The Implementation of Monetary Policy in New Zealand: What Factors Affect the 90-Day Bank Bill Rate?

This paper discusses the implementation of monetary policy in New Zealand and its flow-on effects on the 90-day bank bill rate over the 1999-2005 period. The effects of external factors are considered as well. Our findings indicate that the maturity spectrum ratio exerted a positive effect on the 90-day rate while the allotment ratio did not. This interest rate had a tendency to revert to the level set by its Australian counterpart. No such link exists between the NZ 90-day rate and the US 90-day rate. Neither the maturity spectrum nor the allotment ratio contributed to the volatility of the New Zealand 90-day rate.90-Day Bank Bill Rate; Open-Market Operations; Allotment Ratio; Maturity Spectrum Ratio; Foreign Interest Rate Linkage

Controlling Hazardous Releases While Protecting Passengers in Civil Infrastructure Systems

The threat of accidental or deliberate toxic chemicals released into public spaces is a significant concern to public safety, and the real-time detection and mitigation of such hazardous contaminants has the potential to minimize harm and save lives. Furthermore, the safe evacuation of occupants during such a catastrophe is of utmost importance. This research entails a comprehensive means to address such scenarios, through both the sensing and control of contaminants, and the modeling of and potential communication to occupants as they evacuate. First, a computational fluid dynamics model has been developed that is capable of detecting and mitigating the hazardous contaminant over several time horizons using model predictive control optimization. Next, an evacuation agent-based model has been designed and coupled with the flow control model to simulate agents evacuating while interacting with a dynamic, threatening environment. Finally, a physical prototype (blower wind tunnel) has been constructed with capability of detection (via Ethernet-connected camera) of and mitigation (via compressed-air operated actuators) of a `contaminant' (i.e. smoke) to test the real-time feasibility of the computational fluid dynamics flow control model.PHDEnvironmental EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135812/1/srimer_1.pd

Presentation Of Citrullinated Peptides Derived From Unmodified Protein By Antigen Presenting Cells.

ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Presentation of citrullinated peptides derived from unmodified protein by antigen presenting cells. By Jamie Michelle Rimer Doctor of Philosophy in Biology and Biomedical Sciences: Immunology) Washington University in St. Louis 2010 Professor Emil R. Unanue, Chair Autoimmune responses to citrullinated proteins have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis; however, little is known of the mechanism by which tolerance to citrullinated proteins is established or the biology of citrullination by cells of the immune system. We find that immunization of B10.BR mice with HEL in CFA gives rise to T cells that specifically recognize citrullinated epitopes. We generated T cell hybridomas by fusing these T cells. T cell hybridomas that recognize citrullinated peptides from hen egg white lysozyme: HEL) were used to detect presentation of citrullinated peptides. Using this technique, we show that antigen presenting cells: APC) present citrullinated peptides after processing whole unmodified protein. As expected, APC isolated from the draining lymph node of mice immunized with HEL in complete Freund\u27s adjuvant elicit a response from the citrullinated peptide specific T cell hybridomas. Examination of APC from HEL transgenic mice revealed that splenic dendritic cells, macrophages and thymic dendritic cells presented citrullinated peptides constitutively. Conversely we did not detect a response from B cells pulsed with HEL or from HEL transgenic mice or from a B lymphoma line. The reported localization of the enzymes that convert peptidylarginine to peptidylcitrulline is either the cytosol or nucleus and not in antigen processing and loading compartments. The role of autophagy, or the mechanism by which cytosolic proteins and senescent organelles are taken up in to vesicles for degradation in lysosomes, in citrullination of antigen was examined. Treatment of dendritic cells and macrophages with 3-Methyladenine: 3MA), a class III PI3 kinase inhibitor known to inhibit autophagy, blocked presentation of citrullinated peptides but presentation of unmodified peptides was not affected. B cell receptor engagement has been shown to induce autophagy in primary B cells. We examined presentation of HEL by B cells from anti-HEL transgenic mice, in which all B cell receptors bind HEL, and found that, in contrast to B cells from B10.BR mice, they presented citrullinated peptides. B cells from mHEL mice present citrullinated peptides after BCR engagement with anti-IgM or anti-IgG antibodies. Induced presentation of citrullinated peptides was blocked by 3MA. In addition, we find that C3.F6.mHEL B lymphoma cells present citrullinated peptides after serum starvation but blocked by 3MA treatment. C3.F6.mHEL cells that stably expressed shRNA targeting Atg5, a protein essential for autophagy, did not present citrullinated peptides after serum starvation. Higher levels of citrulline in naturally processed peptides from these cells were detected biochemically after culture in serum starved conditions. Our findings demonstrate a role for autophagy in citrullination of antigen during processing by antigen presenting cells

