Economic Growth Strategies: Has the Effect of Development Strategy upon Growth Changed over time?

Structural strategies have been adopted by many developing countries to reduce the income/technology gap between them and advanced countries. Results have been mixed, however; most countries have failed, but a few have succeeded, newly industrialized economies (NIEs) in particular. Lin (2003) divides the structural strategies into two types: the Comparative-Advantage-Defying (CAD) strategy followed by many developing countries and the Comparative-Advantage-Following (CAF) strategy followed by NIEs. He argues that following the CAD strategy has a fixed negative effect on an economy’s growth over time. This paper however, which allows for the decadal changes in economic conditions and uses the OLS method on a sample of 105 countries and permanent observations of 49 countries, finds that structural strategies’ effects vary over time. Such a finding tempers conclusions from Lin (2003) as less evidence is found that CAD strategies lower growt

Understanding Multiculturalism in Saudi Education: A Case Study of Two Schools in Mecca

Problem This research investigated the understanding and perceptions of Saudi educators toward multiculturalism and multicultural education in Saudi Arabia. The research had three broad questions. The first question was, What are Saudi educators’ conceptions of culture and multicultural education? The second research question was, What practices do educators employ concerning multicultural education?” The third research question was, How do educators implement multicultural education for their students at schools with different levels of cultural diversity? Method In this study, I used the qualitative multiple case study research design to explore the understanding and the attitudes of Saudi educators regarding multiculturalism and multicultural education. The study was applied in the Holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most highly diverse cities in the whole country. The participants of this study were selected from two elementary schools with different levels of cultural diversity. The participants were varied in their school positions, teaching subjects, and levels of education. To collect the data of the study, I developed the interview protocol and conducted semi-structured interviews for teachers and administrators to understand Saudi educators\u27 attitudes and perceptions regarding multicultural education. Interpretations The findings of the study were categorized into four themes. First, culture was defended into three different ways: a gained knowledge, customs and traditions, and an integrated life system. Second, the relationship between culture and education was seen from three different perspectives: the cultural background influences students\u27 learning, the family\u27s background influences students’ learning, and the school’s culture influences students’ learning. Third, participants\u27 perspectives regarding multiculturalism and multicultural education were divided into three viewpoints: multiculturalism empowers the community and it improves students’ achievements at schools, multiculturalism empowers the teacher\u27s performance in the classroom, and multiculturalism and multicultural education participate in losing the Islamic and Arabic identities for Saudi students. The fourth theme was related to teachers’ professional development. All participants agreed that training programs provided form the Educational Training Department did not reach their desired needs. Implications of the Study The findings of this research have implications regarding multiculturalism and multicultural education in Saudi Arabia. First, the meaning of multicultural education used in the western world was not compatible with the culture of Islamic societies, including Saudi people. Therefore, there is a need for developing a multicultural education philosophy for Arab and Muslim societies that take into account the Arabic and Islamic identities. Second, equity in education is the backbone of the education system in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi teachers need to be informed about equity in education and students\u27 rights to empower all students to succeed. Third, there is a need for developing an Arabic language learning program for non-Arabic speakers. The fourth implication is that teacher professional development programs need to be developed to prepare teachers to participate in building the future of the country

Different Methodologies to Characterize and Diagnose Sickle Cell Disease in Both Developed and Developing Nations

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that causes the RBC to become sickle shaped due to a mutation in the β-globin gene encoding the protein hemoglobin. This disease causes reduced oxygen carrying capacity of RBC resulting in painful crisis, hemolytic anemia, and infection susceptibility. SCD affects around 100,000 individuals in USA alone and 14 million people globally. SCD affected individuals have high mortality rates. Early detection and constant monitoring of this disease is essential. The following review focuses on various methodologies that have emerged in the diagnosis of SCD. Also, low cost methods that can be easily adopted in developing nations are discussed. Various conventional screening techniques and emerging Point-of-care (POC) methodologies for detection of SCD are covered in this review. The advantages and limitations of these techniques are discussed. Some of the popular conventional techniques explained here in details include the following: hemoglobin electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, high performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and DNA analysis. Under DNA analysis there are again several methodologies, that include use of restriction enzyme along with polymerase chain reaction to detect mutation in the SCD individuals; exome sequencing of DNA and direct genotyping for the single-nucleotide polymorphism that encodes the sickle mutation and also genome-wide association studies used to detect SCD. The emerging POC technologies for SCD screening have also been covered here that include the following methodologies; paper-based hemoglobin solubility assays, Lateral Flow Immunoassays, Density-based separation methods and Micro engineered electrophoresis. The goal of this review is to give a comprehensive report of the current methodologies used for detection of SCD

Spatial and temporal variations in trace metal concentrations in sediments, pore water of the Forth estuary, and their potential impact on water quality

