Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Life History On Microrna Expression During C. Elegans Development, Xantha Karp, Molly Hammell, Maria C. Ow, Victor R. Ambros

Victor R. Ambros

Animals have evolved mechanisms to ensure the robustness of developmental outcomes to changing environments. MicroRNA expression may contribute to developmental robustness because microRNAs are key post-transcriptional regulators of developmental gene expression and can affect the expression of multiple target genes. Caenorhabditis elegans provides an excellent model to study developmental responses to environmental conditions. In favorable environments, C. elegans larvae develop rapidly and continuously through four larval stages. In contrast, in unfavorable conditions, larval development may be interrupted at either of two diapause stages: The L1 diapause occurs when embryos hatch in the absence of food, and the dauer diapause occurs …

Development And Tax Policy: Case Study Of China, Jinyan Li

Jinyan Li

This paper examines the role of tax policy in China's economic, social and legal development. With respect to economic development, the author examines the use of tax incentives in attracting foreign direct investment to China and assesses its impact on the development of China's market economy. In terms of social development, the author critically assesses the limited role of taxation in reducing disparities in social income and in promoting social policies. While the relationship between legal development and tax policy may not be as obvious, the author makes the case that tax policy has had a positive impact on the …

Leadership Education And Development For Justice Using The Canonical Framework Of John Rawls's A Theory Of Justice, Brandon W. Kliewer, Jeff Zacharakis

Educational Considerations

Higher education that presupposes a specific conception of justice do well in preparing students to make claims of justice from specific perspectives or positions. However, civic leadership students with a strong background in specific conceptions of justice are often not equipped with necessary skills, dispositions, and habits to exercise leadership in ways that can manage political contestation associated with competing claims of justice.

Development Aid: Africa's Dead End And Africa Beyond The End, Ibrahim Babatunde Anoba

Ibrahim Babatunde Anoba

No abstract provided.

Activating The Power Of Place: A Case Study Of Market Creek, Elizabeth Castillo, Angela Titus

The Foundation Review

This article tells the story of a placed-based initiative to develop well-being and wealth in the historically underserved Diamond Neighborhood in San Diego, and discusses the place-based philosophy of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and the foundation’s motivation for place-based work.

Its theory of change is presented through examples, along with the entry points the foundation chose for engagement and how it developed community capacity to engage effectively in this change work.

The article also discusses plans to transition ownership to the Diamond Neighborhood community when the foundation sunsets in 2030.

Branches Above And Roots Below: Mothers’ Hopes For Their Children In Batoufam, Cameroon, Taylor Maxfield

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In order to delve into the desires that rural Cameroonian communities have for the future generation, this research project consisted of formally interviewing ten mothers in the village of Batoufam about what hopes they have for their children. This study highlighted on what they would like for their children, the way they raise their children to achieve their aspirations, and their opinions on the importance of preserving tradition for their children. The findings of this study are humble and rooted dreams of being able to care for one’s basic needs and the needs of a family. Batoufam mothers, along with …

Relational Aggression, Middle School Girls, And The Development Of Critical Consciousness, Casey Quirarte

LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations

This study, Relational Aggression, Middle School Girls, and the Development of Critical Consciousness, engaged both feminist theory and critical pedagogy as a means to deconstruct the issue of relational aggression among adolescent girls. The objective of this research was to contribute to the growing body of literature pertaining to relational aggression and fill some gaps in the literature surrounding preventative programming. This study investigated the experiences of middle school girls engaged in a solution- oriented approach in order to postulate possible program approaches and educational initiatives to decrease the prevalence of relational aggression in middle school girls. The collection and …

Decomposing Ldc Inequality, Gary S. Fields

Gary S Fields

[Excerpt] At the present time, there is great interest among development economists in the problem of economic inequality in less developed countries (LDCs). Studies of the determinants of inequality follow either of two general approaches. The more traditional approach is associated with names like Kuznets (1963), Chenery and associates (1960, 1968, 1975), Adelman and Morris (1973), Ahluwalia (1976) and Chiswick (1971). These studies share a common methodology, consisting basically of looking at a cross-section of countries, and (1) measuring the degree of inequality in each, (2) measuring other characteristics of each country (e.g., level of GNP, its rate of growth, …

Private Returns And Social Equity In The Financing Of Higher Education, Gary S. Fields

