Queens Performing Artists & Workspace

The Queens Workspace Initiative (QWI) is a project conceived and led by Exploring the Metropolis (EtM) to help ensure that the performing arts offerings in the borough of Queens are the best they can be.The major activities comprise surveying performing artists, cultural facilities and other stakeholders; making recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers; and conducting pilot programs.In 2013-14, Exploring the Metropolis has been assessing workspace needs for performing artists in Queens. We've interviewed key players, sent out surveys, held focus groups and studied ways to help the Queens performing arts community grow and thrive

Sin, Punishment And Forgiveness In Ancient Greek Religion: A Yoruba Assessment

This paper looks in particular at the special sin of hubris in ancient Greek religious thought. It examines what constitutes hubris and some cases in which hubris has been committed and punished. It demonstrates with examples that hubris is an unforgivable sin in ancient Greek religion and examines the reasons for this concept. Finally, the paper interprets the operation of hubris in Greek religion from the Yoruba concept of sin (ese) and its attendant punishment. It concludes that whereas in Greek society the operation of hubris gives the signal that human beings are always plagued with the sense of being victims, in the Yoruba case, sin, punishment and forgiveness have humanistic principles that allow space for choices. The blending of the two concepts however can help in limiting man\'s depravity and help man to govern himself. Journal of Philosophy and Culture Vol. 3 (1) 2006: pp. 72-10

Investigating the Effectiveness of Pheromone-Based Mating Disruption for the Grape Mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is crucial for maintaining pest populations below the economic injury level (EIL) in crops. This dissertation explores the challenges and alternative strategies in IPM, focusing on the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus, a vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs) in Washington State vineyards. The first chapter reviews Ps. maritimus biology, history, and current control measures. The second chapter explores a three-year investigation into the mating disruption of Ps. maritimus using pheromone dispensers. Despite two decades of using imidacloprid, growers face resistance and field failures. Deploying specific dispenser quantities significantly reduced male mealybug trap captures, suggesting the potential applicability of mating disruption strategies in controlling grape mealybugs in wine grape vineyards. In the third chapter, I characterized the development of a degree-day model for Ps. maritimus at temperature thresholds of 9℃ and 36°C. The model predicted the first and second flights, starting from Jan 1. While acknowledging variations in early instar development under bark, the study suggests using AgWeatherNet with set temperatures to monitor and spray insecticides effectively during peak Ps. maritimus flights. The research emphasizes the simplicity and accuracy of this approach, offering grape growers in Washington State a practical tool for optimal pest management, particularly during the crucial first generation. In the fourth chapter, I investigated the longevity and efficacy of pheromone dispensers from two companies, focusing on Ps. maritimus control. Pheromone dispensers are pivotal in insect pest management, releasing synthetic sex pheromones. The study reveals that dispensers remain effective for Ps. maritimus trap captures over two growing seasons, suggesting a field life exceeding a year. The results from these experiments will contribute to the body of knowledge and IPM tools to curb insecticide resistance and mitigate the spread of GLRaVs, contributing valuable insights for sustainable grapevine pest management

Stay Beautiful -- Stay Alive: Assessing the Receptivity of African American Beauty Salon Owners to the Integration of Breast Cancer Intervention Programs into Salon Operations

The lower incidence rate of breast cancer in African American women is dwarfed by the excessive number of deaths due to late diagnosis and treatment. Lack of screening, socioeconomic factors, fatalistic beliefs and inequality of care are major contributing factors. Studies have suggested that those who had more knowledge about breast cancer are more likely to have reduced fatalistic attitudes and engage in screening behaviors. This study investigated beauty salons as sustainable and viable venues to reach women with health intervention programs because they fit the prescriptions of the principles of adult learning. In a mixed-method, descriptive study involving 115 salon owners, the study concluded that salon owners are moderately interested in integrating breast cancer education in their salon operations

From humanitarianism to family building Genres of security implications of child adoption as a management strategy for infertility

Purpose – Adoption practice is originally designed as a live-saving option for some category of children. In recent times, this purpose has been challenged by several social, biological and cultural exigencies. Hence, a notable morphing of the practice to satisfying adopters’ need has been observed, however, requiring further interrogations. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through sessions of interviews with six adoption officials (social workers), four orphanage managers, three legal practitioners and 13 prospective and successful adopters, across three selected states. Findings – The study records contemporary adoption practices as mostly a management strategy for infertility by bringing to fore diverse narratives that reveal adoption as now primarily construed, subconsciously implemented and ultimately serving in many ways as the social security mechanism for adopters than for securing the children who are to be adopted. Social implications – This by implication results in poor adoptive parent–child bonding, disservice and maltreatments in diverse ways. Originality/value – This study heralds the “rebranded” security benefits of adoption and enlarges the scope and genres of social security implications of child adoption in the contemporary Nigerian society

