Digital Commons Network^™

Report On The Feasibility Of Anama Establishing An International Centre For Mine Action In Goygol, Azerbaijan, Bruce Powell

Global CWD Repository

The following report documents the findings and recommendations of a feasibility study commissioned by UNDP under the mantle of its ongoing support to mine action in Azerbaijan. As recommended in a 2008 UNDP outcome evaluation, the study was tasked with examining the “existing capacities of ANAMA, as well as techniques and facilities to recommend on the possibility of converting ANAMA to an International Center for Mine Action (IMC)”1.

The report provides an overview of ANAMA‟s current operational capacity, training capability, and likely market niches that an IMC based in Azerbaijan could fill. It also describes the principal field of existing …

An Environmental Biography Of Bde Ihanke-Lake Andes: History, Science, And Sovereignty Converge With Tribal, State, And Federal Power On The Yankton Sioux Reservation In South Dakota, 1858–1959, David Nesheim

Department of History: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Lake Andes sits at the center of the Yankton Sioux Reservation in south-central South Dakota and might be described as a prairie pothole, except it encompasses nearly 5,000 acres when full of water, stretching twelve miles long by a mile to a mile and a half wide in a quasi-crescent shape. Originally carved out by a receding glacier during the Wisconsin glaciations, for its entire history the lake has gone dry during low precipitation -- a cycle interrupted after the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) commissioned several artesian wells beginning in 1896. As the lake expanded, the U.S. Fish Commission …

Viability For Oxidation Of H2s Gas Using Low Concentration Solutions Of H2o2 Peroxide In Applications For Biogas Purification., Stewart Walter Mccollam 1985-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an examination of the viability of a low pH hydrogen peroxide scrubbing process for removing H 2 S acid gas present in typical biogas streams generated from dairy farm anaerobic digesters. Biogas ranges in composition based on the feedstock manure used in the anaerobic digestion process but typically consists of methane (50-60%), carbon dioxide (40-50%), and trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Hydrogen sulfide is of prime concern because it is an odorous, poisonous, and highly corrosive gas which can impede use in power generation applications for biogas such as boilers, internal combustion engines, microturbines, fuel …

Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor, Cts-1027, Attenuates Liver Injury And Fibrosis In The Bile Duct-Ligated Mouse., Alisan Kahraman, Steven F. Bronk, Sophie Cazanave, Nathan W. Werneburg, Justin L. Mott, Patricia C. Contreras, Gregory J. Gores

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Aim: Excessive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic liver injury. CTS-1027 is an MMP inhibitor, which has previously been studied in humans as an anti-arthritic agent. Thus, our aim was to assess if CTS-1027 is hepato-protective and anti-fibrogenic during cholestatic liver injury. Methods: C57/BL6 mice were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 days. Either CTS-1027 or vehicle was administered by gavage. Results: BDL mice treated with CTS-1027 demonstrated a threefold reduction in hepatocyte apoptosis as assessed by the TUNEL assay or immunohistochemistry for caspase 3/7-positive cells as compared to vehicle-treated …

Micrornas Involved In Tumor Suppressor And Oncogene Pathways: Implications For Hepatobiliary Neoplasia., Justin L. Mott

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

MicroRNAs are a class of small regulatory RNAs that function to modulate protein expression. This control allows for fine-tuning of the cellular phenotype, including regulation of proliferation, cell signaling, and apoptosis; not surprisingly, microRNAs contribute to liver cancer biology. Recent investigations in human liver cancers and tumor-derived cell lines have demonstrated decreased or increased expression of particular microRNAs in hepatobiliary cancer cells. Based on predicted and validated protein targets as well as functional consequences of altered expression, microRNAs with decreased expression in liver tumor cells may normally aid in limiting neoplastic transformation. Conversely, selected microRNAs that are up-regulated in liver …

Making The Case For Conflict Bifurcation In Afghanistan: Transnational Armed Conflict, Al Qaida, And The Limits Of Associated Militia Concept, Geoffrey S. Corn

International Law Studies

No abstract provided.

Extension, The Land-Grant Mission, And Civic Agriculture: Cultivating Change, Kathryn Colasanti, Wynne Wright, Brenda Reau

Journal of Extension

Criticisms claiming the land-grant system has failed its mission and recent restructuring in the food system have together challenged the role played by Extension. This article explores whether a framework of southeast Michigan's Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP) fosters civic participation in the agrifood re-localization movement. Employing a case study approach, we discuss this framework and provide an overview of Extension educator involvement. Our case study indicates that the FSEP structure enables Extension professionals to expand their repertoire of community interaction models and engage citizens as agrifood citizens and leaders in order to move towards sustainable development.