Gary S Fields

[Excerpt] A widespread phenomenon in developing countries has been the rapid growth of schools and institutions of higher learning resulting in a so-called ‘education explosion’. One possible explanation for the education explosion is that education is a profitable personal investment, as evidenced by high private rates of return. The high private returns are translated into demands on politicians for additional schooling spaces. To gain or maintain public favour, each politician uses his influence to try to increase the number of schools in his constituency. By this chain of events, growth of educational systems might be anticipated as long as private …

Changes In Poverty And Inequality In Developing Countries, Gary S. Fields

Gary S Fields

This paper presents new data on poverty, inequality, and growth in those developing countries of the world for which the requisite statistics are available. Economic growth is found generally but not always to reduce poverty. Growth, however, is found to have very little to do with income inequality. Thus the "economic laws" linking the rate of growth and the distribution of benefits receive only very tenuous empirical support here.

Transformative Learning Theory And Its Relevance To Managing Group Dynamics In A Competitive Work Environment, Salma A. Hadeed, Suzette A. Henry-Campbell

South Florida Education Research Conference

In any environment, group dynamics would exist. How we deal with it in a competitive work environment defines who we are using transformative learning. This paper provides useful information from a number of theorists who share perspectives on the complex nature of groups.

Children's Picky Eating And The Role Of Family Environments, Maureen Lyons

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Picky eating is often seen as a temporary phase that children go through in the developmental process. While some children never exhibit picky eating behaviors, others seem to get stuck in the tendency of judging foods, which they have never tried, based upon a pretense that the food might not meet with their satisfaction. Learning more about children’s preferred food groups and types of foods, along with the family environmental factors experienced by these children may help to understand ways to support children who struggle with picky eating. Introducing children to new foods within a positive atmosphere, where they are …

Transient And Permanent Effects Of Suboptimal Incubation Temperatures On Growth, Metabolic Rate, Immune Function And Adrenocortical Responses In Zebra Finches, Haruka Wada, Buddhamas Kriengwatana, Natalie Allen, Kimberly L. Schmidt, Kiran K. Soma, Scott A. Macdougall-Shackleton

Brain and Mind Institute Researchers' Publications

In birds, incubation temperature can vary by several degrees Celsius among nests of a given species. Parents may alter incubation temperature to cope with environmental conditions and/or to manipulate embryonic development, and such changes in incubation behavior could have long-lasting effects on offspring phenotype. To investigate short- and long-term effects of suboptimal incubation temperatures on survival and physiological functions in zebra finches, eggs were incubated at 36.2, 37.4 or 38.4°C for the entire incubation period. The post-hatch environment was identical among the treatment groups. We found that hatching success was lowest in the 38.4°C group, while post-hatch survival was lowest …

An Analysis Of Drivers Of Mega-Events In Emerging Economies, Robert Baade, Victor Matheson

Economics Department Working Papers

Developing countries that host mega-events such as the Olympic Games and World Cup invest enormous sums in stadiums and collateral infrastructure projects. The paper examines the motivations of countries to host these events and the typical economic outcome for those host sites lucky(?) enough be awarded the games. For both efficiency and equity reasons, these events are risk propositions at best, and they generally represent an even worse investment for developing countries than for industrialized nations.

The Development Of Identity In Preschoolers, Jin Xiaoshen

Psychology ETDs

The primary goal of this study was to investigating the extent to which young preschoolers (e.g., 3-year-olds) understand identity in terms of what an object does rather than in terms of either what the object looks like or what its inside properties are. My primary guiding research questions are on what basis do preschoolers construct identity judgments. Unlike previous research, which has focused primarily on one pair of qualities (insides/outsides), this study includes diverse pairs in order to investigate different levels/qualities of organization that characterize preschoolers judgments of identity constancy. I predicted that a transition may occur between the ages …

The Role Of Rosemary Against Acrylamide Developmental Toxicity On The White Matter Of The Rat Spinal Cord, Abdel-Moneim A. Elbarbary, Abeer E. El-Mehi, Ahmad S. Zolfakar, Hanaa Z. Nooh, Marwa A. Elgholam

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the genotoxicity and developmental toxicity of acrylamide (ACR) on the spinal cord white matter of male albino rats and the possible protective role of rosemary. Background With increasing number of sources of ACR exposure to the general public, the need for understanding the toxicological risk associated with such exposure is in high demand. Materials and methods Eighty male albino rats were used in this study. 20 rats for each group their mothers were given either distilled water, rosemary aqueous extract (RAE) (2.2 ml/kg/twice/week - i.e 0.44 ml/rat) orally, ACR (10 mg/kg/day …

The Doha Round And Globalization: A Failure Of World Economic Development?, William E. Keating

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to analyze the WTO’s Doha Round and its numerous developmental objectives, assess the major issues that led to its stagnation, as well as examine the economic prospects for developing nations and the potential future of international trade and development.