The concentrations of trace metals: cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and mercury, in addition to aluminium, iron and manganese were determined in the sediments and pore water (except aluminium) of the Forth estuary. Organic matter (as loss on ignition), total organic carbon (TOe), total organic nitrogen (TON), particle size and redox potential were also determined in the sediments. In addition, chloride, sulphate, conductivity, alkalinity, pH, dissolved organic carbon, phosphate and nitrate were determined in the sediments pore water. Trace metals in the pore water were determined using a modified preconcentration technique and measurements were carried out by graphite furnace. Mercury was measured using the p.s.a mercury specific fluorescence detector. organic matter (TOC & TON) in the sediments were measured using CHNS/O analyzer. Samples were collected at seasonal intervals for a period of 18 months on board the survey vessel "Forth Ranger". Six stations were selected to represent upper, middle and lower estuary. Sediment cores collected at each station were subjected to centrifugation under nitrogen gas atmosphere to separate the pore water after being sectioned at 2.5 cm intervals for a depth of 10 centimetres. Concentrations of trace metals in the Forth estuary varied from station to station and from one season to another. Mean concentrations for sediments were as follows (mg\kg): lead, 56.9; cadmium, 0.22; copper, 38.9; nickel, 33.7 and mercury, 1.86. For pore water, the mean concentraxxi tions (Jlg\l) were as follows: lead, 3.14; cadmium, 1.86; copper, 31.9; nickel, 24.7 and mercury, 0.075. Measurements of sulphates, nitrates, phosphate, conductivity and dissolved organic carbon were used to examine the processes controlling their distributions in the pore water. The results indicated that the distributions of nutrients (phosphate and nitrate) in the upper 10 cm seemed to be controlled by macro-infaunal irrigation activities and their values varied according to the overlying water conditions. The distributions of trace metals in the sediments were found to be controlled by particle size and organic matter both spatially and temporally. Vertical distribution of trace metals in the pore water were found to be controlled by redox potential variations especially for iron and manganese. Concentrations of trace metals (Pb, Hg, Ni, Cd and CU) in the pore water were found to be higher than that in the overlying water. Enrichment factors were limited to 10-50 fold increase. Lead and mercury were 10 fold higher while 50 fold higher were found for nickel, copper and cadmium. Benthic flux calculations showed a significant flux of trace metals both in the summer and winter. However, flux of copper, nickel and lead tended to increase in the summer. Spatially, the lower estuary showed a higher flux of trace metals than the upper and middle reaches of the estuary

FOXO1 Deletion Reverses the Effect of Diabetic-Induced Impaired Fracture Healing

Objectives: Abstract Diabetes impairs fracture healing. Our laboratory previously suggested that a dominant mechanism was the premature loss of cartilage during endochondral bone formation. Based on these results we tested the hypothesis that chondrocytes regulate osteoclast formation in diabetes-impaired fracture healing and that it is controlled by the transcription factor FOXO1. Methods: Closed fracture of the femur was induced in mice with lineage-specific FOXO1 deletion in chondrocytes Col2α1Cre+/FOXO1L/L and Col2α1Cre-/ FOXO1L/L as control mice that had FOXO1 gene present. Mice were rendered diabetic by multiple streptozotocin injections. The normoglycemic group received vehicle alone. Specimens were collected at 10 days (cartilage formed), 16 days (transition from cartilage to bone formation) and 22 days (primary bone formed). The cartilage area was measured using safranin-O/fast green staining. Osteoclasts were counted as TRAP positive cells. The expression of cathepsin K and RANKL were determined by quantitative immunostaining with specific antibodies compared to control IgG. Micro CT was used to measure the callus volume and the mineralized bone. Statistical analysis was done using a one-way ANOVA test. Results with p iv Results: All the groups showed similar cartilage areas at day 10. At day16 the diabetic group had 77% less cartilage area than the normal (P Conclusion: Our data indicates that FOXO1 drives RANKL expression in chondrocytes and resorption of cartilage. FOXO1 deletion reverses diabetes-enhanced osteoclast formation and prevents the premature loss of cartilage, which results in a better bone healing

Architectural management: a strategic framework to achieve competitiveness

The theoretical aspects of Architectural Management (AM) have been widely researched from a variety of international perspectives through the published research work of the CIB W096 Working Group. There is much less research, however, covering the transfer of these theoretical aspects into professional practice. There is a lack of a holistic approach towards defining AM, explaining what it constitutes, its deliverables to its users, whether there is a need for architectural managers, and if so, what are their qualifications. Similarly, there is a lack of research concerning the opinions of those outside the CIB W096 community with regard to Architectural Management. This research has contributed to the theory and practice of AM by conducting a combination of inductive/deductive, exploratory/explanatory, and qualitative/quantitative approaches in order to understand the exact meaning of AM; capture and detail its components; and to validate all these issues by examining the professional opinions of two groups: researchers and practitioners. The primary focus of this research was answering the question as to how AM can be transferred successfully from theory into practice. In order to answer this question, the research was divided into five consecutive phases. Firstly, reviewing the literature helped establish a solid theoretical background for the research, and it helped in highlighting the major gaps in knowledge associated with AM. Subsequently, and in response to the shortage of information within the AM literature, a preliminary study was found to be a useful source for gathering information about the meaning, components, benefits, strategies and requirements of AM, and the need for architectural managers. Then, both the data extracted from the literature and the data obtained through the preliminary study were analysed and combined, generating a framework for transferring AM from theory to practice using the grounded theory methodology. Then the AM framework testing process was conducted in three stages through a workshop, interviews, and questionnaire survey examining the professional perspectives of architectural researchers (within and outside the CIB W096) and the leaders of UK architectural firms. The final stage involved discussing and synthesising the data obtained through the entire course of this research and generating conclusions. During its testing and after refinement, the newly proposed AM framework proved its practicality and usefulness for transferring Architectural Management from theory to practice. The findings indicated that the decision to adopt AM should be taken at the firm’s strategic management level; and there is a need for a facilitator expert in design, management and construction to lead the successful adoption and application of AM. Similarly, the findings revealed that adopting AM in practice has the capability to increase a firm’s competitiveness. However, this requires effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the firm’s internal and external environments. Similarly, the findings indicated the crucial role of basic and vocational architecture education in spreading the concept of AM and assuring its successful application