Whether Crop Diversification Is A Desired Strategy For Agricultural Growth In Bangladesh?, S Rahman

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

This study aimed at examining the merit of crop diversification as a strategy for agricultural growth in Bangladesh. Specifically, the existence of economies of diversification, scale economies and diversification efficiencies at the farm level were examined using a stochastic input-distance function approach. The results reveal strong evidence of diversification economies amongst most crop enterprises except the combination of modern rice and modern wheat enterprises. Ray economies of scale exist in Bangladeshi cropping system. Also, significant are efficiency gains made from diversification among cropping enterprises. The key policy implication is that crop diversification should be a desired strategy for agricultural growth …

Investigation Into Pedestrian Exposure To Near-Tailpipe Exhaust Emissions, Neil A. Buzzard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inhalation of particulate matter is known to cause negative human health effects. Consequently, regulatory agencies have set regulations and standards that limit the maximum concentrations to which persons may be exposed and the maximum concentrations allowed in the ambient air. However, these standards consider steady exposure over large spatial and time scales. Because many vehicles' exhaust systems direct exhaust towards sidewalks, pedestrians in close proximity to a roadway may experience events where for brief periods of time particulate matter concentrations are high enough to cause acute health effects. In order to quantify these exposure events, instruments which measure specific exhaust …

Coconut Oil Enhancement Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Induced Body Fat Loss And Lipolysis In Mice, Siri Manasa Ippagunta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) causes a body fat loss that is enhanced when mice are fed coconut oil (CO) compared to soy oil (SO). The objectives were to determine if CLA feeding altered proteins involved in lipolysis. Male mice (n = 80; 3 wk old) were fed 7% SO or CO diets for 6 wk then 0 or 0.5% CLA for 12d. A body fat index was calculated: (retroperitoneal (RP) + epididymal (EPI) fat pads)*100/body weight. Lipolysis was determined by non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glycerol release from EPI & RP explants. The relative expression of perilipin, phosphorylated perilipin …

Variation In, And Contributing Factors Of Placental Efficiency In Swine, Tiffany Ann Wilmoth

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Placental efficiency, defined as fetal weight divided by placental weight, has been shown to be involved in litter size. Breeds that are more prolific (12-13 pigs per litter) have feto-placental units with higher placental efficiencies. However, domestic commercial breeds have much smaller litters of about 9.5 pigs per litter. Placental size is vastly different, such that high placental efficiency pigs have smaller, more vascularized placentae. Even within an individual litter two piglets with similar body weights may be grown on placentae that are different in size. The placenta of the least efficient feto-placental unit may be up to 50% bigger …

Effects Of Delayed Fat Supplementation On Post-Prandial Rumen Metabolism, Lamb Quality And Fatty Acid Composition Of Rumen Effluent, Quinn Stephan Baptiste

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sheep farmers have an option to incorporate fat supplements into the ration of grazing ruminants. Farmers choosing this option will have to select a time for offering that supplement. It might be practical to feed the supplement in the morning or evening. However, the time at which that supplement is fed should not compromise nutrient digestion or the enhancement of ruminant product fatty acid composition. Consequently, the effects of feeding a fat enriched supplement, at a delayed time on rumen metabolism, lamb quality, and fatty acid composition of effluent digesta were investigated in three experiments. In experiment 1, treatment (time …

Development And Evaluation Of A Fault Detection And Identification Scheme For The Wvu Yf-22 Uav Using The Artificial Immune System Approach, Sebastian Pablo Sanchez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A failure detection and identification (FDI) scheme is developed for a small remotely controlled jet aircraft based on the Artificial Immune System (AIS) paradigm. Pilot-in-the-loop flight data are used to develop and test a scheme capable of identifying known and unknown aircraft actuator and sensor failures. Negative selection is used as the main mechanism for self/non-self definition; however, an alternative approach using positive selection to enhance performance is also presented. Tested failures include aileron and stabilator locked at trim and angular rate sensor bias. Hyper-spheres are chosen to represent detectors. Different definitions of distance for the matching rules are applied …

An Introduction To Medical Simulation, Peter G. Brindley, Yaseen M. Arabi

Saudi Medical Journal

While medical simulation is no panacea, it offers numerous potential strategies for comprehensive and practical training, safer patient care, and for those keen to attract and retain staff. It is a technique, rather than just a technology that promotes experiential and reflective learning. It is also a key strategy to teach Crisis Resource Management skills. Simulation can benefit the individual learner, the multidisciplinary team, and the hospital as a whole. It has been described as a key driver of patient safety, and even as the ±patient safety laboratory± of the future. As such is endorsed by many professional societies in …

