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Editorial Note, Sisay Asefa

International Journal of African Development

No abstract provided.

International Journal Of African Development, Vol. 3, Issue 1

International Journal of African Development

Complete issue of International Journal of African Development, Volume 3, Issue 1 - Fall 2015.

Late Oligocene Calcareous Nannofossils From Albanian-Thessalian Intramontane Basin (Bozdovec Section, Albania) – A Quantitative Approach, Mădălina-Elena Kallanxhi, Stjepan Ćorić, Arben Koçiu

Studia UBB Geologia

Quantitative and semi-quantitative analyses of calcareous nannofossils were performed on samples collected from Bozdovec Section (Albanian-Thessalian intramontane basin, Albania). The calcareous nannofossil assemblages are dominated by: small reticulofenestrids, Cycligargolithus floridanus, Coccolithus pelagicus, Sphenolithus spp., Reticulofenestra scrippsae, Helicosphaera spp., Clausicoccus spp., Reticulofenestra bisecta, Cycligargolithus abisectus. Biostratigraphically, the studied outcrop is assigned to the Late Oligocene NP25 - Sphenolithus ciperoensis Zone. In the Mediterranean area, this interval can be correlated with the MNP25a - Sphenolithus ciperoensis Zone, while according to the zonation for low to middle latitudes the investigated material would belong to the CNO5 - Sphenolithus …

Vestigial Serrula In Scorpion Genera Paravaejovis, , Smeringurus And Vejovoidus (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae), Victor Fet, Michael E. Soleglad, Michael S. Brewer, David P. A. Neff, Michael L. Norton

Euscorpius

The presence of vestigial serrula on the ventral edge of the cheliceral movable finger is established for vaejovid genera Paravaejovis, Paruroctonus, Smeringurus, and Vejovoidus. Detailed descriptions and SEM images illustrating the various manifestations of this interesting cheliceral structure are provided for many species of these four genera. A brief systematic overview of this structure as it exists in Recent scorpions is also presented.

Serrula In Retrospect: A Historical Look At Scorpion Literature (Scorpiones: Orthosterni), Matthew R. Graham, Victor Fet

Euscorpius

Serrula, a small comb-like structure on the ventral aspect of cheliceral movable finger in scorpions, has often been overlooked or ignored. Scorpion genera that are currently known to possess serrula belong to six families: Chactidae, Euscorpiidae, Iuridae, Pseudochactidae, Superstitioniidae, and Vaejovidae. All relevant literature on scorpion serrula is reviewed, and serrula of representative scorpion taxa is illustrated by SEM images. We suggest that the inconsistency in reporting serrula is based on several factors (or combination thereof): (a) serrula tines can quite often be broken off partially or completely, especially in adults; (b) serrula can be vestigial and hardly visible under …

On The Poorly Known Genus Mesotityus González-Sponga, 1981 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), Luis F. De Armas, Fernando J. M. Rojas-Runjaic

Euscorpius

Examination of new available material (18 females and six males) of the rare Venezuelan scorpion Mesotityus vondangeli González-Sponga, 1981 (Buthidae) demonstrated that there are consistent taxonomic characters to consider it as a genus different from Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 sensu stricto. Nevertheless, it shares important characters with species of the Tityus clathratus group (=subgenus Archaeotityus Lourenço, 2006). An emended diagnosis of Mesotityus is given, as well as data on natural history, meristic and morphometric variation.

From Lab To Pharmacy Shelves: The Story Of A Plant Derived Anticancer Drug, "Paclitaxel", Maira Junjua, Sana Jafar, Fazeelat Karamat, Faheem Ahmed

Journal of Bioresource Management

Paclitaxel (Taxol®) is a highly praised anticancer drug, known for its efficiency in treating different cancers. It belongs to a class of compounds called taxanes that are derived from the plants of the genus Taxus. This drug is now FDA approved, but there was a time when the name Taxol was less known to the scientific world. Taxol, being a unique molecule in its structure, properties and mechanism of action, has undergone more than 30 years of trials, and faced a lot of hurdles to leave the bench of a laboratory and reach the shelves of a pharmacy. This review …

