (odds ratio 0,99; p=0,674) appeared to have higher incidence, in relation to the group undergoing laparotómica surgery. The average cost of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was evaluated at €3,298.09, while the cost of a laparotomy went up to €7,670.77. The initial hypothesis was thereby validated since it was shown that the lower complication rates and the decreased use of blood products, analgesics, antibiotics, and diagnostic exams, compensates de higher cost of laparoscopy in a technical level, and becomes less expensive than laparotomic surgery.
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Contreras, García Carmen Adriana. "Asociación de variabilidad genética y fenótipica de Escherichia coli enteropatógena (EPEC) con cuadros de diarrea en niños menores de un año". Bachelor's thesis, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 2010. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12672/974.
Texto completoResumen
Escherichia coli enteropatogéna (EPEC) se encuentra entre una de las principales causantes de diarrea en niños de países en vías de desarrollo, estas bacterias pueden ser calsificadas en típicas (tEPEC) y atípicas (aEPEC) dependiendo de la presencia o ausencia de un plásmido llamado EAF (E. coli adherence factor), respectivamente. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la diversidad alélica de genes de virulencia de EPEC, el fenotipo, y su relación con las características clínicas. Se analizaron 120 cepas de EPEC aisladas de un estudio de cohorte en niños menores de un año en Lima. Utilizando la técnica de PCR-RFLP se caracterizaron los alelos de los genes eae (intimina), bfpA (proteína bundlina del bundle-forming pilus) y perA (plasmid encoded regulator). El fenotipo de EPEC fue evaluado mediante la precipitacion de proteínas secretadas (EspA, EspB, EspD y EspC), el ensayo de adherencia y el ensayo de polimerización de actina (FAS). Las cepas aEPEC (eae+, bfp-) fueron más comunes, tanto en casos de diarrea (54/74, 73%) como en controles (40/46, 87%). Del total de cepas evaluadas se encontraron 13 alelos del gen eae; los más frecuentes fueron: beta (34/120, 28%), theta (24/120, 20%), kappa (14/120, 12%) y mu (8/120, 7%). Se encontraron 5 alelos de bfpA; los más frecuentes fueron: beta1/7 (10/26), alpha (7/26) y beta5 (3/26). El alelo gamma del gen eae fue el más frecuente entre los episodios de diarrea de larga duración (> 7 días) que en los de menos duración (3/26, 12% vs. 0/48, 0%, p menor 0.05). Por otro lado, el alelo kappa del gen eae está relacionado con un puntaje cliníco más severos en comparación a otros alelos (p menor 0.05).
De los cuatro patrones de adherencia encontrados LA (adherencia localizada); LAL (similar a la LA); DA (adherencia difusa) y IS/NA (bacterias aisladas/no adherencia), el patrón LA se encontró muy frecuente en las tEPEC (eae+, bfpA+) versus las aEPEC dentro de los casos de diarrea (6/8, 75% vs. 2/38, 5%, p menor 0.05), mientras el patrón IS/NA estuvo relacionado a las aEPEC versus las tEPEC en los casos de diarrea (26/38, 68% vs. 1/8, 13%, p menor 0.05). Se encontró que la polimerización de actina estuvo más relacionada a las tEPEC que a las cepas aEPEC en los casos de diarrea (6/8, 75% vs. 1/38, 3%, p menor 0.05).Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) strains are amongst the major causes of infantile diarrhea in developing countries and can be classified as typical (tEPEC) atypical (aEPEC), depending on the presence or absence of the E. coli adherence factor plasmid (pEAF), respectively. The aim of this study was to describe the allelic diversity of critical virulence EPEC genes, phenotype; and the association of these results with clinical characteristics. 120 EPEC strains isolated from a cohort diarrhea study in Peruvian children were characterized for the allele of eae (intimin), bfpA (bundling pilin protein of bundle-forming pilus) and perA (plasmid encoded regulator) genes by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The EPEC phenotype was evaluated using, the protein precipitation assay (EspA, EspB, EspD y EspC), the adherence and the actin polymerization assay (FAS). aEPEC strains (eae+, bfp-) were the most common pathotype in diarrhea (54/74, 73%) and control samples from children without diarrhea (40/46, 87%). Overall there were 13 eae alleles; the most common were beta (34/120, 28%), theta (24/120, 20%), kappa (14/120, 12%) and mu (8/120, 7%). There were 5 bfpA alleles; the most common were beta1/7 (10/26), alpha3 (7/26) and beta5 (3/26). There were 3 perA alleles: beta (8/16), alpha (7/16) and gamma (1/16). The gamma-intimin allele was more frequently found in diarrhea episodes of longer duration (>7 days) than shorter (3/26, 12% vs. 0/48, 0%, p less than 0.05). The kappa-intimin allele had the highest clinical severity score in comparison to other alleles (p less than 0.05). Of the four adherence patterns found: LA (localized adherence); LAL (LA-like); DA (diffuse adherence) and IS/NA (isolated strain/ not adherence); LA pattern was more related to tEPEC (eae+, bfpA+) than aEPEC in diarrhea cases (6/8, 75% vs. 2/38, 5%, p less than 0.05). The IS/NA pattern was related to aEPEC compared to tEPEC in diarrhea cases (26/38, 68% vs. 1/8, 13%, p less than 0.05). We found that the actin polimerization (P) was significantly associated to tEPEC in both, diarrhea (6/8, 75% vs. 1/38, 3%, p less than0.05).
