New and old mosquito records for extreme southern Florida (Diptera: Culicidae)

New locality records for Culiseta inornata (Williston) are reported from Big Pine Key, Grassy Key, and No Name Key in Monroe County, Florida. Five specimens were collected in dry ice-baited light traps. An old, previously unrecognized record for Anopheles grabhamii Theobald from Miami, Dade County, Florida, is reported based on specimens found in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods

Effects of translational and rotational degrees of freedom on the properties of model water

Molecular dynamics simulations with separate thermostats for rotational and translational motions were used to study the effects of these degrees of freedom on the structure of water at a fixed density. To describe water molecules, we used the SPC/E model. The results indicate that an increase of the rotational temperature, $T_\textrm{R}$, causes a significant breaking of the hydrogen bonds. This is not the case, at least not to such an extent, when the translational temperature, $T_\textrm{T}$, is raised. The probability of finding an empty spherical cavity (no water molecule present) of a given size, strongly decreases with an increase of $T_\textrm{R}$, but this only marginally affects the free energy of the hydrophobe insertion. The excess internal energy increases proportionally with an increase of $T_\textrm{R}$, while an increase of $T_\textrm{T}$ yields a much smaller effect at high temperatures. The diffusion coefficient of water exhibits a non-monotonous behaviour with an increase of the rotational temperature.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure

Cavity-ligand binding in a simple two-dimensional water model

By means of Monte Carlo computer simulations in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble, we investigated the interaction of a hydrophobic ligand with the hydrophobic surfaces of various curvatures (planar, convex and concave). A simple two-dimensional model of water, hydrophobic ligand and surface was used. Hydration/dehidration phenomena concerning water molecules confined close to the molecular surface were investigated. A notable dewetting of the hydrophobic surfaces was observed together with the reorientation of the water molecules close to the surface. The hydrogen bonding network was formed to accommodate cavities next to the surfaces as well as beyond the first hydration shell. The effects were most strongly pronounced in the case of concave surfaces having large curvature. This simplified model can be further used to evaluate the thermodynamic fingerprint of the docking of hydrophobic ligands.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Birdie see, Birdie do: Zebra finch observational learning in three cognitive domains with discussion of cerebellar involvement

Observational learning is a cognitive ability that allows individuals to acquire information or skills through watching others. Examples of observational learning can be seen in all major vertebrate groups and some invertebrates. Observational learning may confer a selective advantage to animals due to improvements in decision-making and increased behavioral flexibility. While studies of animals’ observational learning capabilities and the types of information acquired have been examined in many species, multiple types of observational learning have rarely been examined in non-rodent species in controlled laboratory experiments. Additionally, only recently have the neural mechanisms that support observational learning been examined. I sought to expand our understanding of avian observational learning and explore the role of the cerebellum in information acquisition. Using zebra finches I tested three types of observational learning (stimulus enhancement, observational conditioning, and imitation). I found that female zebra finches selected males based on observations of the traits of the females paired with the males but not based on observation of simply whether the male was associated with a female. Zebra finches were found to be capable of learning about the threat value of a stimulus by witnessing conspecifics undergoing tone-shock fear conditioning. However, I found no evidence that spatial information could be acquired via observation. I worked toward the goal of determining a role of the avian cerebellum in fear conditioning. Lesions of the lateral cerebellar nuclei did not interfere with fear conditioning. As humans and rodents are capable of all of these types of observational learning and have cerebellar involvement in fear conditioning, these findings illustrate a lack of conservation in observational learning and the role of the cerebellum in specific tasks across vertebrate classes. The ecological relevance of the type of information required for survival and reproduction has likely driven the evolution of observational learning in vertebrates as zebra finch ecology makes it unlikely that acquiring spatial information from conspecifics would affect fitness. Conservation of cerebellar contributions to fear conditioning may be conserved but the specific circuits involved may differ

The realization of extended performance practices in selected works for piano by Frederic Rzewski: a portfolio of recordings and exegesis

