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United States Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Integrity Policy

Copyright, Fair Use, Scholarly Communication, etc.

United States Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Integrity Policy (2012).

Visible Near-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy And Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy For Rapid Compost Analysis, Amanda Lynne Mcwhirt

LSU Master's Theses

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of compost is necessary in order to provide consumers with basic knowledge about the product’s composition, and to protect public health and the environment by preventing the spread of contaminated material. Current methods for analysis of basic compost properties give accurate results but are time consuming and require numerous laboratory procedures. This study evaluated the use of visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VisNIR DRS) for organic matter (OM) determination and field portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectroscopy for determination of elemental composition of composted materials. These technologies were evaluated as alternatives to standard laboratory methods for their …

Minimizing Epicormic Branch Formation On Louisiana Leading Commercial Bottomland Red Oaks, Denton William Culpepper

LSU Master's Theses

The goal of this study was to isolate biological, natural, and silvicultural factors that encourage the production of epicormic branches on bottomland red oak saw-timber trees and to use this information to help landowners and forest managers reduce epicormic branches in stands dominated by bottomland red oaks. Quercus nigra, Q. pagoda, Q. phellos, and Q. texana, the most common commercial bottomland red oaks in Louisiana, were evaluated in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative variables were assessed in this study. The following attributes were collected from each sample tree and primary competitor: site class, basal area, crown class DBH, presence …

Spectrum, 2012, Northwestern College

Spectrum literary magazine

Literary journal

Spectrum, 2013, Northwestern College

Spectrum literary magazine

Literary journal

Zeilenga, Art, Sarah Bartz

Northwest Iowa Vietnam Veterans

In 1965, 21-year-old Art Zeilenga was drafted into the Army. He served in the Chicago area, working in the engineering section on Nike Hercules missiles.

Date of interview: June 6, 2012
Length of interview: 23:14

Bierma, Lloyd, Sarah Bartz

Northwest Iowa Vietnam Veterans

Lloyd Bierma was drafted in the United States Army in 1964. After his training at various military bases, he was sent to Vietnam in the summer of 1965. He served as a medic.

Why Did Financial Institutions Sell Rmbs At Fire Sale Prices During The Financial Crisis?, Craig B. Merrill, Taylor Nadauld, René M. Stulz, Shane M. Sherlund

Faculty Publications

Much attention has been paid to the large decreases in value of non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) during the financial crisis. Many observers have argued that the fall in prices was partly caused by fire sales. We use capital requirements and accounting rules to identify circumstances where financial institutions had incentives to engage in fire sales and then examine whether such sales occurred. For financial institutions subject to credit-sensitive capital requirements, capital requirements increase as an asset’s credit becomes impaired. When accounting rules require such an asset’s value to be marked-to-market and the fair value loss to be recognized in …

Soft Strategic Information And Ipo Underpricing, James C. Brau, James Cicon, Grant Mcqueen

Faculty Publications

Using content analysis we measure the impact of soft information, derived from words in IPO registration documents, on IPO pricing efficiency. First, using 2,298 U.S. IPOs from 1996 to 2008, we find that an IPO document’s strategic tone correlates positively with the stock’s first-day return; more frequent usage of positive and/or less frequent usage of negative strategic words lead to more IPO underpricing. Second, we find that an IPO document’s strategic tone is negatively correlated with the stock’s long-run return. Together, these findings imply that investors initially misprice soft information in registration statements, which mispricing is eventually corrected. Additionally, we …

Inefficient Labor Or Inefficient Capital? Corporate Diversification And Productivity Around The World, Todd Mitton

Faculty Publications

I study the relation between corporate diversification and labor productivity in a sample of over 500,000 firms from 46 countries. Across the entire sample, greater diversification is associated with significantly lower labor productivity. The negative relation between diversification and labor productivity is not stronger in countries with more burdensome employment regulation, but it is significantly stronger in countries with better financial development. In addition, the negative relation is stronger in industries with high capital/labor ratios. Overall, the results suggest that the lower productivity in diversified firms is due more to the misallocation of capital than to the inefficient use of …

Efficient Finite Element Modeling Of Reinforced Concrete Columns Confined With Fiber Reinforced Polymers, Dan Hu

LSU Master's Theses

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have found extensive applications in the field of Civil Engineering due to their advantageous properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio and high corrosion resistance. This study presents a simple and efficient frame finite element (FE) able to accurately estimate the load-carrying capacity and ductility of reinforced concrete (RC) circular columns confined with externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) plates and/or sheets. The proposed FE considers distributed plasticity with fiber-discretization of the cross-sections in the context of a force-based (FB) formulation. The element is able to model collapse due to concrete crushing, reinforcement steel yielding, and …

Extracting Information From French Obituaries, Deryle W. Lonsdale, David W. Embley, Stephen W. Liddle, Joseph Park

Faculty Publications

This paper discusses ongoing efforts to develop a system for extracting information from French obituaries. The approach is based on prior work on ontology-based English obituary extraction, which we first summarize. Then we mention sources for, and characteristics of, typical French obituaries. We sketch ongoing knowledge source development and the relevant tools, as well as an evaluation procedure we intend to follow for quantifying performance of the French system. Throughout we mention some lessons learned in the process.

