Digital Commons Network^™

Reply To Comments Of Nolan And Cook, Larry V. Benson, Timothy R. Pauketat, Edward R. Cook

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

We appreciate and would like to respond to the comments made by Nolan and Cook. We make three points in our reply, which are directed at clarifying our position and responding to a few of Nolan and Cook's assumptions.

First, as a matter of clarification, the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is not a measure of summer rainfall as Nolan and Cook (2010) imply. Instead it is a theoretical measure of soil-moisture, the value of which evolves over several months in response to fluxes of precipitation, evaporation, and runoff. In practice, PDSI is usually heavily weighted toward the precipitation side …

The Cleaning Of Burned And Contaminated Archaeological Maize Prior To 87sr/86sr Analysis, L.V. Benson, H. E. Taylor, T. I. Plowman, D. A. Roth, R. C. Antweiler

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Accurate trace-metal and strontium-isotope analyses of archaeological corn cobs require that metal contaminants be removed prior to chemical analysis. Archaeological cobs are often coated with construction debris, dust, or soilwhich contains mineral particles. In addition, most archaeological cobs are partially or completely burned and the burned parts incorporate mineral debris in their hardened residual structures. Unburned cobs are weak ion exchangers and most metals within a cob are not firmly bound to cob organic matter; therefore, immersing cobs in acids and rinsing them in deionized water to remove mineral contaminants may result in the undesirable loss of metals, including strontium, …

Predicting Successful Aging In A Population-Based Sample Of Georgia Centenarians, Jonathan Arnold, Jianliang Dai, Lusine Nahapetyan, Ankit Arte, Mary Ann Johnson, Dorothy Hausman, Willard L. Rodgers, Robert Hensley, Peter Martin, Maurice Macdonald, Adam Davey, Ilene C. Siegler, S. Michal Jazwinski, Leonard W. Poon

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Used a population-based sample (Georgia Centenarian Study, GCS), to determine proportions of centenarians reaching 100 years as (1) survivors (43%) of chronic diseases first experienced between 0–80 years of age, (2) delayers (36%) with chronic diseases first experienced between 80–98 years of age, or (3) escapers (17%) with chronic diseases only at 98 years of age or older. Diseases fall into two morbidity profiles of 11 chronic diseases; one including cardiovascular disease, cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis, and another including dementia. Centenarians at risk for cancer in their lifetime tended to be escapers (73%), while those at risk for cardiovascular disease …

Barcoding Bushmeat: Molecular Identification Of Central African And South American Harvested Vertebrates, Mitchell J. Eaton, Greta J. Meyers, Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis, Matthew S. Leslie, Andrew P. Martin, George Amato

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

The creation and use of a globally available database of DNA sequences from a standardized gene region has been proposed as a tool for species identification, assessing genetic diversity and monitoring the legal and illegal trade in wildlife species. Here, we contribute to the Barcode of Life Data System and test whether a short region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene would reliably distinguish among a suite of commonly hunted African and South American mammal and reptile species. We used universal primers to generate reference barcode sequences of 645 bp for 23 species from five vertebrate …

The Role Of African Dust In The Formation Of Quaternary Soils On Mallorca, Spain And Implications For The Genesis Of Red Mediterranean Soils, Daniel R. Muhs, James Budahn, Anna Avila, Gary Skipp, Joshua Freeman, Deanna Patterson

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

African dust additions explain the origin of terra rossa soils that are common on the carbonate-platform island of Mallorca, Spain. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses indicate that Quaternary carbonate eolianites on Mallorca have a very high purity, usually composed of more than 90% carbonate minerals (calcite, dolomite, and aragonite). In contrast, terra rossa soils developed on these eolianites have lower carbonate contents and contain higher concentrations of quartz and other silicates. Analyses of immobile trace elements indicate that the non-carbonate fractions of the eolianites have distinctive Zr/Hf, La/Yb, Cr/Sc and Th/Ta values that differ from the superjacent terra rossa soils. These …

Assessing The Potential For Luminescence Dating Of Basalts, S. Tsukamoto, G. A.T. Duller, A. G. Wintle, Daniel R. Muhs

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

The possibility of dating basalt using luminescence was tested on four samples with independent age control from Cima volcanic !eld, California, with the ultimate aim of assessing whether the technique could be used to date sediments on the surface of Mars. Previous analysis of these samples had demonstrated that the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signal is most suitable for dating as it showed the lowest fading rate among various luminescence signals. In this study, changes in equivalent dose as a function of preheat are described. The ages for the two youngest Cima samples agree with the independent ages based on …