That Almond Smell: Seven Short Stories, John J. Mccormack

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract

An Oral History Of The American Chestnut In Southern Appalachia, Bethany N. Baxter

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This oral history research explored and examined the experences and memories of people who lived in the Southern Appalachian region during the years preceding and following the chestnut blight pandemic. The project examined experiences from an environmental history perspective, addressing the economic and cultural significance of chestnut pre and post blight, and attitudes and feelings concerning American chestnut restoration efforts. The American Chestnut Oral History Collection includes forty-five interviews, recorded between May and December 2008. Twenty-seven of them were recorded with people who have memories of the importance of American chestnut in southern Appalachia. These interviews were conducted across Kentucky, …

Review: Are You Ready To Play Outside?, Rachel Schwedt, Janice A. Delong

All Children's Book Reviews

No abstract provided.

Reverse Engineering Of Gene Regulatory Networks For Discovery Of Novel Interactions In Pathways Using Gene Expression Data, Tanwir Habib

Dissertations

A variety of chemicals in the environment have the potential to adversely affect the biological systems. We examined the responses of Rat (Rattus norvegicus) to the RDX exposure and female fathead minnows (FHM, Pimephales promelas) to a model aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, using a transcriptional network inference approach. Rats were exposed to RDX and fish were exposed to 0 or 30mg/L fadrozole for 8 days. We analyzed gene expression changes using 8000 probes microarrays for rat experiment and 15,000 probe microarrays for fish. We used these changes to infer a transcriptional network. The central nervous system is remarkably plastic in its …

Adult Student Satisfaction In An Accelerated Lpn-Rn Nursing Program, Kathy French Batton

Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the importance and degree of satisfaction placed by adult, nontraditional, accelerated LPN-RN students on student service item scales as measured by the results of the Noel-Levitz® Adult Student Priorities Survey™. In addition, the study examined the correlation between satisfaction with each of the scales and student success as measured by current nursing course grade point average (GPA). The student service scales of importance were: academic advising effectiveness, academic services, admissions and financial aid effectiveness, campus climate, instructional effectiveness, registration effectiveness, safety and security, and service excellence. The conceptual framework for the study was derived …

Removal Of Boron From Produced Water By Co-Precipitation / Adsorption For Reverse Osmosis Concentrate, Imran Yusuf Rahman, Yarrow Nelson, Tryg Lundquist

Master's Theses

Co-precipitation and absorption methods were investigated for removal of boron from produced water, which is groundwater brought to the surface during oil and natural gas extraction. Boron can be toxic to many crops and often needs to be controlled to low levels in irrigation water. The present research focused on synthetic reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate modeled on concentrate expected from a future treatment facility at the Arroyo Grande Oil Field on the central coast of California. The produced water at this site is brackish with a boron concentration of 8 mg/L and an expected temperature of 80°C. The future overall …

What’S The Constitution Got To Do With It? Regulating Marriage In Pakistan, Karin Carmit Yefet

Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy

[...] the supreme law of the land seems to embody a blatant contradiction. The Pakistani Constitution extends protection to an impressive catalog of fundamental rights, placing Pakistan in line with some of the most western-minded constitutional regimes in the world.3 At the same time, in contrast to the American-style constitutional commitment to separate church and state,4 the Pakistani regime is constitutionally committed to integrate the two, in the sense that all laws must conform to the injunctions of Islam as a condition of their constitutional validity.5 So the same Constitution that protects western fundamental rights also elevates Islamic law, a …

Preschoolers' Understanding Of The Relationship Between Perceptual Access And Accuracy Of Knowledge: A Study Of 4- And 5-Year-Olds' Judgments About Model Peers, Kathryn Ann Cooper

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Music Education On Early Adolescents' Adaptive Skills, Health-Enhancing Behaviors, And Self-Efficacy, Kimberly Ann Root Wilson

Dissertations

The present study investigated the relationship between early adolescents' participation in middle school music programming and behavioral and emotional functioning. Specifically, the association between students' music involvement and the practice of certain healthy behaviors (diet, exercise, seatbelt use, helmet use, and sleep), adaptive skills (interpersonal relations, relationship with parents, self-esteem, and self-reliance) as well as levels of self-efficacy was examined. Based upon previous research demonstrating positive effects of participation in extracurricular activities on the above mentioned constructs, it was hypothesized that similar findings would emerge for those students involved in school-based music programs. The development of health behaviors, adaptive behaviors, …

The Role Of One Religiously Affiliated Law School, Michael Herz

Journal of Legal Education

No abstract provided.