Status And Future Management Of Grey Goral (Naemorhedus Goral Bedfordi) In Pakistan, Fakhar -I- Abbas, Afsar Mian, Tanveer Akhtar, Thomas P. Rooney

Journal of Bioresource Management

Himalayan grey goral (HGG: Naemorhedus goral bedfordi) is endemic to Himalyas and regarded as Endangered/ Threatened. Study was designed to collect information on population biology, habitat, food and behaviour of population of HGG distributed in Pakistan, trying to understand its present status and conservational potentials. Our data suggest that the population, habitat and the species has sufficient potentials for its survival in the area, if protection from human predation is afforded to the species. HGG population is isolated into 7-8 subpopulations and is facing male-biased mortality, therefore is likely to face bottleneck effects and subsequent population crash ascribed to …

Taxonomic Position Of The Genus Sassanidotus Farzanpay, 1987 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), František Kovařík, Victor Fet

Euscorpius

Sassanidotus Farzanpay, 1987 is a valid genus closely related to Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949, with which it shares most characters including the shape of carinae on the carapace and mesosoma. The main difference is that Sassanidotus has only three granules located proximally to the terminal granule on the movable finger of pedipalp, whereas Compsobuthus and also Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950 have four such granules. Sassanidotus Farzanpay, 1987 includes two species, Sassanidotus zarudnyi (Birula, 1900) (type species) from Iran and Sassanidotus gracilis thus zarudnyi sarghadensis Birula, 1903, syn. n.) from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The neotype is designated for S. zarudnyi.

Simultaneous Dynamic Optical Refraction And Biometry Of The Human Accommodative Response, Victor M. Hernandez

Open Access Dissertations

The ability of the crystalline lens to change shape and bring near objects into focus is known as accommodation. Over time, the deformability of the lens decreases, deteriorating near visual function. This condition is known as presbyopia. There are many ways in which presbyopia correction is addressed, but currently there does not exist a method capable of restoring a dynamic visual range. In order to better understand the accommodative process and evaluate future corrective approaches, we require a system capable of dynamically acquiring refraction and biometric information. The goal of this work was to design, develop, and test a system …

Evolutionary Dynamics Of Speciation And Extinction, Dawn Michelle King

Dissertations

Presented here is an interdisciplinary study that draws connections between the fields of physics, mathematics, and evolutionary biology. Importantly, as we move through the Anthropocene Epoch, where human-driven climate change threatens biodiversity, understanding how an evolving population responds to extinction stress could be key to saving endangered ecosystems. With a neutral, agent-based model that incorporates the main principles of Darwinian evolution, such as heritability, variability, and competition, the dynamics of speciation and extinction is investigated. The simulated organisms evolve according to the reaction-diffusion rules of the 2D directed percolation universality class. Offspring are generated according to one of three reproduction …

Early Prevention Of Pressure Ulcers In The Emergency Department, Marie Fagan

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Purpose: Pressure ulcers characterize a major health problem in clinical practice, which in turn, can have an impact on quality of life and health care costs (Dugaret, Videau, Faure, Gabinski, Bourdel-Marchasson & Salles, 2012). Pressure ulcers can develop during treatment regardless of the setting. They develop in long term facilities, family homes and hospitals. The purpose of this DNP project was to ensure patient health and safety by educating the primary emergency room nurses to at-risk individuals presenting to the Emergency Department and to initiate early intervention strategies. Significance of the Project: Until recently, there has been very little literature …

Notes Regarding Nebraska Population Change From The Tuesday December 22, 2015 U.S. Census Bureau Release Of State Population Estimates As Of July 1, 2015, David J. Drozd

Past Publications

The Census Bureau estimates the population of Nebraska as of July 1, 2015 to be 1,896,190, so the state nearly hit the 1.9 million mark (and it does so with rounding). This is an increase of 13,210 from the July 1, 2014 estimate, or an increase of 0.70 percent. Nebraska’s most current annual growth is very similar to gains seen in the past several years – for example, the increase in the prior year from 2013-14 was 13,680 persons or 0.73 percent. Nebraska has now gained population for 28 straight years, with the last annual population loss occurring in 1987, …