Tesis
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Beneke, Randel. "Applicability of trocchia's four non-financial motivations for motor vehicle leasing in South Africa : a comparative case-study". Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/974.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007.The research study explored the growing phenomenon of consumption without ownership, by addressing the individual’s motivations for leasing rather than financing motor vehicles.
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Haran, John P. "Clostridium difficile Colonization and Infection in the Elderly and Associations with the Aging Intestinal Microbiome". eScholarship@UMMS, 2018. https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsbs_diss/974.
Texto completoResumen
The widespread use of antibiotics has led to dramatic increases in the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). No group of patients suffers more from CDI than the elderly. Nursing homes (NH) represent the perfect storm of a vulnerable group of frail elders living in confined communities. Nursing home residents suffer from increased morbidity and mortality from CDI and corresponding high rates of C. difficile colonization. Upwards of 40 to 50% of CDI current cases originate from NHs and the prevalence of colonization rates remain high within these facilities, with as many as half of the residents being colonized with C. difficile at any given time. One factor that has become of increasing interest and a target of preventive strategies is the human intestinal microbiome. A healthy, diverse microbiome interacts with the host immune system and contributes to pathogen resistance. In this investigation, we first examine elder specific variables to determine if the associated risks of CDI differ by home living environment (nursing home versus community-dwelling). We then go on explore the relationships of NH environment, frailty, nutritional status, and residents’ age with microbiome composition and potential metabolic function. Finally, we describe the C. difficile colonization patterns among elderly NH residents and the associated risk of colonization based on clinical variables and microbiome determinants. A better understanding of the microbiome’s contribution to C. difficile colonization will provide the basis for informing rational interventions and public health policies to better combat CDI in the nursing home.
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Aidov, Alexandre. "Three Essays on Market Depth in Futures Markets". FIU Digital Commons, 2013. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/974.
Texto completoResumen
Liquidity is an important market characteristic for participants in every financial market. One of the three components of liquidity is market depth. Prior literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of depth in U.S. futures markets due to past limitations on the availability of data. However, recent innovations in data collection and dissemination provide new opportunities to investigate the depth dimension of liquidity.
In this dissertation, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group proprietary database on depth is employed to study the dynamics of depth in the U.S. futures markets. This database allows for the analysis of depth along the entire limit order book rather than just at the first level.
The first essay examines the characteristics of depth within the context of the five-deep limit order book. Results show that a large amount of depth is present in the book beyond the best level. Furthermore, the findings show that the characteristics of five-deep depth between day and night trading vary and that depth is unequal across levels within the limit order book. The second essay examines the link between the five-deep market depth and the bid-ask spread. The results suggest an inverse relation between the spread and the depth after adjusting for control factors. The third essay explores transitory volatility in relation to depth in the limit order book. Evidence supports the relation between an increase in volatility and a subsequent decrease in market depth. Overall, the results of this dissertation are consistent with limit order traders actively managing depth along the limit order book in electronic U.S. futures markets.
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Ray, Preston. "No Man's Land". Digital Commons at Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School, 2021. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/974.
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NO MAN’S LAND (One-Hour, Horror) – In a dying Dust Bowl town suffering from the outbreak of a strange disease, a headstrong epidemiologist finds herself facing off against an ancient, supernatural entity.
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Jacques, Carine. "Étude de la diffusion et du métabolisme cutané de xénobiotiques sur la peau d'oreille de porc maintenue en survie par comparaison avec le foie". Toulouse 3, 2010. http://thesesups.ups-tlse.fr/974/.
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L'évolution des réglementations internationales vise à réduire le nombre d'animaux utilisés en expérimentation. L'une des solutions est le développement de modèles alternatifs. L'objectif principal de ce travail de thèse était l'étude du modèle ex vivo peau d'oreille de porc, exposé après application topique à des composés diffusant à travers la peau. La peau de porc présente de fortes similitudes physiologiques et morphologiques avec la peau humaine. Elle pourrait constituer un modèle alternatif approprié. La caractérisation de la capacité métabolique de ce modèle a été effectuée via l'étude de la diffusion et du métabolisme de divers composés (7-EC, testostérone, B(a)P et BPA) pris en charge par différents types d'enzymes de biotransformation. En parallèle, des études comparatives avec la peau humaine ont été effectuées à l'aide de fractions subcellulaires et d'explants de peau humaine. Ces travaux démontrent la viabilité métabolique du modèle de peau d'oreille de porc, avec des enzymes de phase I et de phase II fonctionnelles pendant 72hIn the frame of the evolution of international directives aiming to reduce the number of animals used for experimentation, one solution is the development of in vitro and ex vivo models. In this work, we carried out an extensive study of an alternative ex vivo skin model: the pig ear skin, to study the fate of xenobiotics diffusing through the skin. Pig skin represents a potential valuable alternative ex vivo model due to strong similarities with human skin. We characterized pig ear skin metabolic capabilities based on the detailed study of the distribution and metabolism of xenobiotics (7-EC, testosterone, B(a)P and BPA) with different physico-chemical properties. In parallel, comparative studies were performed with human skin (sub-cellular fractions, human skin explants) and cellular and sub-cellular liver in vitro systems as well. This work demonstrates that the pig ear skin model was metabolically viable, with expressed phase I and phase II activities that remained functional up to 72 hours
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Ferreira, Sónia Cristina das Neves. "ISCR and their association with antibiotic resistance genes". Doctoral thesis, Universidade de Aveiro, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10773/974.
