Showing papers by "Georgia College & State University published in 2011"
TL;DR: A new type of ligand scaffold is demonstrated to support water oxidation by mononuclear Ru complexes that exhibited 20 times higher activity for water oxidation.
Abstract: The synthesis, characterization, and water oxidation activity of mononuclear ruthenium complexes with tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA), tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (Me3TPA), and a new pentadentate ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine-6-methanamine (DPA-Bpy) have been described. The electrochemical properties of these mononuclear Ru complexes have been investigated by both experimental and computational methods. Using CeIV as oxidant, stoichiometric oxidation of water by [Ru(TPA)(H2O)2]2+ was observed, while Ru(Me3TPA)(H2O)2]2+ has much less activity for water oxidation. Compared to [Ru(TPA)(H2O)2]2+ and [Ru(Me3TPA)(H2O)2]2+, [Ru(DPA-Bpy)(H2O)]2+ exhibited 20 times higher activity for water oxidation. This study demonstrates a new type of ligand scaffold to support water oxidation by mononuclear Ru complexes.
78 citations
TL;DR: This qualitative, descriptive study was to describe students' self-perceptions of their learning experiences using high-fidelity simulation in teaching concepts relative to obstetrics to enhance clinical learning.
Abstract: In this era of expanding technology, amidst a shortage of nursing faculty and clinical sites, there has been increasing emphasis on the use of simulation to enhance clinical learning. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to describe students' self-perceptions of their learning experiences using high-fidelity simulation in teaching concepts relative to obstetrics. A sample of 60 second-year associate of science in nursing (ASN) students attended simulation experiences in obstetrics in addition to required clinical time in a hospital. At the end of each simulated learning experience, students audiotaped their reflections of the experience. Content analysis was done to identify themes in the students' perceptions relative to their learning. Three themes were identified from the analysis: the nonthreatening environment, enhancement of learning, and feeling prepared for practice.
72 citations
TL;DR: The authors assesses the extent to which near repeat generalize across three different crimes, including shootings, robbery, and auto theft, and find that a near repeat pattern exists across crime types; however, each crime type has a unique spatiotemporal pattern.
Abstract: The “near repeat” phenomenon suggests that when a crime occurs in a given area, the surrounding area may exhibit an increased risk for subsequent crime in the days following the original incident. The present study assesses the extent to which near repeats generalize across three different crimes, including shootings, robbery, and auto theft. A series of near repeat models was estimated to further specify the temporal proximity of near repeats for each crime type under investigation. Results showed that a near repeat pattern exists across crime types; however, each crime type has a unique spatiotemporal pattern. Implications for police strategies, such as geographical profiling and future research connecting near repeat patterns to repeat offenders, are discussed.
70 citations
TL;DR: Survey data from college students reveal that victimization and vicarious victimization were not significant predictors ofFear of property crime, whereas perceived risk was a consistent and significant predictor of fear of all property crimes.
Abstract: Fear of crime research has primarily focused on fear of crime in general or on fear of specific types of violent crimes. This study builds from this line of research by focusing exclusively on the night fear of six types of property crimes, including fear of burglary while away from home, vehicle theft, bicycle theft, property theft, vandalism, and vehicle burglary. This study examines the effects of victimization, vicarious victimization, and perceived risk on fear of property crime. Survey data from college students reveal that victimization and vicarious victimization were not significant predictors of fear of property crime, whereas perceived risk was a consistent and significant predictor of fear of all property crimes.
69 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that the modern view of the B 11 (p, α ) α α reaction at energies between 200 keV and a few MeV is incorrect.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to predict medical tourism intentions and found that the model was able to explain around 35 percent of the variance in intentions.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use a theoretical model to create a scale to predict medical tourism (MT) intentions.Design/methodology/approach – The theory of planned behavior (TPB) model was applied to MT by creating a 49‐item questionnaire and collecting data from a convenience sample of 453 undergraduate students enrolled in a university located in the USA. Factor analysis was used to evaluate the results, and yielded a MEDTOUR scale containing 29 items.Findings – A regression of the three variables on an intentions scale of participation in MT had an R‐value of 0.587. The model was able to explain around 35 percent of the variance in intentions. Given the general nature of the model and the first attempt at predicting MT, the results are positive.Research limitations/implications – This research is limited due to the use of a convenience sample of undergraduate students. Further research utilizing additional samples is needed to verify the MEDTOUR scale. In addition, future research can fo...