The Role Of Connexins And Pannexins In Mammary Gland Development And Tumorigenesis, Michael K. G. Stewart

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The identification of key regulators of breast cancer onset and progression is critical for the development of targeted therapies. Connexins and pannexins are characterized by their ability to form large-pore channels and are frequently dysregulated in cancer. However, their role in breast cancer progression remains poorly understood due to a lack of in vivo models capable of assessing the proposed and opposing roles of connexins and pannexins as both tumor suppressors and/or facilitators in multiple stages of the disease. Using 2 previously uncharacterized genetically-modified mice, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin26 (Cx26) were evaluated for their role in normal mammary gland development …

Evolutionary Developmental Leaf Morphology Of The Plant Family Araceae, Claudia Liliana Henriquez

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studying the evolutionary developmental morphology of leaves using next-generation phylogenetics, a candidate gene approach and comparative developmental studies in the plant family Araceae is the overarching theme of the dissertation.

The plant family Araceae is an ancient lineage from the Early Cretaceous and belongs to the monocotyledons. Members of Araceae display striking variation in leaf development; such variation contradicts traditional models of monocot leaf development. Additionally, dissected leaves, which are rare in monocots, seem to have evolved independently multiple times in Araceae by various developmental mechanisms.

Despite extensive efforts to elucidate the evolutionary history of Araceae, phylogenetic ambiguity in the …

Early Life Cold Exposure Decreases Global Methylation Levels In Juveniles And Attenuates The Corticosterone Response After Restraint In Adult Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia Guttata), Anne Kristel Yu Tiamco Bayani

Biology Theses

Cold exposure, especially early in life, can be stressful. We examined if cold exposure affects HPA axis sensitivity and global DNA methylation in the brain in Australian zebra finches (Taenopygia gutta). We hypothesized that cold exposure during the first two weeks post-hatch alters HPA sensitivity and global brain DNA methylation levels in juveniles and adults. Control birds showed the predicted elevation in plasma corticosterone (Cort) after restraint stress in adulthood, however cold exposed birds exhibited a blunted Cort response. There was no significant difference in global methylation levels between treatments. Juveniles showed no significant difference between baseline and …

Government Institutions And Infrastructure Skills Development, Michael Regan, Jim Smith, Peter Love

Michael Regan

The capacity of state institutions is central to the efficient delivery and management of infrastructure. The paper examines two models for improving the skills of managers in central and line agencies of government for infrastructure procurement and management in emerging economies. The first examines the role of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) unit, a specialist agency equipped with the technical capabilities, transactional experience and budget to provide training and assistance to line agencies for the effective delivery of infrastructure projects. Integrated into this model, and used by several nations, is the use of trained relationship managers to manage service contracts …

Development Of Integrated Intersectoral-Time Series Strategies To Investigate The Economic Significance Of Knowledge Sectors In The Illawarra, New South Wales, Ashkan Masouman, Charles Harvie

Ashkan Masouman

Integrating input-output (IO) analysis and econometric model has become increasingly popular for it combines the advantages of both models (Isard & Anselin, 1982; Moghadam & Ballard, 1988; Beaumont, 1990; Coomes et al., 1991; West, 1991; Treyz, 1993; Israilevich et al., 1996; Rey, 1998; Motii, 2005). There are a number of strategies through which an IO analysis is merged with an econometric model. This paper examines two strategies to build an integrated input-output econometric (IO-EC) model, namely coupling and holistic embedding, from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Each strategy is analysed based on their simulation and forecasting performance. Both strategies are …

Microengineering The Neural Tube, Christopher Demers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Early embryonic development is a complex and highly regulated orchestra of instructive cues that collectively guide naïve stem cells towards progressively more specialized fates. In the neural tube, the precursor structure to the brain and spinal cord, these signals emanate from ‘organizing centers’ surrounding the neural tube. These organizing centers send out soluble cues or morphogens that diffuse tens to hundreds of microns to recipient cells residing in the neural tube. Re-creating this dynamic landscape of cues in vitro is impossible using standard cell culture tools and techniques. However, microfluidics is perfectly suited to fill this gap, allowing precise control …

