Policy Options For Improving Economic Opportunity and Mobility

America's economic recovery is finally taking hold and current deficits are down from the record highs during the recession. At the same time, far too many American families are being left out of the recovery, and our nation still faces an unsustainable long-term fiscal outlook. Lower unemployment and improvements in growth are fueling renewed optimism, yet the nature of the recovery is uneven and the longer term trends of income stagnation are of great concern. On everyone's minds is the questionable state of opportunity in America.In the interest of enriching the discussion on the state of economic opportunity in America today, the Peter G. Peterson Foundation asked two experts, representing different viewpoints, to recommend policy options to foster greater economic opportunity and mobility

Binding, activation, and transformation of carbon dioxide mediated by anionic metal complexes

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemistry, 2011.Pages 180 and 181 blank. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references.The vanadium nitride complex [Na][NV(N['Bu]Ar) 3] reacts with CO to produce the vanadium tris-anilide complex V(N['Bu]Ar)3 and NaNCO. This is the first example of complete denitrogenation of a termainal nitride complex with generation of a lower coordinate metal complex. This reactivity contrasts sharply with the reactivity of the niobium analogue, where the nitride anion complex [Na][NNb(N['Bu]Ar) 3] is synthesized from the reductive decarbonylation of the niobium(IV) isocyanate complex (OCN)Nb(N['Bu]Ar) 3. Electrochemical studies of the niobium(IV) and vanadium(IV) isocyanate (OCN)V(N['Bu]Ar) 3 complexes are presented. The reactivity of the vanadium carbamate complex [(THF) 2Na][O2CNV(N['Bu]Ar) 3] with electrophilic reagents is presented. The carbamate complex reacts readily with silylation and alkylation reagents to form the carbamate ester complexes of the type ROC(O)NV(N['Bu]Ar) 3. The vanadium carbamate complex reacts with SO2 via a decarboxylation pathway to produce the sulforyl imido complex [Na][O 2SNV(N['Bu]Ar)3], the solid-state structure of which is presented. The reactivity of the vanadium carbamate complex with typical dehydrating reagents, e.g organic acid anhydrides, is shown to proceed cleanly when cobaltocene, acting as an in situ reductant, is present to form the vanadium(IV) isocyanate complex (OCN)V(N['Bu]Ar) 3. The synthesis and structure of the bimetallic complex (TPP)MnOC(O)NV(N['Bu]Ar) 3 (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin) is presented. Although thermally stable, the complex undergoes a photochemical transformation that forms the vanadium isocyanate complex and putative OMn(TPP), which reacts with triphenylphosphine in the reaction mixture to produce triphenylphosphine oxide. The synthesis the niobium carbamate complex [Na][O 2CNNb(N['Bu]Ar) 3] from the reaction of [Na][NNb(N[Bu]Ar) 3] with CO2 is presented. Its solid-state structure in the form of the ionpair [(12-crown-4) 2Na][O2CNNb(N['Bu]Ar) 3] has been determined. Reaction of the niobium carbamate complex with organic acid anhydrides results in the production of five-coordinate carboxylate, acetate complexes (RC(O)O)(OCN)Nb(N['Bu]Ar) 3. The reduction of these complexes by two electrons results in the regeneration of the niobium nitride complex (60-80% yield) with concomitant release of CO (30-60% yield). This three-step process represents a highly controlled conversion of CO2 to CO via a ligand-based strategy. The reactivity of CO2 with anionic complexes featuring terminal multiply bonded ligands is extended to the oxo anion complex [(Et 2O)2Li][OTi(N['Bu]Ar) 3] resulting in the formation of the carbonate complex ([Li][O 2COTi(N['Bu]Ar) 3]) 6. The binding of CO2 to the oxo complex is reversible when 12-crown-4 is bound to the lithium countercation or if the complex is dissolved in THF. The thermodynamic parameters for the CO2 binding equilibrium have been measured. Exchanging the lithium countercation for sodium or potassium results in a significant weakening of the CO2 binding ability of the oxo complex.by Jared S. Silvia.Ph.D

