K-Electron-Capture-to-Positron-Emission Ratio in the Decays of ^(15)O and ^(19)Ne

The K/β^+ ratio in the decays of ^(19)Ne and ^(15)O have been measured as (9.6 ± 0.3) × 10^(-4) and (10.7 ± 0.6) × 10^(-4), respectively. A gas-flow proportional counter, operating in anticoincidence with the surrounding plastic scintillator, was used. Theoretical K/β^+ ratios for ^(19)Ne and ^(15)O were computed, using exchange-overlap corrections calculated by Vatai and, separately, exchange corrections extrapolated from the results of Bahcall for 14 ≤ Z ≤ 37. The experimental results were found to be in better agreement with Vatai's calculations

Sexuality and poverty: a case study of sex workers in Kampala, Uganda

The emerging focus on sexuality in development thinking has provided an opening for sex work issues to be included in the development framework. Unequal gender power relations restrict women’s employment opportunities and sex work becomes the best option out of very little choices. However, sexuality norms and beliefs have stratified sex work as ‘unacceptable’. As a result, sex workers face a wide range of challenges that prevent them from enjoying a full quality of life. This paper investigates the sex worker’s experience of poverty based on their unaccepted sexuality. Using the approach of poverty multidimensionality in the case of sex workers in Kampala, Uganda, it demonstrates that sexuality has an interactive relationship with poverty. It employs a combination of qualitative research methods to capture the lived experience of poverty

Margaret Chase Smith Library Student Essay Contest: Improving the American Educational System, First Place Essay

Each year, the Margaret Chase Smith Library sponsors an essay contest for high school seniors. In 2013, students were invited to propose what they would do to improve the American educational system

The impact of critical reflection on a private practice singing teacher's thinking

This situated self-as-researched investigation explores the impact of critical reflection on a private practice singing teacher’s thinking. The project is based upon the use of five ‘vehicles’ through which to develop the skills of critical reflection, these being journal writing, personal writing, critical incident technique, narrative inquiry and ideology critique. Each of these vehicles is used to undertake critical reflection of singing teaching practices whereby values and assumptions are interrogated. Each of the vehicles of critical reflection used in this inquiry is evaluated for their ease of use and effectiveness in enabling critical reflection processes to be developed in the participant. Engaging in critical reflection presents the possibility for transformative learning (Mezirow 1990) whereby frames of reference are challenged and altered as a result of the processes undertaken and examples of this in action are included in this research report. This dissertation contributes to the small but growing body of research in the area of private professional music education. The private instrumental and vocal teacher often works in an isolated environment with limited development opportunities available. This research proposes that critical reflection may be a viable tool for professional development and practice improvement

Gender, Education and Socioeconomic Status: Economic Theories, Credentialism and Beyond

Human capital theory, market signalling theory and credentialism are explored as ways of explaining the relationship between formal education and socioeconomic status. For both men and women, years of schooling and diplomas or degrees help to ensure access to high-skill jobs which carry high socioeconomic status. The market signalling approach is relevant for men because skills, are positively associated with socioeconomic status: employers value diplomas and degrees if they indicate that employees bring high skill levels to the labour market. The market signalling approach is not confirmed for women in this study. Some economists suggest that human capital theory is limited because it assumes women make voluntary choices to limit their education and job experience in favour of family responsibilities. Credentialism, by discounting the importance of skills acquired in school, ignores the issue of gender-based power differences that are related to skills. New theories are needed to address the issues of work and family commitments for both women and men.Cette étude examine la pertinence des théories du capital humain, des signaux donnés au marché, et de l'identité sociale pour expliquer le rapport entre les études académiques formelles et le statut socio-économique d'un individu. Dans le cas des hommes comme des femmes, plus le niveau de scolarisation est élevé, plus on peut présumer que le statut socio-économique susceptible d'être atteint sera élevé. La théorie des signaux donnés au marché s'applique à la situation d'emploi des hommes puisqu'on observe une relation positive entre les connaissances acquises et le statut socio-économique atteint: les employeurs valorise donc le diplôme obtenu en autant qu'il dénote d'une formation de haut niveau adaptée au marché du travail. Cependant, selon cette étude, cette théorie ne décrit pas adéquatement la situation des femmes sur le marché du travail. Au surplus, certains économistes croient que la théorie du capital humain est inappropriée puisqu'elle suppose que les femmes choisissent volontairement de limiter la durée de leurs études et leur expérience professionnelle au bénéfice de leurs responsabilités familiales. Parallèlement, les approches analytiques examinant l'importance de l'identité sociale en tant que déterminant du statut socio-économique, en négligeant de tenir compte des aptitudes acquises à l'école, ignorent l'impact différentiel de l'éducation selon le sexe par rapport au pouvoir économique. De nouvelles théories doivent donc être développées pour poser le problème en fonction de ces limites, et pour corriger les inégalités afin d'atteindre l'équilibre entre les responsabilités professionnelles et familiales pour les hommes autant que pour les femmes

ADMA: A key player in the relationship between vascular dysfunction and inflammation in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease which increases risk of major cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and stroke. Elevated plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) have long been recognised as a hallmark of cardiovascular disease and are associated with cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. In this review, we discuss the clinical literature that link ADMA concentrations to increased risk of the development of atherosclerosis. The formation of atherosclerotic lesions relies on the interplay between vascular dysfunction, leading to endothelial activation and the accumulation of inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages, within the vessel wall. Here, we review the mechanisms through which elevated ADMA contributes to endothelial dysfunction, activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; how ADMA may affect vascular smooth muscle phenotype; and finally whether ADMA plays a regulatory role in the inflammatory processes occurring within the vessel wall

Coming of the Asian Giants: Skyscrapers as Tourist Attractions and as Environmental Issues

No Abstract Available