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EXPECTATION IN THE STOCK MARKET
No full textThe stock market is always hard to predict. Knowing some facts about expectations and paradoxes will help people to make decisions. Expectations, allais paradox and prospect theory will be discussed to reveal the mystery of winning or losing money in the stock market
TEACHING, LEARNING, AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AS CONSEQUENTIAL INDICATORS IN UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
No full textQuality education in university rankings has been mainly assessed using institutional resources and reputational surveys without data to back up perceptions. Specifically, none of the indicators used addresses the absolute qualities of how well teachers teach or how well students learn. Would inclusion of data on student learning, student engagement, and teaching effectiveness impact the current rankings? This paper attempts to address this question using data collected by institutions from students who participate in official course evaluations. Publicly available data from course evaluations at Harvard Medical School show that eight students evaluated teaching effectiveness in seven different courses taught during Spring 2021 at 4.8 (on a scale of 1 to 5). No data on learning or student engagement were presented. Conclusions about teaching effectiveness cannot be drawn from data collected from small number of students, from a single academic term; as such, the findings cannot be generalized. At University of Georgia, 1,835 students evaluated teaching effectiveness in 10 different biology courses taught between Fall 2010 and Fall 2014 at 4.6 (on a scale of 1 to 5). Learning experience was rated at 4.5; and student engagement at 4.5. This paper proposes that departments or divisions use official course evaluations to publicly present data on teaching effectiveness, learning experience, and student engagement. Data must be driven from a minimum of 1,500 evaluations from at least 10 representative courses taught within a discipline, within the past 20 years. Courses must range from introductory- to senior-, and one graduate-level course; may include no more than two courses with less than five evaluations each; as results from very small classes can\u27t be used due to reliability concerns. This paper suggests that university rankings can be improved by including the quantifiable and comparable data of official course evaluations, and being less reliant on reputation surveys
POTENTIAL ROLE OF ADENOVIRUS E4 11K PROTEIN IN THE RIG-I-MEDIATED TYPE 1 INTERFERON RESPONSE**
No full textAdenoviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that most commonly cause upper respiratory illnesses, such as a common cold. During the early phase of an adenovirus infection, it creates an ideal environment to promote viral replication. One of the ways adenoviruses accomplishes this is through the viral protein, E4 11k, which has several functions, including redistributing proteins in cellular bodies, such as p bodies and PML nuclear bodies, as well as inhibiting double-strand break repair. The cell attempts to respond to an infection through viral RNA sensors that can activate a type 1 interferon response, which can produce proteins to interfere with viral replication. Retinoic-acid inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a viral RNA sensor that activates interferon beta, which then can induce a type 1 interferon response. DEAD-box helicase 6 (Ddx6) is known to bind to RIG-I to amplify its function. Other viruses, such as influenza and EV71, have been shown to modulate RIG-I through Ddx6. As Ad E4 11k is known to bind to Ddx6, we hypothesize that adenovirus also modulates RIG-I through Ddx6, preventing a type 1 interferon response from occurring. A549 cells were infected for 52 hours, and qRT-PCR was used to determine RIG-I and interferon beta levels, as compared to GAPDH. We found a 25-fold and 4-fold increase in RIG-I and interferon beta gene expression, respectively, in a virus lacking expression of E4 11k compared to wild-type virus. Further analysis using two different viral mutants lacking expression of E4 11k, as well as an expression vector that essentially only expresses E4 11k, along with numerous infection periods, is currently underway to demonstrate the potential role of E4 11k in RIG-I activation and interferon beta expression. This would be the first time a DNA virus has been observed modulating an RNA sensor of viral infection through Ddx6
MILLING AROUND IN SCRIVEN**
No full textThe early decades of the Georgia colony saw both success and failure against a backdrop of social, political, and economic experimentation, all within a vast expanse of natural resources. This presentation explores an expression of these forces in a frontier setting along tributary streams in modern-day Screven County, Georgia. Recent survey and testing by the author and Georgia Southern University field program students builds on initial findings from the 2018 and 2020 field seasons, revealing substantial and well-preserved evidence of lifeways and industry at the location of a presumed mill complex dating to the latter half of the eighteenth century. Extant earthen architecture, material findings, and the spatial relationships among locales within the site complex inspire meaningful questions and hold promise for answers to the multifaceted and interrelated experiences of entrepreneurs, the enslaved, and their participation in spheres both local and within the larger, burgeoning world system prior to, during, and after the American War of Independence