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Doutoramento em BiologiaA prevalência de bactérias resistentes a antibióticos em ambiente hospitalar tem vindo a tornar-se dramática e preocupante a nível mundial. Contudo, com a utilização inadequada de antibióticos em áreas tão diversas como a veterinária, a aquacultura e a agricultura, esta deixou de estar confinada ao ambiente hospitalar, sendo o ambiente um reservatório natural de microganismos resistentes a estes compostos. O conhecimento detalhado dos determinantes de resistência a antibióticos presentes nestes ambientes, sejam estes genes de resistência ou estruturas envolvidas na sua mobilização, é fundamental, não só do ponto de vista do conhecimento como para a eventual implementação de medidas de contenção da sua disseminação. Neste contexto, são necessários estudos que permitam conhecer o panorama mais realista da distribuição destes determinantes de resistência a antibióticos, quer no meio ambiente quer no ambiente clínico. Assim, constituiu objectivo principal deste trabalho contribuir para o conhecimento do panorama actual da prevalência e distribuição dos elementos ISCR, bem como de outros determinantes de resistência a antibióticos em espécies de Gram-negativo clinicamente relevantes (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii e Citrobacter freundii) recolhidas a partir de amostras de pacientes do Hospital Infante D. Pedro, EPE, Aveiro, Portugal, entre 2006 e 2008. Adicionalmente, foram também recolhidas bactérias de Gram-negativo do meio ambiente, a partir de amostras de águas e de vísceras de peixes, nas quais foram igualmente pesquisados os elementos acima referidos. À excepção dos isolados de E. coli e de Gramnegativo ambientais, todas as estirpes estudadas foram seleccionadas com base no seu perfil de multirresistência a antibióticos. Os resultados mostraram que em todas as espécies recolhidas no ambiente hospitalar foi detectada a presença de elementos ISCR, do tipo ISCR1 ou ISCR2. O elemento ISCR1, foi encontrado em isolados de E. coli, K. pneumoniae e C. freundii e o elemento ISCR2 em isolados de A. baumannii. Não foi detectada a presença de ISCRs nos isolados de Gram-negativo ambientais, o que sugere que a ocorrência dos mesmos é fortemente influenciada pela pressão selectiva exercida pelo ambiente em que os microrganismos se encontram. Genes qnr e integrões de classe 1 foram os determinantes de resistência mais frequentemente encontrados associados aos elementos ISCR1. Os vários determinantes de resistência foram encontrados em diferentes contextos genéticos e localizados em estruturas móveis, nomeadamente em plasmídeos. O elemento ISCR2 presente em isolados de A. baumannii encontra-se associado ao gene sul2 em todos os isolados, dentro de um mesmo contexto genético e com uma localização cromossomal. Contudo, o contexto genético encontrado nestes isolados é novo não tendo sido descrito até à data em outros microrganismos. O presente estudo constitui a primeira descrição de elementos ISCR intrinsecamente ligados a genes de resistência a antibióticos, em Portugal. Uma vez que estes elementos parecem ser responsáveis pela mobilização de um grande número de genes de resistência a antibióticos, a sua elevada incidência entre estirpes resistentes e multirresistentes, bem como a sua associação com genes de resistência é preocupante e requer vigilância.
Within the hospital environment, antibiotic resistant bacteria are a problem of concern worldwide. However, the antibiotic resistance has breached outside the confined hospital environment due to an inappropriate and intensive use of antibiotics in areas such as veterinary, aquaculture and agriculture, being the natural environment also a reservoir of antibiotic resistant microorganisms. Accurate and detailed studies focusing on the existing resistance determinants, either resistance genes or structures enhancing/involved in their dissemination, is needed in order to provide a realistic scenario of their distribution as well as for the implementation of measures that could prevent the dissemination of those genes. Thus, studies giving a wider and realistic panorama of the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in both the natural and the hospital environment are of utmost importance. The main goal of this thesis was to contribute to the present knowledge of distribution and prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes and ISCRs elements in clinically relevant Gram-negative species (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Citrobacter freundii) collected from clinical specimens from patients in the Hospital Infante D. Pedro, EPE, Aveiro, Portugal between 2006 and 2008. Additionally, environmental Gram-negative isolates, collected from water and fish guts were also screened for the presence of the ISCR elements. All the isolates that were included in the present study were multi-drug resistant, with the exception of Escherichia coli and the Gram-negative environmental isolates. The results obtained revealed that the ISCR1 and ISCR2 elements were present in all the species collected within the hospital settings. ISCR1 was present in E. coli, K. pneumoniae and C. freundii isolates and ISCR2 was detected in the A. baumannii isolates. The presence of ISCRs was not detected among the environmental Gram-negative isolates, suggesting that the occurrence of ISCR is clearly biased by the pressure exerted by the environment from where the microorganisms were isolated. qnr genes and class 1 integrons were the main resistance determinants found associated with ISCR1 and were both described in different genetic contexts, located on mobile structures such as plasmids. Moreover, the ISCR2 element was found associated with the sul2 gene in all the A. baumannii isolates with the same genetic context and located on the chromosome. Noteworthy is that the genetic context described is unique and was never described before in other microorganisms. This is the first study reporting the presence of ISCR elements in Portuguese isolates. Since these elements are responsible for the mobilization of several antibiotic resistance genes and were found intrinsically linked to them, their high incidence, among multi-drug resistant isolates is disconcerting and requires surveillance.