58 citations
TL;DR: Women planning cesarean reported a more favorable birth experience than women planning vaginal birth, due in part to low satisfaction associated with unplanned cesar, but also by support for maternal-choice cESarean.
Abstract: We sought to describe maternal satisfaction with childbirth among women planning either cesarean or vaginal birth. We enrolled primiparous women planning cesarean birth and a comparison group planning vaginal birth. After delivery, the maternal subjective experience was assessed with a visual analogue satisfaction scale and the Salmon questionnaire, with scale scores for these aspects of the maternal experience of birth: fulfillment, distress, and difficulty. The sample included 160 women planning vaginal birth and 44 women planning cesarean. Eight weeks postpartum, women planning cesarean reported higher satisfaction ratings ( P = 0.023), higher scores for fulfillment ( P = 0.017), lower scores for distress ( P = 0.010), and lower scores for difficulty ( P < 0.001). The least favorable scores were associated with unplanned cesarean ( N = 48). Women planning cesarean reported a more favorable birth experience than women planning vaginal birth, due in part to low satisfaction associated with unplanned cesarean. Maternal satisfaction with childbirth may be improved by efforts to reduce unplanned cesarean, but also by support for maternal-choice cesarean.
56 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength in subjects with sacroiliac joint dysfunction was determined, and it has been suggested that tight hamstring muscle, due to its anatomical connections, could be a compensatory mechanism for providing sacraliliac (SI) joint stability.
Abstract: It has been suggested that tight hamstring muscle, due to its anatomical connections, could be a compensatory mechanism for providing sacroiliac (SI) joint stability in patients with gluteal muscle weakness and SIJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength in subjects with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A total of 159 subjects with and without low back pain (LBP) between the ages of 20 and 65 years participate in the study. Subjects were categorized into three groups: LBP without SIJ involvement (n553); back pain with SIJ dysfunction (n553); and no low back pain (n553). Hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength were measured in all subjects. The number of individuals with gluteal weakness was significantly (P50.02) higher in subjects with SI joint dysfunction (66%) compared to those with LBP without SI joint dysfunctions (34%). In pooled data, there was no significant difference (P50.31) in hamstring muscle length between subjects with SI joint dysfunction and those with back pain without SI involvement. In subjects with SI joint dysfunction, however, those with gluteal muscle weakness had significantly (P50.02) shorter hamstring muscle length (mean5158i11u) compared to individuals without gluteal weakness (mean5165i10u). There was no statistically significant difference (P.0.05) in hamstring muscle length between individuals with and without gluteal muscle weakness in other groups. In conclusion, hamstring tightness in subjects with SI joint dysfunction could be related to gluteal muscle weakness. The slight difference in hamstring muscle length found in this study, although statistically significant, was not sufficient for making any definite conclusions. Further studies are needed to establish the role of hamstring muscle in SI joint stability.
54 citations
TL;DR: The findings of this study demonstrated altered activation pattern of the lumbo-pelvic muscles during PHE in the women with chronic LBP, important for investigators using PHE as either an evaluation tool or a rehabilitation exercise.
Abstract: Background
Altered movement pattern has been associated with the development of low back pain (LBP) The purpose of this study was to investigate the activity pattern of the ipsilateral erector spinae (IES) and contralateral erectorspinae (CES), gluteus maximus (GM) and hamstring (HAM) muscles during prone hip extension (PHE) test in women with and without LBP A cross-sectional non-experimental design was used
52 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest that knowledge of victimology significantly affects students’ propensity to blame victims of crime.