Vol. 1: Exegesis -- Vol. 2: CD/DVD Recordings -- Disc 1: Frederic Rzewski: North American Ballads (1978-9) and other works by Ashley Hribar -- Disc 2: Frederic Rzewski: The Road Part 6, Travelling with Children (1999-2000) -- Disc 3: Frederic Rzewski: Marriage and other works for piano -- Disc 4: Frederic Rzewski: Coming Together and other works 116 for piano -- Disc 5(DVD): Frederic Rzewski: Rubinstein in Berlin and other works -- Disc 6: Musical Scores for Discs 1-5 (PDFs)This project explores through performance those aspects of Frederic Rzewski’s piano music that require ‘specific’ (that is, notated), ‘non-specific’ (left unspecified), and ‘in-between’ (implied) extended performance practices. In so doing, the project focuses on seldom-performed works that variously incorporate speech, improvisation and other unconventional practices. The study investigates the vast spectrum of interpretative challenges embedded in Rzewski’s notational style. These challenges were resolved by providing a methodology that, while specific to the works in question, also serves as a model for pianists interested in applying to other repertoire employing extended performance practices. The additional works Etude For the Beginning of Time (2013) by Snezana Nesic and ‘Ash’ Fantasie (2012), Thrashley meets Audrey (2014) and Journey to Damascus (2016) by the author, have been included to compare and understand the ambivalent aspects found in Rzewski’s piano works. The outcome comprises five CD/DVD recordings and an exegesis that incorporates input from Rzewski himself, which details and documents the interpretative possibilities of the selected works.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, 201

Counting the vote: an interactive study of electoral college reform

With each presidential election comes talk of a fundamental and significant change to our democracy. Every four years brings about discussion between political pundits and casual conversation between office coworkers. All this talk is about reforming, or in some cases dismantling, the Electoral College. Over the past several decades, numerous proposals to reform the Electoral College have been advanced. Adopting any one of these proposals would certainly have far-reaching effects on our future, but what about our past? What would have happened in 1960, for instance, if instead of the winner-take-all method of assigning electoral votes, a district method were in place? Would Kennedy still have won? Or how about in 2000, if a proportional method were used, could the mess in Florida have been prevented? This thesis seeks to answer those questions. Divided into three main sections, this thesis explains what the Electoral College is and how it works, details several proposals to reform the system, and allows users to explore how a reform proposal could have changed the outcome of a past presidential election

Overview of Business Intelligence Maturity Models

Today, companies wish to evaluate and justify their investments into Business Intelligence systems, which requires measurement of their business value and comparison with similar systems in other companies. Maturity models offer an adequate baseline for comparison. Maturity models define levels of definition, efficiency, manageability and measurement of the monitored environment. This paper briefly describes and analyzes six different maturity models that can be used for the maturity of BI systems assessment. An overview and analysis will show that most of the models do not cover the whole area of Business Intelligence, but they rather focus on a specific point of view and/or area of the problem domain. Results show that by using maturity models, only a short period of time is needed in order for one to discover the areas within the company or institution that need special, more intensive attention and work. Namely, results of the analysis often expose problematic areas that could be easily overlooked

New and old mosquito records for extreme southern Florida (Diptera: Culicidae)

New locality records for Culiseta inornata (Williston) are reported from Big Pine Key, Grassy Key, and No Name Key in Monroe County, Florida. Five specimens were collected in dry ice-baited light traps. An old, previously unrecognized record for Anopheles grabhamii Theobald from Miami, Dade County, Florida, is reported based on specimens found in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods

Instructional Effectiveness Through Assessment of Student Performance

Effective instruction requires effective assessment. Three elements combine to make effective assessment possible: course objectives, learning activities, and performance measures. Course objectives that are meaningful, measurable, and achievable provide a foundation for the development of learning activities. Learning activities that are varied, progressive, and skill-building develop competencies assessed by performance measures. Performance measures that assess practical knowledge and skills in the context of a realistic setting provide the student and instructor with the clearest assessment of current abilities and identification of strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. The systematic development of instruction (beginning with the identification of critical job tasks through the design of related course objectives, learning activities, and performance measures) makes the assessment of instruction and learning a natural consequence