Modeling of multi-terminal VSC-based HVDC systems

Improving the efficiency and operation of power transmission is important due to the continual increase in demand for electric power. In addition, many remote areas throughout the world lack sufficient access to electricity. Unfortunately, utilities cannot satisfy the high demand of power by building new power stations because of economic and environmental reasons. However, utilities can increase generation and transmission line efficiencies by controlling the power flow through their systems. One new attractive technology that enables the control of power flow in the system is Voltage-Source-Converter High Voltage Direct Current (VSC-HVDC) transmission. Multi-terminal-HVDC (M-HVDC) can be built using VSC technology. A model of a three-terminal VSC-HVDC system is presented in this thesis. One of the converters is used to regulate the DC voltage while the others converters control the active power independently and bi-directionally. The vector control strategy and pulse width modulation (PWM) technique are described and implemented in PSCAD/EMTDC. In addition, the region of controllability as a function of power flow has been analyzed. Furthermore, the steady-state and dynamic response characteristics as a function of capacitor size has been investigated --Abstract, page iii

Biomarker assessment of the ecotoxicological impact of environmental concentrations of oilfield corrosion inhibitors and produced water

The oil and gas industries contaminate the environment through the generation of waste products known as produced water (PW). Globally, large volumes of treated PW, originating from offshore oil and gas installations are discharged into the sea, potentially affecting the marine environment. The substances most commonly present in PW are corrosion (CIs) and scale (SIs) inhibitors. These are chemical compounds comprised of quaternary ammonium salts (QUATs), imidazoline, phosphate esters (PEs) and other chemical substances, and are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to prevent corrosion problems arising during both exploration and production operations (E&P). The present study evaluates the effects of QUATs, imidazoline, PEs and all components of PW on the marine environment, using a range of biomarker indices. The Comet assay was used to investigate DNA damage, expressed as% tail DNA, in individual haemocytes and gill cells derived from marine mussels Mytilus edulis that had been exposed to environmental concentrations of QUATs, imidazoline, PEs and PW. DNA damage is often an indirect effect of the oxidative radicals generated by a chemical or its metabolites. The oxidative stress assay employed was superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the associated lipid peroxidation was determined using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Lysosomal membrane instability, a measure of cytotoxicity, was assessed using the neutral red retention (NRR) assay found in haemocytes cells. Bioaccumulation of the QUATs, imidazoline, PEs and PW were also determined. The results of the study show a significant increase in DNA damage in the haemocytes and gills taken from adult mussels exposed to QUATs, imidazoline, PEs and PW within a concentration range of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/L, when compared to control groups. Oxidative stress was measured, showing that QUATs, imidazoline, PEs and PW increased SOD activity and lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner (≥ 0.5, 0.001, 0.1 and 0.001 mg/L and 0.1, 0.1, 0.5, 0.001 mg/L, respectively). Lysosomal membrane stability was affected at concentrations of ≥ 0.1 mg/L for QUATs, imidazoline and PW. Moreover, it was affected by PEs at concentrations ≥ 0.5 mg/L. In addition, QUATs and imidazoline were found to have accumulated in mussel tissues at concentrations of ≥ 0.1 and 0.001 mg/L, respectively, but PEs were not found in tissues. This work suggests that very low concentrations of QUATs, imidazoline, PEs and PW may be harmful to marine organisms and the biomarkers described could be further developed as tools for monitoring and regulating the disposal of PW at sea

Fast Video Stabilization Algorithms

A fast and robust electronic video stabilization algorithm is presented in this thesis. It is based on a two-dimensional feature-based motion estimation technique. The method tracks a small set of features and estimates the movement of the camera between consecutive frames. It is used to characterize the motions accurately including camera rotations between two imaging instants. An affine motion model is utilized to determine the parameters of translation and rotation between images. The determined affine transformation is then exploited to compensate for the abrupt temporal discontinuities of input image sequences. Also, a frequency domain approach is developed to estimate translations between two consecutive frames in a video sequence. Finally, a jitter detection technique to isolate vibration affected subsequence of an image sequence is presented. The experimental results of using both simulated and real images have revealed the applicability of the proposed techniques. In particular, the emphasis has been to develop real time implementable algorithms, suitable for unmanned vehicles with severe payload constraints