Body-freedom flutter of a 1/2-scale forward-swept-wing model, an experimental and analytical study

The aeroelastic phenomenon known as body-freedom flutter (BFF), a dynamic instability involving aircraft-pitch and wing-bending motions which, though rarely experienced on conventional vehicles, is characteristic of forward swept wing (FSW) aircraft was investigated. Testing was conducted in the Langley transonic dynamics tunnel on a flying, cable-mounted, 1/2-scale model of a FSW configuration with and without relaxed static stability (RSS). The BFF instability boundaries were found to occur at significantly lower airspeeds than those associated with aeroelastic wing divergence on the same model. For those cases with RSS, a canard-based stability augmentation system (SAS) was incorporated in the model. This SAS was designed using aerodynamic data measured during a preliminary tunnel test in which the model was attached to a force balance. Data from the subsequent flutter test indicated that BFF speed was not dependent on open-loop static margin but, rather, on the equivalent closed-loop dynamics provided by the SAS. Servo-aeroelastic stability analyses of the flying model were performed using a computer code known as SEAL and predicted the onset of BFF reasonably well

In Pursuit of a Good Glass and Good Company

While glass appears rather homogeneous compared to ceramics and pipes, these small bits of amorphous solid silica can still reveal hidden information when aspects of their chemical composition are tested using a means as simple as short-wave UV light or as complex as X-Ray Fluorescence. Using short-wave UV light and a comparative approach, this thesis reevaluates archaeological table glass collections from Southern Maryland and the Northern Neck of Virginia dating from the mid-17th century to the early 18th century to find evidence for the presence and absence of English lead glass (flint glass). Using these data, the patterns in access, acquisition, and use of glass tableware in this Chesapeake region show a steep difference in the occurrence of lead glass in assemblages before and after the turn of the 18th century. Before 1700, lead glass at these sites tends to comprise less than half the tableware assemblages, yet on sites with occupations extending into the 18th century, more than three quarters of the glassware contains lead. Some inhabitants of this region may have begun consuming English lead glass by the 1680s, primarily in the form of drinking glasses and other beverage related tableware. By the 1690s, lead glass was taking over table space, and by 1700, it was the dominant type of glass tableware

En frente de la batalla: centering the voices of Latine frontline workers in defining, understanding, and addressing community needs and solutions in tourist regions in Colorado during the COVID-19 pandemic

Includes bibliographical references.2022 Fall.Latine workers make up a significant proportion of the U.S. frontline workforce, with disproportionate representation in lower-earning positions that offer less job security. Throughout the pandemic, Latine frontline workers have faced disparate rates of COVID-19 illness, severe health impacts, death of loved ones, and economic losses. These circumstances have increased mental health difficulties, including chronic stress, depression, and anxiety. During the pandemic, Latine frontline workers in tourist communities in Colorado have suffered severe economic losses and ongoing health risks associated with frequent COVID-19 exposure and inequitable healthcare access. The present qualitative study used liberation psychology and Latino critical race theory to center the stories of Latine frontline workers in a tourist community in Colorado. Interviews were conducted with eight Latine frontline workers or spouses of frontline workers and five agency workers from nonprofits or the public sector in a tourist community in Colorado. Latine frontline community members were asked to share their stories of how their communities had experienced the pandemic, their definitions of the community's needs, and their ideas for solutions. Agency workers were asked to provide their perspectives and context. Analysis was conducted using critical qualitative inquiry and an interpretive analysis based on the theoretical frameworks. The resulting themes included community member's experiences and definitions of strengths, problems, and solutions. The results were shared in the community and recommendations were given to local agencies. This study advocates for employers, landlords, nonprofit and local government agencies, schools, and healthcare organizations to engage in equity-based structural and operational change and to assume an advocacy role in addressing underlying causes of health, mental health, educational, housing, and economic inequities

A Foliage Scatter Model to Determine Topology of Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract: 1Applications of low cost wireless sensor networks (WSN) in precision agriculture is gaining popularity because of the ability of sensors to provide site-specific data over a variable field. Wireless communication between nodes is impeded by the surrounding vegetation of the plants being monitored. To guarantee reliable communication between sensor nodes, the initial node density and topology of a WSN application has to consider the increased foliage of a mature plant. In this paper we propose a model for deployment of wireless nodes based on experimental results that takes into account the scattering effect of surrounding foliage on the wireless signal