Development options for a corporate headquarters in the Chicago area

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1986.MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH.by Dominic John Adducci.M.S

Cu-Doping Effects in CdI2Nanocrystals: The Role of Cu-Agglomerates

Cu-doping effects in CdI2nanocrystals are studied experimentally. We use the photostimulated second harmonic generation (PSSHG) as a tool to investigate the effects. It is found that the PSSHG increases with increasing Cu content up to 0.6% and then decreases due to the formation of the Cu-agglomerates. The PSSHG for the crystal with Cu content higher than 1% reduces to that for the undoped CdI2crystal. The results suggest that a crucial role of the Cu-metallic agglomerates is involved in the processes as responsible for the observed effects

Youths' perceptions of community health workers' delivery of family planning services: a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study in Nakaseke District, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: High rates of unintended adolescent pregnancy are a significant health problem in Uganda. To improve access to family planning (FP) services, community-based Village Health Teams (VHTs) are widely employed in Uganda to deliver education and services. However, evaluations of FP programs suggest that mainly older, married women use VHT FP services. METHODS: To better understand youth reluctance to use VHTs, we collected quantitative FP and contraceptive-seeking behavior data from a survey of 250 youths aged 15-25 in randomly selected households in Nakaseke District, which we triangulated with data from 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 15). RESULTS: Most respondents received FP services from the formal health sector, not VHTs. Only half had talked to a VHT, but 65% knew that VHTs provide free FP services, and most (82%) felt comfortable talking to VHTs about FP. The main reasons for discomfort were fear that VHTs would violate privacy (mentioned by 60% of those not comfortable), that VHTs would talk to parents (33%), shyness (mentioned by 42% of those ≤18), and fear of being judged (14%). Concern about side effects was the most common reason for not using FP methods. Survey respondents said having VHTs of the same sex was important, particularly those in the youngest age group (OR = 4.45; 95%CI: 1.24, 16.00) and those who were unmarried (OR = 5.02; 95%CI: 2.42, 10.39). However, FGD participants (who were older than survey respondents on average) often preferred older VHTs of the opposite sex, whom they viewed as more professional and trustworthy. Respondents said the primary deciding factors for using VHTs were whether privacy would be respected, the proximity of care, and the respectfulness of care. CONCLUSIONS: VHTs are a known source of FP services but not widely used by youth due to privacy and quality of care concerns. VHT messaging and training should increase focus on ensuring privacy, protecting confidentiality, providing respectful care, and addressing concerns about contraceptive side effects. Preferences for VHTs of similar age and sex may be more important for younger adolescents than older youths for whom quality concerns predominate

A comparative analysis of five structural component part systems for use in platform construction on the stage

Includes bibliographical references.Includes illustrations.The main purpose of this thesis is to undertake a study that will render concise and positive proof of the advantages and disadvantages of several structural component parts systems which in turn may lead to a more efficient and flexible method of platform construction. The method of investigation centers upon the construction of five individual platforms, each employing a separate structural component system exemplary of its own type. These systems, which include wood, slotted steel angle, slip-on fittings, pipe clamps, and open C channel, are compared to each other in terms of their initial and reassembly times, cost, relative strength, relative weight, required amount of storage space, reuse of construction materials, and flexibility. The summary of the comparative data presented in Chapter VT shows that each construction technique has a separate or distinct advantage in one or more of the individual areas tested. In some cases a qualification of the particular construction requirements will justify a particular component technique as suitable for platform construction. For example, the wood component system is the least expensive unit, yet one which demands the most skill and time in construction. On this basis wood can be used in a situation where material costs are of immediate concern and the demands on time, labor and skill are negligible. However, cm an overall basis the slip-on fitting was concluded as being the most efficient and flexible technique at the technician's disposal. Furthermore, this system (through its use of pipe) offers distinct esthetic advantages in relation to current trends of scene design. Illustrative materials on the details of platform construction, experimental method and modem trends in sceneography are included throughout the text and Appendices, along with tables of the raw data collected from the comparative analysis.M.A. (Master of Arts

Meta-Analysis of Coyote Diet Reveals Differences by Geographical Region

It has been posited that coyotes (Canis latrans) in the Northeast eat more deer than those in the Midwest or other parts of the country due to their increased size. Further, it has also been posited that Northeastern coyotes do not frequently eat small mammals, creating a trophic cascade that increases the incidence of Lyme disease. However, no one has synthesized the many studies of coyote diets to quantitatively test these hypotheses. We examined 18 studies of the diet of coyotes from the Northeast and the Midwest and conducted a meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that the diet of coyotes in the Northeast differs from that of coyotes in the Midwest. Our results show that deer occur significantly more in the diet of Northeastern coyotes than in the diet of Midwestern coyotes, while small mammals occur significantly less. The occurrence of rabbits, hares, birds, vegetation, and fruit do not differ significantly by region. This supports the hypothesis that Northeastern coyotes, due to their larger size and hybridization with wolves, are better adapted at hunting large prey. Although Northeastern coyotes eat fewer small mammals than Midwestern coyotes, small mammals are still a common component of the Northeastern coyote diet. Thus the abundance of Northeastern coyotes is not likely to be positively correlated to the incidence of Lyme disease