Population dynamics and genetic structure of Louisiana black bears in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Louisiana

In 1992, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service granted the Louisiana black bear threatened status under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, listing loss and fragmentation of habitat as the primary threats. The 1995 Recovery Plan outlines recovery goals designed to meet the objective of reducing threats to the Louisiana black bear metapopulation and supporting habitat. To meet that objective, the Recovery Plan requires 1) at least 2 viable subpopulations, 1 each in the Tensas and Atchafalaya River Basins, 2) movement corridors between the 2 viable subpopulations, and 3) long-term protection of the habitat supporting each viable subpopulation and interconnecting corridors for delisting to occur. To address criteria 1 and 2, my objectives were 1) to estimate demographic rates of Louisiana black bear subpopulations, 2) to evaluate genetic structure and interchange of Louisiana black bear subpopulations, 3) to develop data-driven projection models to assess long-term persistence of individual subpopulations and the metapopulation in Louisiana, and 4) to determine how different model assumptions and parameter values affect estimates of long-term persistence. I used telemetry, den check data, and DNA-based capture-mark-recapture to demographic rates. Bayesian hierarchical modeling methods were used to estimate temporal process variance and parameter uncertainty. I developed stochastic population projection models based on estimates of demographic rates, process variances, and parameter uncertainty to estimate probabilities of persistence. I used 2 genetic clustering analyses to evaluate genetic structure among subpopulations in Louisiana and used 2 genetic assignment tests to measure interchange among subpopulations. Based on most projection models, estimates of persistence probabilities indicate that a viable subpopulation exists within the Tensas River Basin and within the Upper Atchafalaya River Basin. However, simulations under the most pessimistic set of assumptions suggested that the probability of extinction was slightly less than 95% for the Upper Atchafalaya (93%). Genetic analyses revealed that Louisiana black bear subpopulations were genetically distinct from each other and that contemporary gene flow is occurring between the Tensas River Basin and Upper Atchafalaya River Basin via a recently reintroduced population located between the two at the Three Rivers Complex. Those results suggest movement pathways currently exist between viable subpopulations

The Use of Simulation to Decrease Stress in First Year Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Each year, critical care nurses across the nation make the decision to become anesthesia providers. In order to become a certified anesthesia provider, nurses must meet the high standards required to be considered for entrance into anesthesia school. Once accepted, these students, known as Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), must successfully complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of both didactic and clinical training. Due in part to the high degree of difficulty of anesthesia programs, SRNAs are at risk for experiencing high levels of stress. Chipas and McKenna (2011) shows SRNAs experience a self-reported average daily stress level of 7.2 on a 10 point scale compared to a self-reported average daily stress level of 4.7 among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The purpose of this study was to examine if the use simulation training can decrease self-reported stress levels among first year SRNAs. The inclusion criteria required all participants to be a first year SRNA enrolled in a three year, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) anesthesia program at a public university in south Mississippi. A convenience sample of up to 21 SRNAs was randomly assigned into two separate groups. One of these groups was taught using simulation training while the second group was not. A pretest/posttest design was then used to evaluate whether simulation training is better at reducing self-report average daily stress levels than conventional means of teaching. Statistical analysis consisted of a two-tailed t-test used to compare self-reported stress levels between the two groups. After collection of the posttest results, the control group was exposed to the same simulation as the test group. Posttest scores from the simulation group demonstrated a greater reduction in self-reported stress levels when compared to the non-simulation group. Three specific causes of stress were examined on the self-reported stress survey: (a) entering into clinical rotation, (b) anesthesia machine check-off, (c) mask-ventilation/airway maintenance. Posttest scores of the simulation group demonstrated a 27.2% (t(17) = -3.49, p=0.002), 8.9% (n=10) (t(17) = -1.04, p=0.31), and 6.7% (n=10) (t(17) = -2.09, p=0.05) reduction in self-reported stress levels, respectively