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Koseli, Mutlu. "Poverty, Inequality & Terrorism Relationship in Turkey". VCU Scholars Compass, 2006. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/974.
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Poverty, Inequality & Terrorism Relationship in TurkeyUsing empirical evidence criminological studies have identified a relationship between poverty and crime and many studies have concluded that a high crime rate is associated with a higher poverty rate. Other studies indicate that inequalities are a better determinant of crime than absolute poverty. Social disorganization theory, anomie strain theory and Marxist theory have been used to explain the phenomenon. Guided by the aforementioned theories and previous literature on crime, this study looks at the terrorism issue and explores whether a relationship exists between poverty, inequality and terrorist incidents. The main hypothesis of this study indicates that higher poverty and higher inequalities are related to higher number of terrorist incidents. This study examines Turkey's terrorism problem in depth and identifies some factors that are related to the formation of terrorism. It is believed that this may assist help policy makers to develop new policies that can eliminate fertile ground where terrorism easily finds support. The researcher uses secondary data analysis; data for number of terrorist incidents are derived from the Turkish National Police's database, and other demographic and economic variable data are derived from Turkish Statistical Institute, and Government Planning Office. A multiple regression analysis technique is used to identify the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable, number of terrorist incidents. The results of the statistical analysis show that there is a statistically significant relationship between the percentage of population living below the poverty line, unequal distribution of some government resources, such as unequal distribution of education services, and unequal distribution of public investment. Findings also show that higher populated provinces may experience greater terrorist incidents. Additionally, the percentage of young in the population is also found to be related to the number of terrorist incidents.
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Verhille, Isabel. "Personal Narratives Changing Student Understandings of Community-based Academic Programs". Scholarship @ Claremont, 2017. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/974.
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As a student enrolled in the Claremont Colleges, there are a variety of different ways in which I can engage with the greater Inland Empire community. The community-based programs, classes, and projects offered by the Colleges all have specific focuses, whether they be community service, community studies, or language improvement. This Media Studies Senior Thesis focuses on two community programs offered by the Claremont Colleges, the first being the Spanish Practicum program offered at Pitzer College. This half credit course places a group of three students with a “Promotora” (Promoter) or a Mexican immigrant residing in the Ontario community. Once a week, students are expected to travel to their Promotora’s house, speak with her only in Spanish, eat meals with her, and explore her Ontario community. Secondly, I will include a section about Huerta del Valle, a community garden in Ontario, California, which was created by a teacher of the Spanish Practicum program and a Pitzer alumnus. Even though this garden functions completely separately from the Claremont Colleges, Pitzer students have the opportunity to enroll in the Ontario Program and complete a semester studying urban garden, social engagement, and community planning alongside Huerta del Valle volunteers and organizers. This Media Studies project completed in conjunction with the Spanish Practicum Program and the Huerta del Valle program is a photographic essay about my personal experience as a student of the Spanish Practicum program, an article recounting the history of the Spanish Practicum program from the perspective of its creator, and a transcribed interview and series of photographs of the founder of Huerta del Valle as well as a student participant/leader/alumnus of the Pitzer Ontario program. These collections of writing and photographs are presented in the form of a webpage with multiple sections that I have coded as to experiment with visual storytelling, color, and design techniques. Furthermore, through this project I explore the communal significance of personal narratives, and the work they do to construct and contribute to a shared understanding of a program, event, or experience. These personal narratives that I have collected as oral histories will serve to give the community-based programs offered at the Claremont Colleges a human face, illuminating the tendency of dominant histories to discredit their intimate back stories.
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Diggins, Patrick IV. "Investigation of Elastic Properties of Lipids and Proteins using Computer Simulations". Research Showcase @ CMU, 2016. http://repository.cmu.edu/dissertations/974.
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The elastic properties of biological materials play an important role in many biomechanical functions. As a result, a large effort has gone into understanding these properties through the creation of theoretical frameworks and the measurement of the parameters entering such theories. With the improvement of computer hardware and software, computational studies now work alongside experimental techniques to probe the mechanics of biomaterials. In this thesis, we will look at three different ways that computational work to improve our understanding of the elastic properties of biomaterials: (1) developing methods to measure important material parameters, (2) test theories and provide data to refine theories, and (3) develop new computational models to investigate the properties of biomaterials. In Chapter 2, we discuss a method of measuring the bending modulus of lipid bilayers in the fluid-phase by simulating buckled membranes. This method is computationally efficient and can be applied to lipid models of a wide range of resolution, using both implicit or explicit solvent. After showing how Helfrich theory [1], a standard theory of membrane elasticity, predicts the shape of the buckles as well as the stress-strain relation, we apply the method to three different coarse-grained models: a low resolution implicit solvent model, a medium resolution implicit solvent model, and a medium resolution explicit solvent model. In Chapter 3, we try to apply the method from Chapter 2 to membranes in the gel-phase. We find that Helfrich theory fails to accurately describe both the shape and stress-strain relation of the buckles. Drawing inspiration from the shapes of the simulated buckles, we present a modification of Helfrich theory that incorporates curvature softening and show that this theory does describe both the shape and stress of the gel-phase buckles. Unexpectedly, the buckles exhibit negative compressibility. In Chapter 4, we apply the new theory to the fluid-phase buckles studied in Chapter 2. The large fluctuations of the membranes makes the error in our measurement of the shapes too large to draw proper conclusions from the shape, but we are able to fit the theory directly to the stress-strain relation from the simulations. The results show that there is a small amount of curvature softening at large curvatures, and this has a small effect on the bending modulus of the lipids. In Chapter 5, we switch our focus to the study of elastic networks, a way of investigating the fluctuations of biomolecules such as globular proteins and folded RNA structures. Specifically, we study a technique to create course-grained elastic networks from a high resolution model without the need to run a reference simulation. We show that the choice of which particles to remove upon coarse-graining determines the ability of the elastic network to reproduce the fluctuations of the high resolution model, with a good choice of particles leading
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鄭劍芬. "中藥對提高腫瘤病人生存質量的臨床觀察". HKBU Institutional Repository, 2008. http://repository.hkbu.edu.hk/etd_ra/974.