Stay Beautiful -- Stay Alive: Assessing the Receptivity of African American Beauty Salon Owners to the Integration of Breast Cancer Intervention Programs into Salon Operations

The lower incidence rate of breast cancer in African American women is dwarfed by the excessive number of deaths due to late diagnosis and treatment. Lack of screening, socioeconomic factors, fatalistic beliefs and inequality of care are major contributing factors. Studies have suggested that those who had more knowledge about breast cancer are more likely to have reduced fatalistic attitudes and engage in screening behaviors. This study investigated beauty salons as sustainable and viable venues to reach women with health intervention programs because they fit the prescriptions of the principles of adult learning. In a mixed-method, descriptive study involving 115 salon owners, the study concluded that salon owners are moderately interested in integrating breast cancer education in their salon operations

Molecular interactions between PVT1 transcripts and c-Myc

This study focused on the molecular relationships between PVT1 exons 4A, 4B, 9 and c-Myc in prostate cancer. Data showed significant regulatory interactions between these exons and c-Myc which is strongest between PVT1 exon 9 and c-Myc. This will likely have implications for PCa where PVT1 and c-Myc are dysregulated

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: HOW CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AFFECTS FIRMS COMPETITIVENESS

The environmental aspect of CSR has been debated over the past few decades as stakeholders increasingly require organizations to become more environmentally aware and socially responsible. The environmental aspects of sustainable practices have increasingly become a major issue in the manufacturing sector. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess how environmental standards are directly related to competitiveness indicators. The study used a quantitative research design using primary data from a survey. The study population comprised eight (8) listed manufacturers of consumer goods products in South-west Nigeria. Thus, the total sample size for the study is 410. Primary data gathered from certified consumer goods manufacturing firms in Southwest Nigeria was evaluated using structural equation modelling, specifically partial least squares. The research findings established a significant direct and strong relationship between environmental standards and the competitiveness of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Southwest Nigeria. The study found that the selected manufacturing firms support climate change legislation to gain power over their competitors. The selected firms have taken initiatives to align sustainability with economic goals for competitiveness. Managers and other people at the top play a key role in decision-making and implementing the firm's sustainability practices. This study recommends that the need for manufacturing sector continue to behave fairly and responsibly and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large

The significance of malpractice claims in the management of child adoption demands in Southwest Nigeria

The wide gap between the demand for children and the available adoptable children in Nigeria meets with anecdotal claims on the existence of corrupt practices and systemic vulnerabilities within the child adoption domains. This study investigated the exactitude of these claims on the corridor of child adoption in Nigeria. Data were collected through sessions of qualitative interviews with adoption officials, legal practitioners, and intending/prospective adopters and orphanage managers. Findings revealed that the claims of corrupt practices within the system were not only significant but appear in various shades such as hoarding of adoptable children, request for extra-adoption charges, diversion of already identified children, and procedural circumventions. The corrupt practices and observed illegalities are enabled by some institutionalized adoption principles that prevail within the system of adoption. These observed illicit practices have tenden- cies to threaten the consideration of the best interest of the child which should be the paramount consideration in the placement of children who are to be adopte

Risk factors associated with acquiring superficial fungal infections in school children in South Western Nigeria: a comparative study

Introduction: Superficial fungal infections (SFI) are caused mainly by dermatophytes and yeasts. SFI is of major public health concern and is a common cause of skin disease among school children.Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with acquiring superficial fungal infections in school children in Ile-Ife, South West Nigeria as this will assist in instituting appropriate interventions.Methods: A total of 560 children; 280 with superficial fungal infections as subjects and 280 age and sex matched school children as controls were recruited through multistage sampling method from 10 primary schools (private and public owned) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Discussion: Pupils were aged 5-16 years with a mean age of 9.42±2.00. Risk factors documented in this study included poor living conditions, use of barbers’ clippers, low socio-economic status, poor hygiene, attendance of public schools and not living with both parents. The last four factors remained significant on binary logistic regression.Conclusion: The study shows that the risk for acquiring superficial fungal infections remains high in school children and in communities with low socio-economic positions.Keywords: Risk factors, school children, skin, superficial fungal infection