Quail Vii: Proceedings Of The Seventh National Quail Symposium (January 9-12, 2012 : Tucson, Arizona), Clait E. Braun, Thomas V. Dailey

Galliformes Specialist Group and Affiliated Societies: Conference Proceedings

In memoriam: Walter Rosene, Jr., 1912-2005

In memoriam: John A. Crawford, 1946-2010

PLENARY

On some founding ideas of quailology and their propounders, Fred S. Guthery

One hundred years of quail management in Arizona, David E. Brown

Adaptive management and structured decision making: Is it really that easy? James (Barry) Grand

The Western Quail Management Plan, Larry Riley

Quail VII, a director’s perspective, Jonathan Gassett

BOBWHITE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Impacts of invasive, exotic grasses on quail of southwestern rangelands: A decade of progress? William P. Kuvlesky Jr., Leonard A. Brennan, Timothy E. Fulbright, Fidel Hernández, Steven J. DeMaso, Joseph P. Sands, Robert …

Nrf2 As A Nutrient Sensitive Transcription Factor, Supriya Kulkarni

Open Access Dissertations

Obesity and diabetes are the most prevalent metabolic disorders. It is estimated that more than 86% of US adults would be overweight or obese and more than 50% obese by the year 2030. Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has also been referred to as hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance. NAFLD or steatosis is defined as lipid accumulation exceeding 5% by weight in hepatocytes in the absence of substantial alcohol intake. The prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be between 17% and 40% of the world population, known to afflict obese and normal weight persons and children as well. Epidemiological …

Late Quaternary Depositional Environments, Timing And Recent Deposition: Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island And Massachusetts, Bryan Andrew Oakley

Open Access Dissertations

Glacial Lake Narragansett, which occupied much of the southern portion of Narragansett Basin during Late Wisconsinan deglaciation, and was contiguous with glacial lakes in Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound, is the focus of this study. This dissertation examines the deposits of glacial lakes to develop a history of deglacial chronology, isostatic rebound, and climate change across the glaciated northeast. All of these issues are addressed in this dissertation. This work synthesizes the Late Wisconsinan deglacial evolution of Glacial Lake Narragansett using digital elevation models, sub-bottom seismic reflection, ground penetrating radar profiles, sediment cores and borehole stratigraphy. The impetus …

Cultural Sites As Platforms For Environmental Characterization Of Marine Landscapes, Michael Lee Brennan

Open Access Dissertations

Our ability to understand and interpret archaeological data collected from the excavation of an archaeological site is constrained by our capacity to investigate it. This is often limited by our understanding of the surrounding environment and the modern landscape. This dissertation is composed of three separate studies, each of which examines the environmental and oceanographic contexts of archaeological sites using geophysical and geochemical analyses. The focus of these case studies is to initiate the process of determining the oceanographic and geological histories of the modern sites. Viewing sites from their abandonment to the present day provides an understanding of the …

Significant Learning: Effectively Using Tarantino’S Reservoir Dogs In A Critical Writing Class, Chad Rohrbacher

Publications

Using film in class is nothing new. Film in higher education has been used to explore content, ideas, context, social or political issues, highlight discussions and model certain behaviors, among other things. For years I have used film to highlight rhetorical appeals, audience awareness, and logical fallacies, or to set up critical thinking discussions and writing assignments. We might watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail, for example, and highlight the various logical fallacies that are present; however, there seemed to be a lack of “deeper learning.” While these types of assignments focusing on one specific student learning outcome like …

Parochialism, Cosmopolitanism, And The Foundations Of International Law, Mortimer N.S. Sellers

Books

Summary: "This book determines the boundary between parochial and cosmopolitan justice. To what extent should law recognize or support the political, historical, cultural, and economic differences among nations? Ten lawyers and philosophers from five continents consider whether certain states or persons deserve special treatment or exemptions or heightened duties under international law. Parochialism and cosmopolitanism are the two faces of international law, which recognizes our common humanity by protecting us in our differences"-- Provided by publisher.

Bosnia And Herzegovina General Elections, 2010: Analysis Of Pre-Election Rhetoric, Adis Arapovic, Bedrudin Brljavac

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a postconflict and transitional country with sui generis political system of low efficiency, creates and conducts its politics in a specific ambient of reduced sovereignty and responsibility of domestic institutions and other political subjects. Such political ambient is suitable to proliferation of nationalistic, confrontational and anticonstitutional rhetoric and practices, which reach its peak during period of pre-election campaigns. Unfinished legislative election framework, purposeful obstruction of international election standards and domestic legislative on behalf of most of political subjects, deficiency of professional and independent media, undeveloped civic society, and politicized and undercapacitated institutions which are involved with …

Strategic Perspectives: Clausewitz, Sun-Tzu And Thucydides, Richard Rousseau

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This article illustrates the nature and function of strategy in military affairs. The main argument of the article is that strategy is a bridge connecting military power with political purpose. Strategy and military power are not alike, nor is strategy the actual application of power. Similarly, strategy is not policy. Strategy should be seen as a “theory of success.” Strategy is the source of operational plans intended to convert nominal military capability into useful performance against the enemy. To illustrate the nature and function of strategy, the article reflects on the behavior of Winston Churchill’s British government in the summer …