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Livengood, Ann L. "EFFECT OF THE SMARTSTEPTM STABILIZATION SYSTEM ON BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS IN AN INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENCE". Lexington, Ky. : [University of Kentucky Libraries], 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10225/974.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kentucky, 2008.Title from document title page (viewed on February 3, 2009). Document formatted into pages; contains: vii, 122 p. : ill. (some col.). On t.p. the registered trademark symbol "TM" is superscript following SmartStep in the title. Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 103-119).
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van, der Merwe Jorista. "Ecology of the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) in southern Illinois: wetland dynamics, metapopulations, and trophic position". OpenSIUC, 2014. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/dissertations/974.
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Wetlands occurring on natural river floodplains typically have more dynamic hydrology, because of influences from the river, than man-made wetlands or those associated with reclaimed minelands. For wetland-associated species, fluctuating water levels can affect patch availability, connectivity and potentially habitat quality, and therefore drive metapopulation dynamics. Differences in hydrology between wetland complexes could change food webs and consequently the trophic diversity of the communities occupying these areas. My first objective was to assess the spatial and temporal variation in occupancy and turnover rates of a semi-aquatic small mammal at 2 hydrologically distinct wetland complexes over 3 years in southern Illinois. My second objective was to determine spatio-temporal variation in the trophic structure of small mammals at 2 wetland complexes (floodplain and mineland) in southern Illinois. To address my first objective, I live-trapped marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) during 2011-2013 at 9 wetland patches on the Mississippi River floodplain and 14 patches at a reclaimed mineland. I used multi-season occupancy modeling to estimate initial occupancy, detection, colonization and extinction rates. Catch per unit effort differed markedly between the 2 sites (27 captures/1,000 trap-nights at the floodplain site vs. 8 at the mining site). Estimates of detection probability increased with an increase in effort (number of traps per night per wetland patch). Occupancy probability was similar between sites and positively related to patch size. Patch colonization probability at both sites was related negatively to total rainfall 3 weeks prior to trapping. In addition, the variation in colonization probability among years, was different between sites, with colonization in 2013 being much lower at the mining site than at the floodplain. An increase in total rainfall 3 months prior to trapping led to a substantial increase in extinction probability on the floodplain, but not at the mining site. Differences in metapopulation dynamics and relative abundance between the 2 sites can be attributed to differences in hydrology and habitat quality. Although rice rats were present at the mining site in much lower numbers than at the floodplain site, these less-natural wetland complexes might serve as valuable refuges for species occurring in increasingly fragmented landscapes. For my second objective, I collected hair samples from 6 species of small mammals (n = 416) occurring at these wetland complexes. I analyzed C and N stable isotopes for 3 mammal taxa (Oryzomys palustris, Peromyscus spp,, Microtus ochragaster) to compare diet between species, sites, and, times. Food sources (vegetation and invertebrates) were collected at each site to form the isotopic baseline. Using stable isotope mixing models, I found no seasonal difference in diet composition, but signatures varied between sites. Oryzomys palustris at both wetland complexes incorporated primarily (70-80%) invertebrates in their diet, and used more C4 vegetation (30%) than C3 (0%). Isotope signatures of Peromyscus diets at the floodplain site were similar to that of Oryzomys, with ~80% invertebrates and >C4 vegetation than C3 vegetation (~20% and 0%, respectively). At the mining site, Peromyscus were at a much lower trophic level and consumed 70% vegetation with C3 plants making up a greater part of their diet than C4 vegetation (50% and 20%, respectively). Microtus was at a lower trophic position than the other 2 species at both sites. These isotope results point to reduced niche overlap between Oryzomys and Peromyscus at the mining site, perhaps due to lower habitat quality and limited suitable resources. Although small mammals had narrower diet breadths at the mining site, none of the species was at a higher trophic position at the mining site than at the floodplain site. At the floodplain site, the more dynamic hydrology might have given rise to higher biodiversity and consequently provided more resources to allow small mammals to use similar food items.
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Shah, Nishi. "Failure Analysis of Modular Hip Implant". OpenSIUC, 2012. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/974.