Regional Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity
Get PDFMacroinvertebrates are sensitive to environmental conditions, giving them the ability to be utilized in studies indicating the health of their environment. Additionally, macroinvertebrates are an important food source for vertebrates and invertebrates. Since macroinvertebrates play such significant roles in the ecosystem, it is important to identify and document their presence. In order to begin documenting the macroinvertebrates in central Georgia, aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected from ten sampling sites along a transect of central Georgia. Live specimens were imaged, preserved, identified, and sequenced. COI mitochondrial DNA and 18s nuclear DNA and 3D images of the organisms were made publicly available. The newly documented biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates included organisms from the classes Branchiopoda, Gastropoda, Insecta, Malacostraca, and Ostracoda
Increasing Capture Rates of Grassland Birds Over Thirteen Years Indicates Successful Restoration
Get PDFGrassland bird populations are being lost at an alarming rate due to human modifications to grassland ecosystems. Grassland restoration has been shown to mitigate population declines for many species that use these habitats at some point in their annual cycles. We examined capture rates of adult, breeding, and hatch-year birds at a restored grassland site in the piedmont of central Georgia to determine whether colonization, breeding success, hatching success, and recruitment processes were impacting populations of grassland birds. We banded birds approximately twice per month from January 2009 through December 2021 at Panola Mountain State Park. Restoration efforts started in 2001, and include annual prescribed burns, control of invasives, and revegetation with native grassland plants. We documented an increase in total capture rates when all grassland species were combined (p=0.03, r2=0.37) and for several grassland species, including Chipping Sparrows (p=0.01, r2=0.44) and Marsh Wrens (p=0.004, r2=0.55). Capture rates of grassland birds in breeding condition increased as well, including when grassland species were combined (p=0.01, r2=0.45), Common Yellowthroats (p=0.05, r2=0.30), Indigo Buntings (p=0.04, r2=0.34), and Field Sparrows (p=0.002, r2=0.59). Capture rates of hatch-year birds increased for Chipping Sparrows (p=0.02, r2=0.39). Species-specific responses to restoration occur at different rates depending on habitat preferences, yet the only species that significantly declined was the Red-winged Blackbird, a bird more associated with water than grasslands. We attribute these increases and, importantly, the lack of significant declines, to successful ongoing restoration, which is providing adequate and appropriate resources for grassland birds. If managers identify target species, we recommend that restoration efforts include activities that are aimed at species-specific habitat requirements and habitat-level threats of those target species
TESTING PRECISION LIMITS IN ALGAL COMMUNITY ANALYSES FOR USES IN WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT
No full textDiatoms, a common group of algae in lotic environments, have cell walls made of hydrated silica, or glass, that survive and function as robust biological indicators. Accurate identification of diatom species is essential. USGS Shenandoah Best Management Practices (BMP’s) in watersheds, for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay, have been implemented in order to restore water quality and nutrients. In this research diatom community metrics from streams located in the Shenandoah River Valley in the Chesapeake Bay were analyzed. Data was used to assess how levels of diatom enumeration can be used to infer improvement due to BMPs. Algal community data complemented macroinvertebrate and physiochemical data. Fourteen streams were sampled, processed following standard protocol, and diatoms were enumerated as composite samples. At random, 3 streams with 3 field sample replicas each were selected and compared to the composite analyses. Within-stream replicas had high similarity, but lower species richness justifying replica counts per stream. Species richness and Shannon diversity were significantly higher in the composite samples (p\u3c0.001). Within replicated counts, individual species abundances were consistent, no taxon had higher than 34% relative abundance. Relative abundance was sample and species specific. Achnanthidium deflexum (Reimer) Kingston, a common low nutrient indicator stayed at 12-14% relative abundance regardless of valves enumerated. Evenness also stayed high with a relatively stable average (ranging between 69.4-89.6%). Percent similarity based on species composition was high, 50.5-58.6%, which would indicate that diatom analyses for BMP’s assessment would be accurate. Results of this research suggest that both: shorter counts from field replicas or longer counts of a single composite sample can be used, dependent on the research objective. Diatom community indices and low abundance of Naviculoid diatoms suggested reduction in nutrients and eutrophication from agricultural areas around the Chesapeake Bay watershed, reducing risk of harmful algal blooms
DEGRADATION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE BY NEW ISOLATES OF ADHERENT, BIO-FILM FORMING BACTERIA