Breaking tradition : a study of film adaptations of Richard III

Since the advent of film as a visual and artistic medium, Shakespeare\u27s Richard III has captured the interest of filmmakers and viewers alike. In the play, Shakespeare, through his central character Richard Gloucester, renders his vision of radical evil. The conception of evil, a perennial theme both in literature and in the world it seeks to describe, has changed in tandem with shifting performative mediums: A Renaissance understanding of evil is to a late twentieth-century understanding of evil as Shakespeare\u27s stage is to the modern movie theatre. In short, Shakespeare\u27s Richard is worlds apart from the evil figures that we see through pop cultural mediums today. This thesis asks the following questions: if Shakespeare\u27s England is so different from twentieth-century Hollywood, then why do filmmakers continue to revisit Shakespeare\u27s material in general and Shakespeare\u27s Richard III in specific? Further, how do they appropriate Shakespeare\u27s understanding of evil to fit with their own and their world\u27s conceptions? To answer these questions, this project examines three film adaptations: Laurence Olivier\u27s Richard III (1955), Ian McKellen\u27s Richard III (1995), and Al Pacino\u27s Looking for Richard (1996)

Three Studies Evaluating a Computer-Based Sight-Word Reading Intervention System across Special-Needs Students

This dissertation includes three studies extending research on a computer-based sight word reading intervention across special needs students. In Study I, a multiple-baseline across behaviors design was used to evaluate automatic sight-word reading in a fourth-grade student with intellectual disabilities. Immediately after the intervention was applied to each of three lists of sight words, the student made rapid gains in her ability to read those words within 2 s. In Study II, an adapted alternating treatment design was used to evaluate the effects of two computer-based flashcard interventions among four elementary students with disabilities. The two interventions were similar; with either 1-s response intervals (i.e., students had 1 s to read the word before they heard it) or 5-s response intervals applied. Instructional time was held constant (3 min per session) across both the 1-s and 5-s procedures; consequently, students completed six learning trials during each 1-s session but only two during each 5-s session. Results showed similar gains in sight-word mastery rates across both the 1-s and 5-s response interval interventions. In Study III, a multi-phase adapted alternating treatment design was used to evaluate the effects of two computer-based flashcard reading interventions among three elementary students with disabilities. Each intervention provided students with either 1-s or 5-s response intervals. Instructional trials were held constant (three trials per word, per session) across both the 1-s and 5-s procedures and results were analyzed using both crude (i.e., sessions) and precise (i.e., seconds) measures of instructional time. Across all three students, analysis of learning per session showed no differences across the 1-s and 5-s words which suggest that learning trials were equally effective. However, when instructional time was measured more precisely all three students showed higher learning rates under the 1-s intervention. These studies extend the research on a computer-based sight-word reading intervention system and provide an extensive framework on how researchers should evaluate interventions in light of learning rates. Discussion focuses on the contextual validity (e.g., sustainability, efficiency) of this computer-based intervention. Additionally, implications related to measuring learning rates, evaluating learning trial quality, re-learning, and assessing maintenance are discussed

Effects of organic fertilization on soil bacterial community structure in incubated microcosms