Monetary Policies In A Small Open Economy Model With Labor Mobility And Remittances, Diana Rose Del Rosario

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This paper presents a model of a small open economy that allows for international labor mobility, thereby endogenizing migrant transfers or remittances. The resulting model is calibrated to the Philippine economy, of which labor migration and remittance inflows are key forces that drive the economy’s growth. The model’s impulse response functions illustrate that the presence of these features generates a different set of dynamics from the standard small open economy model (without labor mobility). Depending on the source of the shock, labor mobility and remittances can either exacerbate or cushion the impact of the shock on the economy. A temporary …

The Impact Of Monetary Policy Announcements On Stock Market: Evidence From China, Yu Zeng

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In this paper we examine how stock returns in China respond to monetary policy announcements made by PBC in a short term around announcement day. We employ a nonparametric event-study method to investigate such reactions. We arrive at the following conclusions. Firstly, there is information leakage of monetary policy changes, which is verified by significant changes in stock returns before monetary policy announcement and quitness of stock market after announcement. Secondly, financially constrained and financially unconstrained firms respond quite similarly to monetary policy shocks, which disobeys credit channel of monetary policy transmission in the short run. Thirdly, reserve ratio changes …

Idiosyncratic Risk And Risk Taking Behavior Of Mutual Fund Managers, Gao Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

I propose that various measures of mutual funds’ performance are more consistent with their investment capability when mutual funds present low idiosyncratic risks. This paper finds conditional predictor for funds’ returns: alpha predicts returns positively for low idiosyncratic risk funds. It suggests that mutual funds which showed high alpha and low idiosyncratic risk in the past may be capable in investment. Their performance is consistently higher than funds with low idiosyncratic risk and low alpha. On the other hand, the performance of high idiosyncratic risk funds is more likely to reverse in the future: expected returns are low for high …

Bayesian Analysis Of Country Risk Premia In Developing Small Open Economies, Seigmund Vincent Roque Conti

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This thesis studies a model presented by Neumeyer & Perri (2005), which aims to explain the strong countercyclicality of interest rates and net exports in emerging market economies. The model accomplishes this by decomposing interest rates into an international rate and a country risk component, and by making labor demand sensitive to movements in these rates via a working capital constraint imposed on the representative firm. Moreover, it proposes two approaches to determining the stochastic processes for these interest rates: the independent country risk case and the induced country risk case. The induced country risk model calibrated to Argentine data …

Bone Marrow Examination Findings At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Nancy Okinda, Riyat Malkit

Pathology, East Africa

Objective: To establish the bone marrow examination findings and determine the indication for bone marrow examination.

Design: A retrospective audit.

Setting: Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

Subjects: All bone marrow aspirates done at Aga Khan University for the period comprising February 2003 to February 2006 were retrieved and analysed.

Results: A total of 356 patient’s case histories including bone marrow examination results were analysed. Ages of the patients ranged from 18 months to 91 years. Males were 180 (50.6%) and females were 176 (49.4%). Nutritional anaemia as a group was the most common haematological disorder found on bone marrow …

Who Gets Prompt Access To Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy? A Prospective Community-Based Study In Children From Rural Kilosa, Tanzania, D.O. Simba, M. Warsame, D. Kakoko, Z. Mrango, G. Tomson, Zul Premji, M. Petzold

Pathology, East Africa

Background: Effective and timely case management remains one of the fundamental pillars for control of malaria. Tanzania introduced artemisinin-combination therapy [ACT] for uncomplicated malaria; however, the policy change is challenged by limited availability of ACTs due to high cost. This study aimed to determine factors influencing prompt access to ACTs among febrile children in rural Kilosa, Tanzania.

Methods and Findings: In a community-based study, 1,235 randomly selected children under five were followed up weekly for six months, in 2008. Using a structured questionnaire, children's caretakers were asked about the child's febrile history in the last seven days, and treatment …

Understanding Caretakers' Dilemma In Deciding Whether Or Not To Adhere With Referral Advice After Pre-Referral Treatment With Rectal Artesunate, D.O. Simba, D.C. Kakoko, M. Warsame, Zul Premji, M.F. Gomes, G. Tomson, E. Johansson

Pathology, East Africa

Background: Malaria kills. A single rectal dose of artesunate before referral can reduce mortality and prevent permanent disability. However, the success of this intervention depends on caretakers' adherence to referral advice for follow-up care. This paper explores the dilemma facing caretakers when they are in the process of deciding whether or not to transit their child to a health facility after pre-referral treatment with rectal artesunate.