No full textCellulolytic bacteria employ a variety of different strategies for the degradation of cellulose. Our laboratory is interested in biofilm-mediated breakdown of cellulose and possible roles of exopolysaccharides in this process. As part of an effort to isolate new strains of biofilm-forming, cellulolytic bacteria, soil samples were collected from sites rich in decaying vegetation and used to inoculate a minimal growth medium containing a MOPS/Tris buffer (pH 7.4), a combination of inorganic salts, 0.05% yeast extract, and 1% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as the primary source of carbon and energy (MSYE-MCC media). These cellulose-enrichment cultures were grown aerobically at 30C for 2 weeks in a shaking incubator, and culture samples were then spread over the surface of tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates. Colonies on TSA were streaked onto agar plates containing the MSYE basal medium plus either 1% carboxymethyl-cellulose (MSYE-CMC media) or 1% filter paper cellulose (MSYE-FPC). Over one dozen new, cellulose-degrading strains were isolated and initially characterized according to colony morphologies, relative cell size, cellular arrangements, Gram stain reaction, and other outstanding features. Approximately one quarter of the new strains were Gram-negative, and large inclusion bodies were noted in some. The remainder of the strains were either Gram-positive or Gram-variable. Many Gram-positive strains were bacilli arranged in chains (streptobacilli) and one strain exhibited filamentous growth. Phase-contrast microscopy was used to observe cultures grown in MSYE-MCC media, and strains which attached to MCC particles, aggregated on and around the particles, and grew as biofilms on the surfaces of the particles were selected for further study. These strains were also screened for the production of extracellular material as detected by phase-contrast microscopy. A few strains produced possible glycocalyx layers during biofilm formation and utilization of cellulose. These extracellular layers, and any exopolysaccharides associated with them, will be the primary focus of future research
BEHAVIORAL CORRELATES OF OVERWINTERING SITE SELECTION IN A SOUTHEASTERN POPULATION OF TIMBER RATTLESNAKES (CROTALUS HORRIDUS)**
No full textStudies of temperate snake behavioral ecology are historically focused on the active season. However, behavior during the winter inactive period also carries significant fitness consequences, as populations are under strong selective pressure to select optimal shelter sites that minimize the costs of low temperatures and prolonged inactivity. This importance of overwintering site selection is well illustrated by the widespread documentation of large communal dens in northern species and populations. However, comparatively little systematic research exists for overwintering behavior at more southern temperate latitudes, despite winter in these regions presenting snakes with the same selective pressures, albeit moderated in intensity. Temperate species that occur across wide latitudinal gradients can therefore serve as ideal models for exploring variability in winter behavior and ecology across different selection regimes. Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) are one such example, as the majority of inactive season research is conducted on northern and montane populations for which communal denning is common. We aim to capitalize on a unique southeastern population of C. horridus from the lower Piedmont of Georgia, USA, wherein solitary and communal overwintering site use are observed at comparable frequencies. We will use a novel combination of remote videography, radio telemetry, and accelerometry to evaluate associations between winter shelter type and rattlesnake behavior from two perspectives: 1) migratory distance (radio telemetry) to overwintering site and 2) basking frequency (remote videography) and activity level (accelerometry) during the overwintering periods (November-April) in 2022 and 2023. Our aim is to explore the relative behavioral trade-offs associated with communal and solitary overwintering strategies in this population, and when combined with ongoing monitoring of body mass loss and Opidiomyces ophidiicola (“Snake Fungal Disease”) infection prevalence in this system, we intend to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the causes and consequences of variability in overwintering site selection in temperate snake populations
IDENTIFICATION OF THE SOURCES OF FECAL CONTAMINATION IN BRUSHY CREEK WATERSHED*
No full textThis study was intended to identify the quality of a watershed by detecting the presence of human, canine, ruminant and bird fecal contamination that could lead to possible human illness. This research identifies high levels of fecal coliform bacteria and the sources at seven different collection sites along Brushy Creek watershed located in Wrens, Georgia. Initial research started in July 2020 for contaminate testing at the seven sites with alternating sample collection between dry and wet seasons. The liquid culture, IDEXX Colilert-18, was used to measure E. Coli levels in the water as an indicator for the possible presence of other harmful bacteria. Samples that extended over 200cfu/100ml of E. Coli contamination indicated a high probability of fecal contamination. The identification of the contaminate source was performed Microbial Source Tracking using Quantitative PCR. Human, Canine, and ruminant were the overall main sources of fecal contamination. In 2022, Canine fecal pollution was consistently present in five of the seven sites throughout the wet season and human was consistent in four of the seven throughout the dry season