Initiating A Bystander Awareness Program At A State University, Kristine B. Sparks

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Crime in schools, colleges and universities is a troublesome social problem. It affects not only those involved in the criminal incident, but it also inhibits societal growth and stability. To address this issue, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) of 2013 requires that colleges participating in federal student aid programs must provide “primary prevention and awareness programs” for new students and employees, as well as ongoing crime prevention and awareness campaigns. Implementation was mandated to be started by October 1, 2014. Most prevention programs teach students how to avoid situations, abusive behaviors and potential attacks. This project initiates …

Implementation Of A Wellness Program To Address Health Disparities In A Vulnerable Population, Patricia Clark Pappas

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a Wellness program to address the health disparities in a vulnerable population. The population targeted was a local population that was served at a mental health facility for socioeconomically disadvantaged. The program focused on improving knowledge of cardiovascular health, empowerment and communication skills. Significance: The significance of the project is the improvement in ones wellness by provision of education, empowerment and communication skills. The attaining of these skills can translate into other areas of wellness and improved health outcomes. Populations at risk due to socioeconomic and racial differences can …

Ethnic Differences In Maternal Adipokines During Normal Pregnancy, Xinhua Chen, Theresa O Scholl

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Two adipokines (adiponectin and resistin) have opposite relations with insulin resistance and inflammation. Our major focus was to determine whether there were detectable ethnic differences in maternal adipokines during pregnancy. We also explored the correlation of the adipokines with maternal glucose homeostasis, blood pressure and anthropometric parameters. Pregnant women (n = 1634) were from a large prospective cohort study in Camden NJ (African-American 36.8%; Hispanic 47.6%; Caucasian 15.6%). Serum adiponectin and resistin were measured at entry (week 16.8) and the 3rd trimester (week 30.7) using the Luminex xMapTechnology. Significant differences were observed among ethnic groups, controlling for confounding variables. African …

The Gift Of Recreation: College Of Engineering, Icon Deliver Innovative Side-By-Side Cycle To Common Ground Outdoor Adventures | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

Dec. 22, 2015 – In the spirit of giving this holiday season, the College of Engineering at Utah State University and ICON Health & Fitness delivered a much anticipated gift to the staff and clients at Logan’s Common Ground Outdoor Adventures.

On Tuesday, USU and ICON donated a student-built side-by-side tandem cycle that helps make outdoor cycling adventures possible for persons with disabilities.

Improving Patient Care Outcomes To Reduce Recurrent Admissions Of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Lisa Maria Friedrich

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Purpose:Transitional care is time-limited, with the goal of ensuring safety and health continuity for at-risk patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as they move from one setting to the next. An acute care episode of COPD ranges from relatively healthy adults to adults with multiple chronic conditions or those in the end-of-life phase. The primary quality concern of an urgent need to improve health care is in response to the gaps of sufficient experience to manage patients with COPD, leading to hospital readmissions. Implementation of standards of care for the improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQL) of COPD …

Marijuana Legalization. Initiative Statute.

Initiatives

Legalizes marijuana under state law. Creates commission to regulate and license marijuana industry. Applies general retail sales taxes to marijuana, unless medical or dietary exemptions apply. Permits excise taxes on certain marijuana sales, up to 15% of retail price, and storage, up to 10% of wholesale price. Prohibits discrimination based on marijuana use. Restricts marijuana testing for job applicants and employees, or penalizing employees for off-duty use, unless they are in safety-sensitive occupations. Permits local regulation of marijuana businesses, including ban or limit on number with voter approval. Exempts medical marijuana collectives from licensing requirements. Summary of estimate by Legislative …

When Free Is Not For Me: Confronting The Barriers To Use Of Free Quitline Telephone Counseling For Tobacco Dependence, Christine Sheffer, Sharon Brackman, Charnette Lercara, Naomi Cottoms, Mary Olson, Luana Panissidi, Jami Pittman, Helen Stayna

Publications and Research

Remarkable disparities in smoking rates in the United States contribute significantly to socioeconomic and minority health disparities. Access to treatment for tobacco use can help address these disparities, but quitlines, our most ubiquitous treatment resource, reach just 1%–2% of smokers. We used community-based participatory methods to develop a survey instrument to assess barriers to use of the quitline in the Arkansas Mississippi delta. Barriers were quitline specific and barriers to cessation more broadly. Over one-third (34.9%) of respondents (n = 799) did not have access to a telephone that they could use for the quitline. Respondents reported low levels of …

Marijuana Legalization. Initiative Statute.