Methods: Four focus group discussions were held in each of three purposively selected villages in Mtwara rural district of Tanzania. Data were analysed manually using latent qualitative content analysis.

Results: The theme «Caretakers dilemma …

Population Genetic Analysis Of Large Sequence Polymorphisms In Plasmodium Falciparum Blood-Stage Antigens, A.D. Ahouidi, A.K. Bei, D.E. Neafsey, O. Sarr, S. Volkman, D. Milner, J. Cox-Singh, M.U. Ferreira, O. Ndir, Zul Premji, S. Mboup, M.T. Duraisingh

Pathology, East Africa

Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria, invades host erythrocytes using several proteins on the surface of the invasive merozoite, which have been proposed as potential vaccine candidates. Members of the multi-gene PfRh family are surface antigens that have been shown to play a central role in directing merozoites to alternative erythrocyte receptors for invasion. Recently, we identified a large structural polymorphism, a 0.58 Kb deletion, in the C-terminal region of the PfRh2b gene, present at a high frequency in parasite populations from Senegal. We hypothesize that this region is a target of humoral immunity. Here, by analyzing 371 …

Scanning Acoustic Microscopy For Gdl Water Distribution Characterization, Christopher Mcdade

Theses

The objective of this research was to identify and apply possible acoustic imaging techniques for water transport studies in PEM fuel cell diffusion mediums. To accomplish this, a scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) was designed and built along with dedicated control and analysis software to implement all investigative tests and scans. The results of the study were in two parts, acoustic response characterization of the fibrous material and implementation of the developed imaging technique for water saturation distribution characterization. Having used a focused 30MHz centered wide band transducer with focal point FWHM beam diameter of 90 microns the target material ensured …

The Role Of Surgical Resection In The Management Of Newly Diagnosed Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review And Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline., Steven N Kalkanis, Douglas Kondziolka, Laurie E Gaspar, Stuart H Burri, Anthony L Asher, Charles S Cobbs, Mario Ammirati, Paula D Robinson, David W Andrews, Jay S Loeffler, Michael Mcdermott, Minesh P Mehta, Tom Mikkelsen, Jeffrey J Olson, Nina A Paleologos, Roy A Patchell, Timothy C Ryken, Mark E Linskey

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

QUESTION: Should patients with newly-diagnosed metastatic brain tumors undergo open surgical resection versus whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and/or other treatment modalities such as radiosurgery, and in what clinical settings? Target population These recommendations apply to adults with a newly diagnosed single brain metastasis amenable to surgical resection. Recommendations Surgical resection plus WBRT versus surgical resection alone Level 1 Surgical resection followed by WBRT represents a superior treatment modality, in terms of improving tumor control at the original site of the metastasis and in the brain overall, when compared to surgical resection alone. Surgical resection plus WBRT versus SRS +/- …

First Mesozoic Record Of The Stingray Myliobatis Wurnoensis From Mali And A Phylogenetic Analysis Of Myliobatidae Incorporating Dental Characters, Kerin M. Claeson, Maureen A. O'Leary, Eric M. Roberts, Famory Sissoko, Mamadou Bouare, Leif Tapanila, David Goodwin, Michael D. Gottfried

PCOM Scholarly Works

New specimens, including the first record of lower dental plates, of the extinct myliobatid Myliubatis wurnoensis were recovered from the Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) of the Iullemmeden Basin, Mali, and are the oldest record of the taxon. We evaluated the phylogenetic position of this taxon with reference to other myliobatids (extinct and extant) using osteology and dentition. Our results indicate that Myliobatinae and Myliobatis are each paraphyletic, and that Aetobatus and Rhinoptera are monophyletic. We also found that taxa known only from the Cretaceous, Brachyrhizodus and Igdabatis, are highly nested within Myliobatidae. The phylogenetic position of these taxa unambiguously extends the …

Pramlintide In The Management Of Obesity, Melissa C. Jones, Heather F. Debellis, Kimberly L. Barefield

PCOM Scholarly Works

Obesity is a common problem that can lead to numerous comorbid conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. Currently, there are few pharmacologic options available to help obese patients lose weight. Pramlintide is an injectable, amylin analogue that is indicated in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for use in conjunction with insulin to improve glycemic control. In addition to helping patients decrease hemoglobin A1c levels, pramlintide has also been shown to minimize weight gain, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Studies have been conducted in various patient types, including those patients without diabetes, and the drug tends to …

Understanding Materials, Petros J. Katsioloudis

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The article discusses the importance of understanding the characteristics of materials that will be used for different applications. Through the years, the inventions and innovations in the technology of materials are becoming more technologically complex. Innovations in the materials are divided in different categories, including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. Example of such innovations in the technology of materials include the ceramic composite applied to the surface of the space shuttle panels to absorb and release high amounts of heat.