Abstract: The current study examines the impact of a victimology course on students’ perceptions of the blameworthiness of crime victims and knowledge of victimization issues. Victim-blaming attitudes among college students enrolled in a victimology course were compared with students enrolled in other courses. Results from a pretest and posttest suggest that the victimology students were significantly less likely to blame victims and these students also gained significantly more knowledge over time compared with the students who did not enroll in the course. Results from the multivariate analysis indicate that less knowledge over time and a higher propensity to blame victims at the beginning of the semester predicted more victim-blaming attitudes on the posttest. Overall, the findings suggest that knowledge of victimology significantly affects students’ propensity to blame victims of crime.
47 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a generalized stochastic production frontier to estimate the technical efficiency of Indian commercial banks from 1989 to 2009, using a multiple-output generalized Stochastic Production Frontier.
Abstract: In this study we estimate technical efficiency of Indian commercial banks from 1989 to 2009, using a multiple-output generalized stochastic production frontier and analyze the effects of financial reforms on estimated efficiency.The generalized method estimates technical efficiency in the presence of multiple outputs, filling a gap in the existing literature. Our results show that Indian commercial banks were operating with 64% efficiency on average during the sample period. The initial phase of reform had a positive impact on while the later phase adversely affected technical efficiency of banks. Public sector banks show higher efficiency levels compared to private and foreign banks.
TL;DR: The authors provide a structured overview of the existing literature on environmental management accounting, but do so in a manner that allows the reader to better understand the key issues and concerns. But their taxonomy is limited in scope.
Abstract: Environmental management accounting (EMA) is characterised by a lack of standard taxonomy. Minimal consensus, either in terminology or definitions, has been a feature of the literature. This paper seeks to not only provide a structured overview of the extant literature on environmental management accounting, but to do so in a manner that allows the reader to better understand the key issues and concerns. The private cost approach suggests that corporate environmental outcomes should be part of the characteristic management accounting undertaken by a firm. Conversely, the external cost approach suggests that only by recognizing externalities or the non-market costs imposed on society by firms, will management accounting deliver the required level of environmental outcomes.
TL;DR: Results indicate that these 4,8-disubstituted trans-benzobisoxazoles can be used for the synthesis of new conjugated materials with electronic properties that are variable and predictable.
Abstract: In an effort to design new electron-deficient building blocks for the synthesis of conjugated materials, a series of new trans-benzobisoxazoles bearing halogen or alkynyl substituents at the 4,8-positions was synthesized. Additionally, the impact of these modifications on the optical and electronic properties was investigated. Theoretical calculations predicted that the incorporation of various alkynes can be used to tune the energy levels and band gaps of these small molecules. The targeted 4,8-disubstituted benzobisoxazoles were easily prepared in good yields using a two-step reaction sequence: Lewis acid catalyzed orthoester cyclization followed by Sonogashira cross-coupling. The experimentally determined HOMO values for these 4,8-disubstituted benzobisoxazoles ranged from −4.97 to −6.20 eV and showed reasonable correlation to the theoretically predicted values, with a percent deviation that ranged from 2.4–12.8%. However, the deviation between actual and predicted HOMO values was reduced to less than ...
TL;DR: The energy levels of these polymers indicate that the incorporation of benzobisoxazoles into the polymer backbone is a promising strategy for the synthesis of new materials.
Abstract: Herein we report the synthesis of two solution processible, conjugated polymers containing the benzobisoxazole moiety. The polymers were characterized using 1H NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermal gravimetric analysis shows that the polymers do not exhibit significant weight loss until approximately 300 °C under nitrogen. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the polymers have reversible reduction waves with estimated LUMO levels at −3.02 and −3.10 eV relative to vacuum and optical bandgaps of 2.04–2.17 eV. Devices based on blends of the copolymers and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) exhibited modest power conversion efficiencies. Theoretical models reveal that there is poor electron delocalization along the polymer backbone, leading to poor performance. However, the energy levels of these polymers indicate that the incorporation of benzobisoxazoles into the polymer backbone is a promising strategy for the synthesis of new materials.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an asteroseismic analysis of the helium atmosphere white dwarf (a DBV) recently found in the field of view of the Kepler satellite, which strongly suggests that the star is hotter than the 24,900 K suggested by model fits to the low signal-to-noise survey spectrum of the object.
