New merycodonts from the upper Miocene of Nevada

In an Upper Miocene assemblage of mammals recently brought together, occur remains of numerous individuals referable to the genus Merycodus. The collection represents several seasons of palaeontological field work by parties from the California Institute of Technology in the vicinity of Tonopah, Nevada. The specimens of Merycodus exhibit characters that are not common to those of species described from other localities in the Great Basin Province or from West Coast Miocene and Pliocene deposits. In some respects, the new Nevada forms combine characters seen in M. furcatus and M. necatus, found in deposits of similar age. Differences of structure among the materials represented indicate the presence of two distinct species of Tonopah merycodonts. In a study of the new types, an analysis of the morphologic characters of the genus emphasizes the essentially constant premolar tooth pattern for Merycodus. As may be expected, greater diversity occurs among merycodont horn-core structures, particularly as to shape and size. However, the supraorbital position of the horn-cores is apparently constant within specific groups. In the present comparative studies, I am particularly indebted to Dr. Charles L. Camp and to Mr. R. A. Stirton of the Museum of Palaeontology, University of California, for the loan of Merycodus material. Mr. John L. Ridgway has prepared the drawings and has arranged the plates

Cyclone Bola : a study of the psychological after-effects : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

The present study investigates the long-term post-trauma psychological reactions to Cyclone Bola, which struck the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand in March, 1988. This study evaluates psychological morbidity in respondents, in particular it estimates prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study identifies factors which could influence the development of PTSD or other psychological problems which may result from a natural disaster. A questionnaire was posted to subjects identified as either having been evacuated from their homes during Cyclone Bola, or who applied for financial aid following the disaster. Four hundred and ninety three questionnaires were sent to the Gisborne area in July. 1993. One hundred and eighteen replies were suitable tor analysis. The study found that, at the time of measurement, 11.8% of respondents could be classified as PTSD cases and 17% scored in the high psychological distress group. Results did not support a direct link between the amount of adversity suffered and the psychological morbidity reported. However, there was an indirect link between the adversity suffered, the emotional distress reported by respondents at the time of the disaster and levels of psychological morbidity. Furthermore, there was support for the mediating influence of how satisfied respondents were with the help they received from relief agencies and with the social support they received at the time of the disaster. There was no support for gender differences in reactions to natural disasters. Some of these findings support previous research. Implications of these findings for future post-disaster psychological intervention are discussed

Evaluation of 2 possible further developments of the UK in-flight radiation warning meter for SSTS

A mass reduction of the moderator and the response to the nucleon flux, responsible for the tissue-star component of the total-dose equivalent rate using a high atomic number material, are discussed. Radiation situations at SST cruising altitudes (approximately 20 km) due to solar proton flares were simulated in the stratosphere and on the ground. Actual stratospheric situations due to galactic cosmic radiation with a limited range of quality factor values (2-4) were encountered during slow ascents by balloons to 36 km. Synthetic situations obtained from high and low energy acclerator radiations were used to obtain radiation distributions having a larger range of quality factor values (11/2-9) than experienced in the stratosphere. The measurements made in these simulations related to the directly ionizing, neutron and tissue-star components of dose-equivalent rate. Due to the restricted range of neutron spectra encountered in the stratosphere, a significant mass reduction of the moderator by 4 kg was made, with the moderator clad with cadmium or some other slow neutron absorber

RF modulated fiber optic sensing systems and their applications

A fiber optic sensing system with an intensity sensor and a Radio Frequency (RF) modulated source was shown to have sensitivity and resolution much higher than a comparable system employing low modulating frequencies or DC mode of operation. Also the RF modulation with an appropriate configuration of the sensing system provides compensation for the unwanted intensity losses. The basic principles and applications of a fiber optic sensing system employing an RF modulated source are described. In addition the paper discusses various configurations of the system itself, its components, and modulation and detection schemes. Experimental data are also presented

Reducing incentives for fiscal indiscipline at Nigeria’ssubnational government level

LSE’s Eustace Uzor offers potential solutions for improving fiscal governance in Nigeria’s subnational units

Enhancing Tax Collection Efficiency and Compliance in Nigeria: The role of behavioural economics

Eustace Uzor argues that incorporating insights from behavioural economics into the operation of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) could transform tax collection in Nigeria

Tackling Corruption in Nigeria through Public Service Reforms

Eustace Uzor examines evidence from India which suggests that employing individuals with a natural aptitude for the public sector could help reduce corruption