Improved Strategies For Anti-Money Laundering In Kosovo : [Presentation Given In Late 2010.], Besart Qerimi

Theses

This capstone project report considers the problem of money laundering globally and in Kosovo specifically. Since 1999 in Kosovo there has been an increase of money laundering. To make sure that this problem was addressed in Kosovo the Financial Intelligence Centre (1) has been mandated to investigate and combat money laundering and the associated terrorism. This project emphasizes the definition, phase, trends, methods phases and effects of money laundering. It also explains the role of the national and international organizations and initiatives in the fight against money laundering. This project will help the Ministry of Finance and the development of …

Retention Fastener Preference For Fisher-Price Toy Packaging, Lakeshia Haynes

Theses

"Wrap Rage" continues to be a growing phenomenon as consumers become increasingly frustrated with toy packaging. Consumers have become dissatisfied with the amount of time and effort it takes to remove product from its packaging. To better meet the needs of consumers, toy company Fisher-Price has implemented several improved consumer-friendly package fastener alternatives. The purpose of this study was to test the three most favorable alternative package fastener concepts executed by Fisher-Price. Interviews were conducted to evaluate the amount of time and effort associated with each fastener and to determine which concept was most preferred. The findings of this study …

A Study Of Recent Classification Algorithms And A Novel Approach For Biosignal Data Classification, Eyup Cinar

Theses

Analyzing and understanding human biosignals have been important research areas that have many practical applications in everyday life. For example, Brain Computer Interface is a research area that studies the connection between the human brain and external systems by processing and learning the brain signals called Electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Similarly, various assistive robotics applications are being developed to interpret eye or muscle signals in humans in order to provide control inputs for external devices. The efficiency for all of these applications depends heavily on being able to process and classify human biosignals. Therefore many techniques from Signal Processing and Machine …

Development Of A Platform For Simulating And Optimizing Thermoelectric Energy Systems, John Kreuder

Theses

Thermoelectrics are solid state devices that can convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy. They have historically been used only in niche applications because of their relatively low efficiencies. With the advent of nanotechnology and improved manufacturing processes thermoelectric materials have become less costly and more efficient As next generation thermoelectric materials become available there is a need for industries to quickly and cost effectively seek out feasible applications for thermoelectric heat recovery platforms. Determining the technical and economic feasibility of such systems requires a model that predicts performance at the system level. Current models focus on specific system applications …

The Relationships Between Obesity, Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Performance, Jennifer Ann O'Neil

Theses

Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea will impair Commercial Motor Vehicle operator performance. Obesity will increase the risk of developing serious medical conditions that may cause harm to human health and wellbeing. One condition that can be associated with obesity is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Various symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea will impair a commercial motor vehicle operator's ability to safely maneuver a vehicle. Many commercial motor vehicle collisions have been caused by operator fatigue and have resulted in serious injury and death. Due to unhealthy lifestyles, commercial motor vehicle operators are at a high risk of being obese. Obesity …

Auto-Generation Of Use Case Controllers, Pushkar Marathe

Master's Projects

The thesis is based on the concept of generating machine executable code from UML diagrams. There has been some research done on the same topic but it is mainly focused on class diagrams. My main focus will be on the use case diagrams, and sequence diagrams. Sequence diagrams give us the details of any process in a step-by-step fashion which makes it easier to extract the required information regarding the use cases and the controllers which help us generate the code. The process follows three steps, first being generation of UML diagrams. Secondly, these are converted into XMI (XML Metadata …

Master's In General Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Specialist Program In School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Master Of Science In Counseling A Selective Online Program With Concentrations In Applied Behavior Analysis/Mental Health Counseling/Substance Abuse, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

School Counseling M. S. Excellence In Training Convenient For Working Professionals, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

General Psychology M. S. Online Convenience For Working Professionals, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.