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Biomaterials is a systematically, pharmacologically inert substance designed for implantation within or incorporation with a living system. The ultimate goal of biomaterials is to restore function of living tissues and organs of the body. Chemical stability, mechanical behavior and biocompatibility in body fluids and tissues are basic requirements for successful application of implant materials in hip replacements. The field of biomaterials has become a vital area, as these materials can enhance the quality and longevity of human life and the science and technology associated with this field has now led to multi-million dollar business. The thesis focuses mainly on fractured analysis of retrieved titanium-alloy modular hip implants, even though there exists biomaterials made up of ceramics, polymers and composite materials As it is well known that a good biomaterial should possess the fundamental properties such as better mechanical and biological compatibility and enhanced wear and corrosion resistance in biological environment. The primary purpose of this thesis was to identify the reasons which lead to fracture of implant retrieved from 60years old male implanted for a 16 month time. The retrieved Implant was sterilized for two hours to overcome bio hazardous condition. The fractured area of implant sleeve and stem was cut with help of machine ISOMET BUEHLER 4000 consisting of diamond saw. The cut sample was placed into physiological solution (0.9% NaCl in H2O), and was maintained at room temperature over night. Samples were then thoroughly brushed with help of toothpaste and tooth brush to get rid of tissue deposits and blood stains so as to get clear picture under SEM. Fractures sample was than observed under Scanning Electron Microscope and a detailed study revealed fretting corrosion and fatigue failure were main cause of implant failure. After examining under SEM, sample was than prepared to be polished by covering it with epoxy and using BUEHLER polishing machine and sand paper from 240-1200 grid and finally a micro cloth to smoothen the surface. After sample being polished, it was immersed in Kroll solution for etching and observing under microscope to figure micro-structural changes.
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Larsen, Kyle Frederick. "Investigation of Particle Velocity and Drag with Spherical and Non-Spherical Particles Through a Backward Facing Step". BYU ScholarsArchive, 2007. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/974.
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Numerous practical applications exist where dispersed solid particles are transported within a turbulent accelerating or decelerating gaseous flow. The large density variation between phases creates the potential for significant differences in velocity known as velocity slip. Flow over a backward facing step provides a well characterized, turbulent, decelerating flow useful for measuring the relative velocities of the solid and gaseous phases in order to determine velocity slip and particle drag. Numerous investigations have been conducted to determine the gas phase velocity in a backward facing step for both laminar and turbulent flows and therefore the gas phase flow is well know and documented. Furthermore, some studies have also been conducted to determine the velocity of various sizes of spherical particles in a backward facing step and compared with their corresponding gas phase velocities. Few if any velocity measurements have been made for non-spherical particles in a backward facing step. In this work, a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDA) was used to measure gas and particle phase velocities in a backward facing step. The step produced a 2:1 increase in cross sectional area with a Reynolds number of 22,000 (based on step height) upstream of the step. Spherical particles of 1 – 10 μm with an average diameter of 4μm were used to measure the gas phase velocity. At least three sizes in the range of (38 – 212 μm) for four different particles shapes were studied. The shapes included: spheres, flakes, gravel, and cylinders. Since the PDPA is not able to measure the size of the non-spherical particles, the particles were first separated into size bins and a technique was developed using the PMT (photo multiplier tubes) gain to isolate the particle size of interest for each size measured. The same technique was also used to measure terminal velocities of the particles in quiescent air. The measured gas phase velocity and spherical solid phase particles were in good agreement with previous measurements in the literature. The results showed relative velocities between the particles and gas phase to be in the range of 0 – 3 m/s which is in transition between stokes flow and fully developed turbulent flow. Drag coefficients were an order magnitude higher for non-spherical particles in turbulent flows in comparison to stokes flow which agreed reasonably well with quiescent terminal velocity drag. This information is valuable for modeling turbulent two-phase flows since most assumptions of the drag are currently based on correlations from empirical data with particles moving through a still fluid.
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Gurung, Prajwal. "Regulation of immune responses by apoptotic cells". Diss., University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/974.
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Billions of cells die everyday as a result of normal tissue turnover, infection, trauma or injury. These dead cells are taken up, processed and presented to T cells by antigen presenting cells resulting in tolerance or immunity. Apoptotic cells induce tolerance; however, the precise mechanisms are still unknown. Previous studies have shown that direct infusion of apoptotic cells induce tolerance mediated by TRAIL-expressing CD8+ T cells. We hypothesized that immunologic tolerance induced by apoptotic cells is dependent on the activation status of apoptotic cells and mediated by direct killing of target cells by TRAIL-expressing CD8+ T cells. Three different experimental systems were used to elucidate the mechanisms by which apoptotic cells regulate immune responses.
Using a classical system of tolerance induction, we examined the immunological consequence of intravenous (i.v.) delivery of ex vivo-generated naïve or activated apoptotic cells. Naïve apoptotic cells induced tolerance when injected i.v.; however, previously activated apoptotic cells induced immunity. Further analysis revealed a key role for CD154 in the tolerogenic or immunogenic nature of the naïve or activated apoptotic cells, respectively, as tolerance resulted after i.v. injection of either naïve or activated apoptotic CD154-/- cells, while co-injection of an agonistic anti-CD40 mAb with naïve apoptotic T cells induced robust immunity.