Abstract: We present an asteroseismic analysis of the helium atmosphere white dwarf (a DBV) recently found in the field of view of the Kepler satellite. We analyze the five-mode pulsation spectrum that was produced based on one month of short-cadence Kepler data. The pulsational characteristics of the star and the asteroseismic analysis strongly suggest that the star is hotter (29,200 K) than the 24,900 K suggested by model fits to the low signal-to-noise survey spectrum of the object. This result has profound and exciting implications for tests of the standard model of particle physics. Hot DBVs are expected to lose over half of their energy through the emission of plasmon neutrinos. Continuous monitoring of the star with the Kepler satellite over the course of 3-5 years is not only very likely to yield more modes to help constrain the asteroseismic fits, but also to allow us to obtain a rate of change of any stable mode and therefore measure the emission of plasmon neutrinos.
TL;DR: A pollen and spore assemblage of 50 species was recovered from the late Paleocene (pollen zone P5) Almont locality in the Williston Basin, central North Dakota, USA.
Abstract: A pollen and spore assemblage of 50 species was recovered from the late Paleocene (pollen zone P5) Almont locality in the Williston Basin, central North Dakota, USA. This palynoflora was extracted from the same layer containing a diverse megaflora preserved in a silicified shale with compressed leaves, and anatomically preserved fruits and seeds. More than 44 megafossil genera assignable to 26 extant plant families thus far have been recognized. The palynomorphs, which are of exceptional preservation, were examined using the same-grain technique with both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additional LM and SEM studies augmented the same grain studies to provide an understanding of sculptural features, and additional, rare taxa. Of particular note are the in situ pollen types known from catkins and pollen cones, allowing for confirmation of the dispersed pollen's systematic position by tying it to its parent plant. Taxa for which in situ pollen is known from Almont include taxod...
TL;DR: The failure of naive CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into IFN gamma-producing effector T cells when primed by DENV-infected DCs cannot be explained solely by a block in IFN-α/β signaling, suggesting that the ability of DENV to evade the early host response is multifaceted.
Abstract: Background The production of type I interferon alpha/beta (IFN-α/β) is crucial to viral clearance during dengue virus (DENV) infection; however, in vitro-infected dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit a decreased capacity to respond to IFN-α/β stimulation, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) isolated from patients with acute DENV infection exhibit defects in T cell priming. Methods In order to ascertain the stimulatory capacity of primary human monocyte-derived DCs infected with wild-type DENV isolates, representing a range of genotypes and disease outcomes, we cocultured infected DCs with allogeneic-naive CD4(+) T cells. The gene expression patterns of IFN-α/β sensitive genes were quantitated to determine if the infected DCs displayed a blunted IFN-α/β response. Results DENV-infected DCs induced the initial proliferation of naive CD4(+) T cells but they remained nonpolarized in effector function. The expression of IFN-α/β-stimulated genes was downregulated, revealing that the inhibition of IFN-α/β signaling is conserved among endemic DENV serotype 2 strains. Conclusions The failure of naive CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into IFN gamma-producing effector T cells when primed by DENV-infected DCs cannot be explained solely by a block in IFN-α/β signaling, suggesting that the ability of DENV to evade the early host response is multifaceted.
31 May 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the role end-user training has on performance expectancy and effort expectancy, two variables associated with technology acceptance, was examined in a cross-sectional correlational study using a self-reported mailed questionnaire.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the role end-user training has on performance expectancy and effort expectancy, two variables associated with technology acceptance. The technology-based elements of the HIPAA security rules among oral surgeons were used for the study. The method of the investigation was a cross-sectional correlational study using a self-reported mailed questionnaire. The survey was created using preexisting scales from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Results suggest end-user training is positively correlated with both performance expectancy and effort expectancy.
TL;DR: In this paper, an asteroseismic analysis of EC20058−5234 was performed and the results were placed in the context of stellar evolution and time-dependent diffusion calculations, where the authors used a parallel genetic algorithm complemented with targeted grid searches to find the models that fit the observed periods best.