Tactics And Economics Of Wildlife Oral Rabies Vaccination, Canada And The United States, Ray T. Sterner, Martin I. Meltzer, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Dennis Slate

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Progressive elimination of rabies in wildlife has been a general strategy in Canada and the United States; common campaign tactics are trap–vaccinate–release (TVR), point infection control (PIC), and oral rabies vaccination (ORV). TVR and PIC are labor intensive and the most expensive tactics per unit area (≈$616/km² [in 2008 Can$, converted from the reported $450/km² in 1991 Can$] and ≈$612/km² [$500/km² in 1999 Can$], respectively), but these tactics have proven crucial to elimination of raccoon rabies in Canada and to maintenance of ORV zones for preventing the spread of raccoon rabies in the United States. Economic …

A Nebraska Bird-Finding Guide, Paul A. Johnsgard

Papers in Ornithology

Persons living in Nebraska often feel that they are living in a cultural wasteland; its citizenry preoccupied with violent sports such as hunting and football. Yet many are unaware that they are actually residing in one of the prime locations in the entire world for observing and enjoying some of the most aesthetically appealing of all the world's biological attractions. The area around Kingsley Dam and Lake McConaughy, for example, is known to have attracted more than 330 bird species, including 104 breeders (plus 17 probable breeders) making it the third-most species-rich bird location in the interior U.S.A. (after Laguna …

The Effects Of Ethanol On Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Immunoreactive Neurons In The Central Nervous System, Cannur Dalcik, Guler K. Yildirim, Hakki Dalcik

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of chronically ethanol treatment on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) synthesis in various adult brain regions using immunocytochemistry. METHODS: We performed this study at the Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey from March 2006 to October 2007. The vascular perfusion was utilized to fix the adult rat brains (10 for each group). After applying the routine histological techniques, the tissues were embedded in the paraffin. The immunohistochemical protocol was applied to the 10 um thick sections and the expression of IGF-I positive cells were observed in the neuro-anatomic areas. RESULTS: The distribution of IGF-I immunoreactive …

Effects Of The Augmenter Of Liver Regeneration On The Biological Behavior Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Lin Tang, Hang Sun, Lin Zhang, Jian C. Deng, Hui Guo, Ling Zhang, Qi Liu

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To take advantage of the small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) targeting the human augmenter of liver regeneration (hALR) and anti-hALR monoclonal antibody (McAb) to inhibit the function of hALR, and to demonstrate whether the growth of hepatoma is influenced by siRNA targeting hALR and anti-hALR McAb through inhibiting expression of hALR. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical University, China, between January 2005 and May 2007. We transfected siRNA plasmid pSIALR-A, which targeted the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) of hALR and the …

Optimization Of The Model Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm By Co-Incubation Of Calcium Chloride And Collagenase In Rats, Guang Liu, Ying Huang, Xin-Wu Lu, Min Lu, Xin-Tian Huang, Wei-Min Li, Mi-Er Jiang

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in rats using calcium chloride (CaCl2) and collagenase together. METHODS: This study was performed at the 9th People9s Hospital, Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China from July 2008 to February 2009. Aortas of 55 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed and incubated for 20 minutes with fresh normal saline solutions supplemented with CaCl2 (0.4M) and collagenase (4%, w/v) (group A), CaCl2 alone (group B), collagenase alone (group C), or normal saline alone (group D). After 4 weeks, the treated aortas were evaluated by …

Nutritional Assessment Of Patients In A Large Saudi Dialysis Center, Khalid A. Al-Saran, Sameh A. Elsayed, Azeb J. Molhem, Areej S. Aldrees, Huda M. Alzara

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To examine interventions used to manage malnutrition, and obesity, and to share experiences, concerns, and solutions to these problems for management of nutritional disorders in Saudi patients on maintenance hemodialysis. METHODS: The subjects included in this cross-sectional study were chronic hemodialysis patients in the Prince Salman Center for Kidney Diseases (PSCKD), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from September 2007 to September 2008. Medical history, examination, baseline laboratory tests, and the nutritional status was assessed using the subjective global assessment score (SGA). RESULTS: Subjects in the study had a mean age of 50±16 years, 108 (54%) were …