Addressing the growing demand for food from a burgeoning population requires agricultural methods that sustainably support increases in crop production while maintaining environmental health. Agricultural practices that include the use of compost, in lieu of mineral fertilizers, have been shown to reduce environmental impacts and improve soil health. Producers seeking to improve sustainability through compost use are challenged by the chemical form and availability of nutrients in organic amendments, limiting their ability to predict when nutrients will be available to crops. To better understand nutrient dynamics in soils amended with organic fertilizers, we compared the soil microbial community response to amendments with differing carbon and nitrogen content. Composted horse manure was chosen to represent an organic high carbon amendment, and alfalfa hay was chosen to represent a high nitrogen amendment. Amended soils were incubated for 97 days and destructively sampled on seven progressively longer incubation intervals. DNA was extracted for microbial community characterization, and measurements of nitrogen, carbon, and biomass were also compared for all samples. Our results showed significant shifts in soil microbial communities due to both time and amendment. Nutrient release was highly associated with amendment composition, with alfalfa showing the greatest release of plant available nutrients. We observed complex interactions between soils and amendments, with specific bacteria associated with nitrogen and carbon metabolism. These bacteria are targets for further characterization and better knowledge of their role in decomposition may contribute to the increased use of high organic matter fertilizer by producers and lead to a better understanding of sustainable crop production techniques

Enterprise Risk Management: Adoption, Performance Benefits, and Disclosure Effects

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) includes the methods and processes used by organizations to manage risks and seize opportunities that maximize firm performance. Thus, the ERM framework can mitigate the occurrence of financial crisis while enhancing firms operating performance and potentially providing capital market benefits. This study uses a unique set of data obtained via survey of Internal Audit Function management and publicly disclosed financial information to empirically examine corporate governance factors associated with adoption of ERM, potential operational and market performance benefits associated with adoption, and the impact of the risk factors disclosures on the firm‘s cost of equity and debt. Specifically, this three (3) paper dissertation contributes to the existing academic literature by considering factors and benefits associated with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). The first paper of the dissertation considers the audit committee and IAF as potential determinants of ERM adoption. The second paper of the dissertation provides evidence of operational and market performance benefits associated with firms adopting ERM. The third paper of the dissertation examines the potential cost of capital impacts associated with non-financial information, specifically, ERM related risk disclosures. Results of the study provide support for the hypothesized association between adoption and maturity of ERM processes and audit committee financial expertise as well as the internal audit function reporting independence. In addition, the results provide some evidence of a positive relationship between the assessed ERM process maturity and operational performance.Finally, results indicate that increased disclosure of risk factors associated with ERM process is associated with reduced cost of capital. Prior literature has relied primarily on surrogates to estimate ERM impacts. While the reported results are based on a limited sample of firms, it provides direct evidence on the factors related to adoption of ERM processes as well as the potential benefits of adoption. Given the magnitude of the investment in ERM, this dissertation provides empirical evidence that there are potential firm benefits realized on the investment

AN EXPLORATION OF ATHLETE THOUGHTS AND PERCEPTIONS OF COHESION IN COACTING SPORTS

Cohesion is a central element in group dynamics that contributes to a team’s functioning and performance. Most of the cohesion research to date has focused on the dynamic within interacting sport teams (i.e., football, basketball, soccer) but has looked past coacting teams (i.e., golf, tennis, cross-country running). While interacting sports command worldwide popularity, a significant portion of student athletes compete in coacting sports and represent the bulk of NCAA affiliated participants on the world stage at the Olympics. Thus, with such status on the world stage of competition, the investigation of coacting sports is justified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and explain athlete experiences and perceptions of cohesion in a coacting sport such as golf. A case study design was used along with semi-structured open-ended interview format to investigate the topic with six Division I women’s collegiate golfers. Results revealed two higher-order categories which were called team development, and athlete experiences and perceptions. Despite participants unique differences in sporting experience, there were several common themes that emerged, including players acknowledgement that cohesion was a necessary element of team performance, that the strength of interpersonal relationships and positive team dynamic made participants feel an improvement in performance potential, and that intrateam competition and a poorly regulated environment would deteriorate individual and team performance and wellbeing. Moreso, participants discussed their perception of the role team members and coaches fill in contributing to a positive or negative team atmosphere, and how this inevitably influences the prevailing dynamic of intrateam competition and its impact on performance outcomes. Findings from this study provide a greater understanding of the athlete interpretation of cohesion and expand the body of literature on coacting sports generally