The infusion of large numbers of apoptotic cells has limited physiological relevance, so the investigation of the influence of apoptotic cells on the immune system turned to another experimental tolerance model where soluble peptide antigen is injected systemically to induce the peripheral deletion of a population of antigen-specific T cells. Using this system, we investigated how apoptotic cells generated in vivo leads to T cell tolerance. Following adoptive transfer of OT-II cells, wild-type mice injected with soluble OVA323-339 became unresponsive to subsequent CFA/OVA immunization. Interestingly, Trail-/- or Dr5-/- mice developed robust immunity; even though all strains displayed peripheral deletion of OVA-specific T cells. Subsequent investigation found the mechanism of action of the CD8+ T cells was TRAIL-mediated deletion of the OVA-responsive T cells in a TCR-specific manner.
The experimental systems used above have some clinical relevance but are still not physiologic. To study the impact of apoptotic cells in a physiologic setting, we took advantage of the medical condition sepsis, which is accompanied by massive apoptosis of multiple immune cell populations. Thus, the final set of experiments in this thesis examined the tolerance induced during sepsis using a clinically-relevant cecal-ligation and puncture (CLP) model that included a secondary bacterial infection. CLP-treated WT mice had a reduced ability to control the secondary bacterial infection, which was paralleled by suppressed T cell responses, compared to sham-treated WT mice. In contrast, CLP- and sham-treated Trail-/- and Dr5-/- mice were able to similarly control the bacterial infection and generated bacterial antigen-specific T cell responses. The ability of CLP-treated wild-type mice to control the secondary infection and generate T cell immunity could be restored by the administration of a blocking anti-TRAIL mAb. These results suggest the importance of TRAIL in the induction of sepsis-induced immune suppression, such that TRAIL neutralization may be a potential therapeutic target to restore cellular immunity in septic patients.
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Brown, Jason D. "Synchronization and Media Exchange in Large-Scale Caenorhabditis elegans Cultures". DigitalCommons@USU, 2009. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/974.
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The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a model organism for understanding sensory molecules of multicellular organisms. Ovulating hermaphrodites produce putative pheromone(s) that cause male attraction. Because pheromones are produced in such small quantities, adult conditioned-media from large-scale synchronous culture is necessary to analyze these pheromones. Current protocols for culture synchronization have volume constraints that limit large-scale synchronous cultures and current methodology for adult conditioned-media production is impractical.
Modification of Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems was investigated for use as a method to increase the volume limits of bleach egg harvest for C. elegans culture synchronization. Also, an adult retention device built within the culture vessel was investigated to optimize the environment for aseptic conditioned-media production from dense large-scale C. elegans cultures.
During this investigation, we have shown that synchronous C. elegans cultures for adult conditioned-media production can be grown at scales larger than reported before, with potential for further scale up. Our growth methodologies have also yielded denser cultures than previously achieved at large scales. Since rapid bleach harvesting appears to be the bottleneck for large-scale production of synchronous C. elegans cultures, our approach of using modified TFF systems with mesh to retain C. elegans eggs increased the amount of eggs that could be bleach harvested at one time. Using this method we have been able to achieve up to 5x103 synchronous C. elegans per mL at a 50L scale. Since scale-up of TFF is straightforward, our results suggest that the technique reported here can easily be applied to larger scale systems for production of adult conditionedmedia from C. elegans. Further, the adult retention device within the culture vessel can ensure that the whole process remains aseptic.
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Maeda, Emiko. "The Effects of Green Smoothie Consumption on Blood Pressure and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial". PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/974.
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Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, and as much as 80% of these deaths are reported to be preventable with proper diet and lifestyle. Although extensive research has demonstrated that the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables offers protective health effects from many chronic illnesses, populations in both developed and developing nations consistently fall short of the recommended intake of 5 or more servings a day. This study investigated the effects of daily consumption of Green Smoothies for 4 consecutive weeks on blood pressure and health-related quality of life. Green Smoothies are a blended drink consisting of fruit, leafy greens and water. The study was a randomized controlled trial with a final sample of 29 volunteer participants. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention and included anthropometric and physiologic measures, as well as a nutrition survey. The treatment group demonstrated trends toward improvements in waist circumference (p = 0.026), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.05), and symptoms of burden linked to diet (p = 0.04), small intestine (p = 0.04), large intestine (p = 0.05), and mineral needs (p = 0.04). Despite the lack of statistically significant reductions in blood pressure, the trend toward improvements in waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are considered to be useful and informative of health risk. Thus, the results of this study provide preliminary support for the consumption of Green Smoothies as a possible primary prevention effort for chronic conditions. It may also help to reduce health risks or even reverse the effects of chronic conditions.
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Pazuniak, Orest V. "Do Labels Make A Difference: Estimating The Impacts Of Vermont’s Gmo Labeling Law On Perceptions And Prices". ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2018. https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/974.
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Vermont is the first and only state in the US to establish mandatory labels for food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This thesis investigates the impact of the mandatory labeling law as it relates to changes in prices, quantities sold, and opinions of GMOs. First, grocery store scanner data from Vermont and Oregon are compared using triple difference (difference-in-difference-in-difference) models. Next, Vermont, Oregon, and Colorado survey response data are compared using difference-in-difference models. The findings reveal that there is a general price premium for non-GMO goods of $0.05/oz across all states and times, that mandatory labeling laws do not result in a short-term change in quantities sold or prices of GMO products, and that both mandatory labeling laws and failed mandatory labeling referendums cause an increase in support for GMOs in the food supply. The implications of this research are that mandatory GMO labels did not impact short-term prices or sales and increased the level of support for GMOs.