Transcending Teacher Professional Development: From Determinism To Complexity, Abdul Rahman, Garry F. Hoban, Wendy S. Nielsen

Abdul Rahman

There is a multiplicity of factors and actors that come into play to make teacher professional development (TPD) a strategic and powerful scheme for improving teacher practices. This multiplicity is evident in educational practices and theories. Consequently, traditional perspectives that take a simple view of TPD as a single, independent entity in teacher learning in isolation from other factors and actors are problematic. To better understand how TPD can bring about change in teacher practices-transforming teacher learning, there is a need to transcend the linear, causal, deterministic assumption about TPD. Here, in this discussion paper, I argue that powerful TPD …

Defining Success: The Perspective Of Emerging Adults With Foster Care Experience, Brianna Lynne Anderson

Master's Theses

Youth with experience in the foster system are often more susceptible to negative outcomes in adulthood due to their high levels of cumulative risk. The present study sought out to re-define the concept of “success” from the perspective of emerging adults with experience in the foster care system and to identify patterns among the characteristics and behaviors of foster families that promote success as these young adults transition out of the foster care system and into adulthood. Participants most frequently defined “success” as achieving personal goals. Additionally, Support and Positive Identity were found to be the most influential Developmental Assets® …

Philosopher's Stone: The Faustian Geist Of Development, Salikyu Sangtam

Dissertations

The present study juxtaposes scientific rationality with polyphonic rationality in respect to societal development. This is done to illuminate how scientific rationality provides a narrow and truncated view of development. In order to explicate the exclusion of polyphonic rationalities/knowledges in favor of scientific rationality, several development scholarships are examined along with an episode of developmental scheme and two episodes of development programs. This is done to expound (note: ‘→’ = influences) how scientific rationality → scholarships → organizational/institutional schemes, such as the MDGs → actual applications of development schemes, such as transmigration and compulsory villagization. The present inquest, …

Network-Based Development In Chattanooga, Tennessee: Processes And Potentials, Kathryn Ansley Taylor

Masters Theses

Chattanooga is a city of networks. The goal of this project is to provide examples of how developers, by tapping into Chattanooga’s most vital networks, can create buildings that speak to the city’s unique character, build interest in the city, and foster a stronger future for Chattanooga.

Chattanooga has four networks that serve as its backbone. They are the Cultural Network, the Blue Green Network, the Fiber Optic Network and the Dwelling Network. These networks are linkages between people and places, bound by common hopes and affinities. They are platforms for social connection, economic growth and physical change.

Three developments …

The Role Of The Architect In The Process Of Development, Christopher Alan Owens

Masters Theses

Population growth and cars have caused cities to sprawl from their downtown cores, resulting in a landscape of low density building. Far too often the empty lot at the edge of the city or along a highway attracts the next opportunity for development, furthering the gap between residential and commercial zones. The profession of architecture recognizes that urban site selection and mixed-use programming is vital to the social and financial health of a city, though it typically only participates in the design of the building. However, the visionary training and practice of architecture places the architect in a unique position …

In Vivo Significance Of The Mdm4 And P73 Interaction During Development And Tumorigenesis, Mehrnoosh Tashakori

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is negatively regulated by Mdm4 protein. The significance of such regulation was determined from mouse models. Mdm4-deficient mice are embryonic lethal at E7.5 in a p53-dependent manner. p73, a member of the p53-family, is a transcription factor with tumor suppressor activity. In vitro studies show that Mdm4 binds to p73 and, further, comprehensive biochemical studies revealed that Mdm4 has higher affinity for p73 than p53. However, little is known about the significance of the Mdm4 and p73 interaction in vivo. This study aimed to elucidate the biological consequences of this interaction during embryogenesis …

Building A New Academic Library Web Site, Ann S. Johnston Mrs., Pam Greenlee, Matt W. Marcukaitis, Ian M. Lopshire

Faculty Scholarship – Library Science

The Benner Library Web site at Olivet Nazarene University was targeted for an update and those responsible desired a systematic, efficient approach to the process. The project needed clear goals and careful coordination of all stakeholders, including all levels of patrons, library professionals and staff, and university administrators. A team composed of web developers, programmers, and graphic designers accomplished the technological process, but communication between team members and stakeholders was essential. The methodical approach proved to be time-consuming, but effective.