Through Process, Mitchell Goldstein

Theses and Dissertations

At the core of any designer’s activity is the process they engage with to create design. Process is not only a way to get from an idea to a completed work, it is also what determines our attitude towards design. This is the place where both the design and the designer are created. The gray area between nothing and something is where we go to discover design, and in turn to discover who we are and what matters to us. In this thesis I am investigating the nebulous place between ideas and things, thoughts and artifacts, and being just a …

Elevating The Everyday: Designed Objects As Companions, Cassie Hester

Theses and Dissertations

From fleeting interactions to long affairs, our relationships with things are diverse and complex. Like people, designed objects and environments are close companions in our lives. The way we understand and engage with artifacts is parallel to the way we interpret and interact with each other. A constant source of comfort and delight, frustration and anxiety, their personalities inform our everyday dialogues and experiences. Designed artifacts assume engaging and pleasurable personalities when they transcend materials, challenge perceptions, and garner active, reflective interactions. Through the investigation of familiar materials such as concrete, crayons, paper, sequins, and thread in unfamiliar formats and …

Effectiveness Of Sensory Integration And Behavioral Interventions On Nonengagement In Preschool Aged Children, Tiffany Kuyper

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract EFFECTIVENESS OF SENSORY INTEGRATION AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS ON NONENGAGEMENT IN PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN By Tiffany Ann Kuyper, OTR/L A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Director: Marie Anzalone ScD, OTR, FAOTA This single subject pilot study explored a combination of sensory-based interventions and behavioral interventions in a preschool aged child identified with Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR). Children often display nonengagement associated with escaping and avoiding tactile and/or vestibular information because they perceive sensory input as negative or aversive. The subject …

Factors Influencing Pharmacists’ Decision To Report Adverse Events Related To Dietary Supplements, Ali M. Alhammad

Theses and Dissertations

Background: The increasing consumption of dietary supplements (DS) has drawn the attention of regulatory agencies, researchers and healthcare professionals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require premarketing assessment of DS considering them safe unless proven otherwise. However, the reporting rate of DS adverse events (DS-AE) is low. Objective: To describe pharmacists’ attitudes and knowledge of DS and DS information resources, and to determine the importance of selected attributes in pharmacists’ decisions to report a DS-AE. Methods: A convenience sample of practicing pharmacists in Virginia was surveyed using a web-based self-administered questionnaire. A conjoint analysis exercise was developed …

The Impact Of Service-Learning Among Other Predictors For Persistence And Degree Completion Of Undergraduate Students, Kelly Lockeman

Theses and Dissertations

College completion is an issue of great concern in the United States, where only 50% of students who start college as freshmen complete a bachelor's degree at that institution within six years. Researchers have studied a variety of factors to understand their relationship to student persistence. Not surprisingly, student characteristics, particularly their academic background prior to entering college, have a tremendous influence on college success. Colleges and universities have little control over student characteristics unless they screen out lesser qualified students during the admissions process, but selectivity is contrary to the push for increased accessibility for under-served groups. As a …

Impacts Of Marine Invasive Species On Subtidal And Intertidal Food Web Dynamics, Nicole Rohr

Open Access Dissertations

Invasive species can have a variety of impacts on food web structure and interspecific interactions. They can impact recruitment rates of associated marine species, influence behavior of potential prey items, and alter predator-prey relationships. This research is designed to assess 1) the relationship between the recruitment of Lacuna vincta and two species of algal epiphytes, the native Ceramium virgatum and the invasive Neosiphonia harveyi, in the shallow subtidal zone; 2) the spatial and temporal distribution of the invasive Hemigrapsus sanguineus in the intertidal zone of cobble beaches; and 3) the top-down effects and predator-prey interactions of H. sanguineus.

Through manipulative …

An Investigation Of Internal Control Related Frauds And Auditor Litigation: Pre- And Post- Sarbanes-Oxley, Section 404, Ifeoma Udeh

Theses and Dissertations

Using 629 observations of U.S. publicly listed firms with internal control related frauds from 2000 to 2006; this study investigates the change in auditor litigations in the Post- Sarbanes Oxley, Section 404 period. To the extent the conditions of the internal control in place are inadequate or non-existent, the possibility of the occurrence of internal control related fraud heightens. Thus, the inability of auditors to detect a financial statement misstatement due to internal control fraud in a timely manner exposes auditors to litigation (Barra, 2010; Heninger, 2001; Caplan, 1999). This situation was prevalent in the recent notable corporate failures that …

Adaptive Sliding Mode Control For Energy Management Of Dc Power Using Fuel Cells And Ultracapacitors, Roshini Sukanya Ashok Kumar

Theses

No abstract provided.

Chemical Characterization And Biological Activities Of Himalayan Aromatic Medicinal Plants, Prabodh Satyal

Theses

No abstract provided.

Privacy & The Personal Prospectus: Should We Introduce Privacy Agents Or Regulate Privacy Intermediaries, Scott R. Peppet

Publications

No abstract provided.