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Sellers, Ryan J. "A Gravity Gradient, Momentum-Biased Attitude Control System for A CubeSat". DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2013. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/974.
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ExoCube is the latest National Science Foundation (NSF) funded space weather CubeSat and is a collaboration between PolySat, Scientific Solutions Inc. (SSI), the University of Wisconsin, NASA Goddard and SRI International. The 3U will carry a mass spectrometer sensor suite, EXOS, in to low earth orbit (LEO) to measure neutral and ionized particles in the exosphere and thermosphere. Measurements of neutral and ion particles are directly impacted by the angle at which they enter EXOS and which leads to pointing requirements. A combination of a gravity gradient system with a momentum bias wheel is proposed to meet pointing requirements while reducing power requirements and overall system complexity. A MATLAB simulation of dynamic and kinematic behavior of the system in orbit is implemented to guide system design and verify that the pointing requirements will be met. The problem of achieving the required three-axis pointing is broken into four phases: detumbling, initial attitude acquisition, wheel spin-up, and attitude maintenance. Ultimately, this configuration for attitude control in a CubeSat could be applied to many future missions with the simulation serving as a design tool for CubeSat developers.
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Button, Jacqueline. "Effects of Single-Gender Classes on Student Literacy and Engagement". ScholarWorks, 2011. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/974.
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Empirical evidence substantiating the effectiveness of engagement programs to support at-risk students is virtually nonexistent. In an attempt to improve student engagement and literacy for Grade 9 students enrolled in a developmental curriculum known as the essential-level program, the staff at one school implemented single-gender classes during the 2010--2011 school year. This project study was designed as a summative, goals-based, quantitative program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the first-year single-gender program based on its stated goals and objectives. A purposive sample of 45 students, 6 teachers, and 2 educational assistants in the essential-level program was used to collect pretest and posttest Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) score data as well as teacher and student survey data related to perceptions of single-gender classes. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine perceptions of student engagement, academic achievement, and behavior in single gender classrooms. Findings revealed that students and teachers indicated more positive perceptions toward single-gender classes. Analysis of covariance revealed that students in single-gender classes showed significantly higher reading achievement scores when compared to students in mixed-gender classrooms. The results of this program evaluation contribute to social change by adding to the body of knowledge focused on quantitative program evaluations, addressing a deficiency in the literature on single-gender instruction for at-risk students, and assisting the educational community in decision making to address gaps in literacy development and student engagement.
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Coffey, Jane Sarah. "Youth career choices : a comparison of industry and ballet". Thesis, Curtin University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/974.
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In an increasingly competitive global environment the need for highly skilled, resilient workers is paramount. This study responded to this need with an investigation of the attraction and retention drivers that encourage young people to pursue their career of choice. In particular, it explored the career aspirations and drivers of career choice amongst two distinct cohorts of secondary school-aged people and the work experiences and retention drivers of a cohort of early career workers. The first phase of the study investigated the career aspirations identified by secondary school-aged young people aged from 14 to 17 years, including those enrolled in full-time secondary schooling (completing Years 11 and 12 tertiary entrance studies) and those enrolled in full-time professional dance programs who were completing their schooling via distance learning programs. The second phase of the study examined the nexus between career aspirations and work reality for young people entering a career, again encompassing the two distinct cohorts: early career participants in mainstream industry and early career dancers. The study findings help to articulate what it is that young people want from a career, the type of work they enjoy, and the characteristics of their work experiences that may impact retention. As such, it has significant implications for decision making related to future education, career and modes of work, and to drivers of performance, engagement and retention.In seeking to answer the research question: ‘What are the attraction and retention drivers that encourage young people to pursue their career of choice?’, the research design utilised a qualitative research methodology with comparative and content analysis approaches framed in a constructivist paradigm. Data collection involved 46 participants in semi-structured individual or focus group interviews, and the study was structured into two phases as described above. Additional interviews with five retired dancers served to explore and validate the dance participants’ work expectations and realities in this under-researched profession.Findings suggest that decisions about career choice are often made early in life, tend to be intrinsically driven, and are founded upon young people’s exploration of career, self and identity. Career attraction appears to be clearly associated with a passion for the type of work, a career calling, or a sense of vocation. Similarly, career retention seems to have little to do with money or the achievement of extrinsic rewards: irrespective of gender, work/life balance emerged as a key consideration across both cohorts. The study has made a significant contribution to the theoretical framework for the Foci and Bases of Commitment with the inclusion of a possible selves construct. This inclusion will inform the development of strategies that improve career attraction and retention.Developed countries face significant challenges in developing and sustaining a workforce that is equipped for an uncertain future and whose members have longer and more precarious working lives. The findings of this study suggest that the workforce preparation provided to young people by secondary and tertiary institutions is inadequate. The results reveal that dancers, even during early training, tend to have a more accurate and realistic understanding of future career realities than early career aspirants in other sectors. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for organisations to re-evaluate their work design, development and engagement strategies in order to successfully meet these challenges.Limitations of the study include a geographical focus on Western Australia and a relatively small sample size. Despite these limitations, the study provides a sound basis for further research and investigation into the career choices of young people, linkages between possible self and work commitment, and the role and impact of passion and career calling in work retention.This is one of few studies that have provided a voice for young people in relation to career aspirations and expectations. The findings provide a greater insight into the significant impact of the career aspirations and choices of young people and what ignites and maintains a passion for their work.