Abstract: The asteroseismic analysis of white dwarfs allows us to peer below their photospheres and determine their internal structure. At ∼28 000 K EC20058−5234 is the hottest known pulsating helium atmosphere white dwarf. As such, it constitutes an important link in the evolution of white dwarfs down the cooling track. It is also astrophysically interesting because it is at a temperature where white dwarfs are expected to cool mainly through the emission of plasmon neutrinos. In the present work, we perform an asteroseismic analysis of EC20058−5234 and place the results in the context of stellar evolution and time-dependent diffusion calculations. We use a parallel genetic algorithm complemented with targeted grid searches to find the models that fit the observed periods best. Comparing our results with similar modelling of EC20058−5234’s cooler cousin CBS114, we find a helium envelope thickness consistent with time-dependent diffusion calculations and obtain a precise mode identification for EC20058−5234.
TL;DR: A significant positive effect of providing relative performance feedback and positively framed feedback is revealed, such that framed feedback has a differential effect for low performers, compared to average and high performers.
Abstract: Information systems’ reports typically contain quantitative feedback such as monetary values or the number of units sold or produced. We investigate if providing relative performance information (RPI) feedback and framing the feedback in a positive (good job) or negative (poor job) manner induces performance improvements in a repetitive task. We also investigate if feedback framing interacts with performer level, such that framed feedback has a differential effect for low performers, compared to average and high performers. An experiment was conducted using a 3 × 4 × 2 factorial design, crossing feedback framing (positive, negative, or control), relative performance information (no RPI, rank-ordered RPI, percent RPI in first session, percent RPI in second session), and contract type (fixed or variable), using 289 student participants assuming the role of production workers. Results revealed a significant positive effect of providing relative performance feedback and positively framed feedback. T...
01 Dec 2011
TL;DR: A BAM definitional model as well as BAM classification criteria are proposed to improve the ability of enterprises to understand and select a BAM system for their particular decision support needs.
Abstract: Business activity monitoring (BAM) provides real-time access to critical business performance indicators to improve the speed and effectiveness of business operations. Ideally, BAM systems should allow enterprises to improve their operational performance by helping them perceive, understand and respond to events that have a significant impact on their business processes. Despite the fact that most enterprises have pressing needs to improve their operational performance in highly competitive and dynamic business environments, BAM systems have been poorly utilised. This is mainly due to the fact that there are no formal standards which enumerate what specific features BAM systems must include or theoretical models which support comparative analyses between BAM systems. Indeed, selecting a suitable BAM system is a challenge. To improve the ability of enterprises to understand and select a BAM system for their particular decision support needs, a BAM definitional model as well as BAM classification criteria are proposed.
TL;DR: The Okanogan Highlands floristic province provides the earliest fossil evidence to date for the first major radiation of the Rosaceae, an important mostly temperate, mostly Northern Hemisphere family.
Abstract: Two genera of Rosaceae are described from the latest early Eocene Republic flora of northeastern Washington State, United States. Prunus cathybrownae sp. nov. (Rosaceae: subfamily Spiraeoideae, tribe Amygdaleae sensu Potter et al.) is based on eight flowers, including one containing in situ pollen and two immature fruits. Flowers are actinomorphic, perigynous, and pentamerous, with a campanulate hypanthium bearing five sepals. The gynoecium is unicarpellate and consists of a distally flared, bilobed stigma; an elongate style; and an ellipsoid, bilaterally asymmetric ovary. Two whorls of stamens—an inner one in which stamens are reflexed and an outer whorl of extended stamens—are both inserted into the hypanthium. Pollen from the outer whorl is 20 μm in diameter and tricolporate with a striately ornamented exine; clusters of smaller, presumably immature grains 7 μm long and 4 μm wide lacking distinctive ornamentation were recovered from the inner whorl. Immature fruits differ from the flowers in either hav...
TL;DR: Women planning cesarean reported a more favorable birth experience than women planning vaginal birth, due in part to low satisfaction associated with unplanned cesar, but also by support for maternal-choice cESarean.