Initiatives

Legalizes marijuana under state law. Creates commission to regulate and license marijuana industry. Applies general retail sales taxes to marijuana, unless medical or dietary exemptions apply. Permits excise taxes on certain marijuana sales, up to 15% of retail price, and storage, up to 10% of wholesale price. Prohibits discrimination based on marijuana use. Restricts marijuana testing for job applicants and employees, or penalizing employees for off-duty use, unless they are in safety-sensitive occupations. Permits local regulation of marijuana businesses, including ban or limit on number with voter approval. Exempts medical marijuana collectives from licensing requirements. Summary of estimate by Legislative …

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 22, 2015, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

Architecture Of High-Affinity Unnatural-Base Dna Aptamers Toward Pharmaceutical Applications, Ken Ichiro Matsunaga, Michiko Kimoto, Charlotte Hanson, Michael Sanford, Howard A. Young, Ichiro Hirao

United States Public Health Resources

We present a remodeling method for high-affinity unnatural-base DNA aptamers to augment their thermal stability and nuclease resistance, for use as drug candidates targeting specific proteins. Introducing a unique mini-hairpin DNA provides robust stability to unnatural-base DNA aptamers generated by SELEX using genetic alphabet expansion, without reducing their high affinity. By this method, >80% of the remodeled DNA aptamer targeting interferon-γ (KD of 33 pM) survived in human serum at 37 °C after 3 days under our experimental conditions, and sustainably inhibited the biological activity of interferon-γ.

Uab Department Of Music Announces Winter/Spring 2016 Season Of Performances, Shannon Thomason

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

M. S. V. Marple Newtown School District

2015 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Challenges Of Urban Revitalisation In The 21st Century: The Renewtown Project Perspective And Beyond, Irena Ograjenšek

Economic and Business Review

No abstract provided.

Space Heater Collection Highlights Conservation, Cost-Cutting Efforts At Uab School Of Public Health, Staff

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

Filter Presence And Tipping Paper Color Influence Consumer Perceptions Of Cigarettes, Richard J. O’Connor, Maansi Bansal-Travers, K. Michael Cummings, David Hammond, Jim Thrasher, Cindy Tworek

Faculty Publications

Background: Cigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers’ perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys ‘lightness’.

Methods: This study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette. …

Using An External Exposome Framework To Examine Pregnancy-Related Morbidities And Mortalities: Implications For Health Disparities Research, Tonny J. Oyana, Patricia Matthews-Juarez, Stephania A. Cormier, Xiaoran Xu, Paul D. Juarez

Faculty Publications

© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Objective: We have conducted a study to assess the role of environment on the burden of maternal morbidities and mortalities among women using an external exposome approach for the purpose of developing targeted public health interventions to decrease disparities. Methods: We identified counties in the 48 contiguous USA where observed low birthweight (LBW) rates were higher than expected during a five-year study period. The identification was conducted using a retrospective space-time analysis scan for statistically significant clusters with high or low rates by a Discrete Poisson Model. Results: We observed statistically …

Detailed Analysis Of The Predictions Of Loop Quantum Cosmology For The Primordial Power Spectra, Ivan Agullo, Noah A. Morris

Faculty Publications

We provide an exhaustive numerical exploration of the predictions of loop quantum cosmology with a postbounce phase of inflation for the primordial power spectrum of scalar and tensor perturbations. We extend previous analysis by characterizing the phenomenologically relevant parameter space and by constraining it using observations. Furthermore, we characterize the shape of loop quantum cosmology corrections to observable quantities across this parameter space. Our analysis provides a framework to contrast more accurately the theory with forthcoming polarization data, and it also paves the road for the computation of other observables beyond the power spectra, such as non-Gaussianity.