Abstract: We sought to describe maternal satisfaction with childbirth among women planning either cesarean or vaginal birth. We enrolled primiparous women planning cesarean birth and a comparison group planning vaginal birth. After delivery, the maternal subjective experience was assessed with a visual analogue satisfaction scale and the Salmon questionnaire, with scale scores for these aspects of the maternal experience of birth: fulfillment, distress, and difficulty. The sample included 160 women planning vaginal birth and 44 women planning cesarean. Eight weeks postpartum, women planning cesarean reported higher satisfaction ratings ( P = 0.023), higher scores for fulfillment ( P = 0.017), lower scores for distress ( P = 0.010), and lower scores for difficulty ( P < 0.001). The least favorable scores were associated with unplanned cesarean ( N = 48). Women planning cesarean reported a more favorable birth experience than women planning vaginal birth, due in part to low satisfaction associated with unplanned cesarean. Maternal satisfaction with childbirth may be improved by efforts to reduce unplanned cesarean, but also by support for maternal-choice cesarean.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul1, University of Texas at Austin2, University of Vienna3, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina4, University of Caxias do Sul5, University of Delaware6, Ames Research Center7, William Jewell College8, Delaware County Community College9, National Radio Astronomy Observatory10, Florida Institute of Technology11, Missouri State University12, Southwestern University13, Georgia College & State University14, University of Colorado Boulder15, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network16, Victoria University of Wellington17, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute18, National Central University19, Beijing Normal University20, Indian Space Research Organisation21, Physical Research Laboratory22, Tel Aviv University23, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine24, Vilnius University25, Polish Academy of Sciences26, Pedagogical University27, Jagiellonian University28, Konkoly Thege Miklós Astronomical Institute29, University of Oslo30, University of Tübingen31, University of Toulouse32, University of Leicester33, Spanish National Research Council34, Iowa State University35, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill36
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reported accurate period determinations for the main peak at 489.334 48 s and two other normal modes using data from the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) observations of 1995 and 2009.
Abstract: PG 1351+489 is one of the 20 DBVs ― pulsating helium-atmosphere white dwarf stars ― known and has the simplest power spectrum for this class of star, making it a good candidate to study cooling rates. We report accurate period determinations for the main peak at 489.334 48 s and two other normal modes using data from the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) observations of 1995 and 2009. In 2009, we detected a new pulsation mode and the main pulsation mode exhibited substantial change in its amplitude compared to all previous observations. We were able to estimate the star's rotation period, of 8.9 h, and discuss a possible determination of the rate of period change of (2.0 ± 0.9) x 10 ―13 s s ―1 , the first such estimate for a DBV.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether percentage of live diatoms (PLD) in periphyton communities can be used as a metric of human disturbance in streams and rivers.
Abstract: Diatom-based stream bioassessment is constantly being improved to meet the increasing demands of water quality management This study examined whether percentage of live diatoms (PLD) in periphyton communities can be used as a metric of human disturbance in streams and rivers The analyzed dataset (587 sites) was collected over the course of 3 years (2000–2002) from 12 Western US states (US EPA’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program) The mean PLD in Western streams and rivers was low (3450%) and highly variable (range 208–9702%) It did not differ significantly between the Mountains (MT, 3638%) and the Xeric (XE, 3549%) ecoregions, but it was significantly (P < 005) greater than that in the Plains ecoregion (PL, 2827%) PLD distinguished reference from impacted sites in the MT (P < 005) and somewhat in the PL (P = 005) However, PLD exhibited opposite patterns in the two ecoregions It increased with human disturbance in the MT and decreased in the PL due to a potential subsidy-stress gradient of available resources The different pattern may be largely interpreted by the quality of the reference conditions in each ecoregion In the MT ecoregion, the selected reference sites may resemble very closely the natural state in this ecoregion In contrast, human disturbance is much more pervasive in the low-land PL ecoregion and the “reference sites” may reflect the best attainable conditions in this ecoregion PLD as a metric has potential for monitoring human disturbance of streams, if reference sites represent natural conditions and differing responses among regions are included in expected effects
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe research that applies a tourist framework to study abroad attitudes and preferences, which can help business educators and study abroad professionals design, develop, and market study abroad programs for business students.
Abstract: The authors describe research that applies a tourist framework to study abroad attitudes and preferences. A total of 371 university business students in the Southern region of the United States completed a survey that included the International Tourist Role scale and study abroad attitudes and preferences. These students were grouped into one of 4 international tourist typologies: familiarity seekers, controlled exposure seekers, spontaneous dissimilarity seekers, and cultural dissimilarity seekers. Identifying the combination of travel preferences held by members of these 4 typologies can help business educators and study abroad professionals design, develop, and market study abroad programs for business students.
TL;DR: To assess the concentration of atrazine in Lake Oconee and develop a qPCR assay as a potential marker for the presence ofAtrazine‐degrading bacteria indicating atrazin contamination.
Abstract: Aims: To assess the concentration of atrazine in Lake Oconee and develop a qPCR assay as a potential marker for the presence of atrazine-degrading bacteria indicating atrazine contamination.
Methods and Results: Water and sediment samples were collected from the Oconee Lake at four golf course sites, two residential sites, one cattle farming site and a forested site. Atrazine concentration at the study sites was determined using an ELISA kit and indicated the presence of atrazine from 0·72 ppb at the forested sites to 1·84 ppb at the golf course sites. QPCR results indicate the presence of atzA gene (atrazine chlorohydrolase) from 1·51 × 102 gene copies at the residential sites to 3·31 × 105 gene copies per 100 ml of water at the golf course regions of the lake and correlated (r = 0·64) with atrazine concentration. Sediment samples had higher atzA gene copies compared with the water samples (P < 0·05).
Conclusions: Atrazine concentration and the highest quantity of atzA gene were detected in the golf course regions of the lake. Overall, atrazine concentration monitored in Lake Oconee was below the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory standards.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Quantitative PCR is an efficient technique for assessing the presence of atrazine catabolism gene as a functional marker for atrazine-degrading bacteria and the presence of atrazine contamination.
TL;DR: This work analyzes a discretization method for solving nonlinear integral equations that contain multiple integrals and proves existence and uniqueness of solutions, and convergence and estimates of the order of convergence for the numerical methods of solution.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The challenges of web programming are summarized, the course arrangement is described, and the professional tools used in a web programming class are discussed.
Abstract: Web programming can be taught in many different ways with different topics and tools covered. This paper summarizes the challenges, describes our course arrangement, and discusses the professional tools used in a web programming class. Our web programming course is offered as an elective to junior and senior CS students.
TL;DR: It is revealed that rural taxa richness can be used as an indicator of human disturbance in streams/rivers, especially in the mountains ecoregion, and that rarity definition is important in bioassessment.
Abstract: Despite their recognized contribution to species richness, the importance of rare taxa richness in bioassessment is unclear. This study aimed to characterize the environmental factors affecting the number of rare diatom taxa in western U.S. streams and rivers, and to evaluate whether this number can be used to differentiate streams with contrasting human disturbance. Three different categories of rare taxa were used: satellite (taxa with low occurrence and low abundance), rural (taxa with high occurrence and low abundance), and urban (taxa with low occurrence and high abundance). Common taxa were included as a separate category of core taxa (taxa with high occurrence and high abundance). We analyzed 987 diatom samples collected over the period of 5 years (2000-2004) for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Western Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (WEMAP). The results showed that rural taxa richness (number of rural taxa per site) increased along a longitudinal gradient from mountainous, fast-flowing oligotrophic streams with fewer fine substrates to large, slow-moving, nutrient-rich rivers with abundance of fine substrates. Rural taxa richness was the only rarity metric that distinguished least disturbed (reference) sites from the most disturbed (impacted) sites, but it was significantly different only in the mountains ecoregion. Core taxa richness distinguished reference from impacted sites in the West and in each one of the three ecoregions (mountains, plains, and xeric). Our findings revealed that rural taxa richness can be used as an indicator of human disturbance in streams/rivers, especially in the mountains ecoregion, and that rarity definition is important in bioassessment.