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2002-2003 Operating Budget
Get PDFThe Southern University and A & M College Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year 2002-2003
The influence of job discrimination on the health of African-American males
Get PDFThe goal of the present research was to examine the influence of job discrimination on health. Seventy African American males served as the research participants. The age of the participants ranged from 19-62. The average years of school completed was 12.57. The research included two measures. The Perceive Racism Scale (PRS) and Symptom Checklist 90-revised Scale (SCL-90R). Each of this measures reflect different aspects of psychological distress. The measures were administered in group format, and all participants provided their own answers. Confidentiality of particpants was maintained. The Pearson Moment Correlation showed significant difference between the variables at .01 alpha level. The study supported the findings that the level of discrimination on the job influences health
A statistical approach to analyzing investment strategies
Get PDFIt often takes very little to make the difference between financial failure and success, but in times of extreme market volatility, even the relatively sophisticated investor can sometimes be caught off guard. People cannot afford to ignore their investments. Without a coordinated strategy, it can be difficult to build an effective investment portfolio that meets individual financial needs. As an individual investor, it is important to evaluate each investment in the context of the overall objectives. A fundamental key to being successful when building a stick investment portfolio is understanding the history of the stock market. This makes investors aware of the historical fluctuations in the market, which will allow them to make better decisions about investment options. Thus, this thesis provides a history of the stock market and compares some of the most successful investments strategies (by investment styles) to date. Evaluating different strategies allows investors to tailor an investment plan to their specific needs. However, some investors think it is unnecessary to choose an investment strategy and would rather randomly select stocks for their portfolio (e.g., by personal preference). This paper will analyze random stock selection an option for selecting an investment portfolio. Using a statistical approach, we find that it is better to use an investment strategy to select stocks rather than employing a random selection method
In vitro/in vivo activation of angiostatin
Get PDFAngiostatin is a proteolytic fragment of plasminogen that inhibits angiogenesis. It destroys newly formed capillaries and causes tumors to stop growing, shrink, or disappear altogether. We sought to determine if angiostatin could be produced from plasminogen by urokinase enzyme. We hypothesized that if angiostatin is produced, it could be an inhibitor of endothelial cell growth. To test this idea, plasminogen was purified by affinity chromatography using a sepharose-lysine column. Then, it was incubated with urokinase and 10% sodium azide. In order to produce angiostatin, samples were taken out at different time periods and analyzed on SDS-Page Gel electrophoresis gel designated to detect angiostatin. A Western Blot analysis prove that angiostatin was indeed present after plasminogen. We then examined angiostatin activity to determine if angiostatin inhibits endothelial cell growth. We demonstrated that angiostatin does indeed inhibit endothelial cell growth at the concentration produced [rom plasminogen. Thus our results showed that plasminogen can be converted to angiostatin by urokinase and angiostatin has shown inhibitory activity on endothelial cell proliferation
A structural analysis of the operation of an electric AC motor using a DC lead-acid battery powered by photovoltaic cells
Get PDFThe purpose of this project is to help reduce the electrical energy costs by using a natural resource that replenishes itself. The rays of the sun excite electrons in the light sensitive photovoltaic cells on the solar panels, and the cells convert the light into electricity. The total amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth is about 1 kilowatt per square meter. But because of the current technological limitations, the solar cells can only extract about 14% of the energy that reaches the Earth. The electricity generated by the array is directed to and stored in rechargeable batteries. The electricity can also bypass this step and be diverted straight to a motor or any electrical device. The energy stored in the batteries is used to drive any electrical piece of equipment or an AC motor. The use of solar energy to power electrical equipment is an effective way to reduce the depletion of natural resources and conserve energy
Determining older adults\u27 foreign language learning style preferences using the multiple intelligence theory
Get PDFhere is this widespread belief that older adults cannot successfully learn foreign languages as well as younger adults or children. Consequently, older adults usually buy into this belief and create doubts about their foreign language learning ability. However, contrary to popular stereotypes, many studies have shown that older adults can be good foreign language learners. Yes, older adults face many difficulties in the classroom but so do younger adults and children. The manner in which lessons are taught is extremely significant in the foreign language learning process. When children are taught foreign languages, they are often required to communicate verbally, and manipulatives such as games, music, and computers are frequently used to enhance their language learning. However, when adults are taught foreign languages, or any subject for that matter, lectures, paper and pencil activities, and a minimal number of teacher-student discussions (or verbal communication activities in the target language for foreign language classes) continually serve as the primary sources of learning. Current research has found that older adult learners have a great number of skills that can be effectively utilized in the classroom to enhance foreign language learning. Teacher of adult learners are often intrigued by their students\u27 striking abilities in a number of skills and arts, and often wonder how this potential can be used to enhance [foreign language] learning (Harvard, p.l). In 1983 , Howard Gardner created the Multiple Intelligence Theory, which was then and presently still is applied to children V and young adults. However, new research is utilizing the theory to highlight adult learning strengths and abilities. Intelligence, as defined by Gardner\u27s theory, is the ability to solve problems or create products that are valued in one or more cultural or community settings (Harvard, p. 1) The Multiple Intelligence Theory argues that all humans have multiple intelligences that vary in degree and type. There are currently eight forms of intelligence: naturalist, musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, bodily-kinesthetic, linguistic, logical-mathematical, and intrapersonal. The purpose of this research is to determine and compare the foreign language learning styles of older and younger adults so that hopefully in the near future professors can begin to incorporate new techniques to reach all types of intelligences. The method of analysis used for this research was represented in the form of a survey. The survey was used to discover learning style preferences of young and older foreign language adult learners
The history of the gospel quartet movement in Louisiana
Get PDF~The full history of the Gospel Quartet movement in Louisiana is so vast and complex that even now much remains untold. The various stages of cultural evolution that constitute this musical tradition serve as a repository for all the components which have defined and governed the existence of quartets and their role in black expression. Although the preceding is a quote from author Joyce Jackson\u27s book The Changing Nature of Gospel Music: A Southern Case Study, it has significance when studying the aspect of the Gospel Quartet Movement in Louisiana. In the following discussion, the writer will examine the ways in which quartets have responded creatively to the realities of adapting to new situations within the context of historical environments, such as music in the southern region of the United States, Louisiana. Throughout this project, the writer illustrates how quartets were influenced by the gospel music in black churches. The Quartet Movement itself has evolved tremendously from 1940 to present. Gospel Quartet groups emerged after slavery, beginning with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. At this time, a cappella singing style was predominantly popular. Later, Gospel quartet groups became active members of church functionalism, thus leading the way for gospel choirs to form. Quartet groups are located throughout many parts of the country; however, this writer\u27s focus will primarily examine the quartet groups in Louisiana. For example, the Eveready Gospel Singers housed in Shreveport, LA have been singing together since 1946. The group has recorded several music CD\u27s and have performed for festivals for many years. Another credit to the Gospel Quartet movement in Louisiana is the Lighthouse gospel singers from Baton Rouge, LA. This group has been singing since 1950 and has accepted many invitations to sing to all types of audiences varying from the Russians to the Ku Klux Klan. Quartet singing would not be complete without the involvement of women quartet groups such as The Calvarette Gospel Singers. Born and reared in Zwolle, Louisiana, the Calvarette singers organized in 1968 and part of the group\u27s success is due to its strong family ties. The group consisted of a grandmother, one aunt, cousins and sisters. New Orleans, mostly known for its flavorful jazzy style of music, is home to the Zion Harmonizers which has tapped into the city\u27s festivities by co-anchoring the Gospel Tent which is now a part of the New Orleans Jazzfest entertainment activities. Along with the group\u27s yearly participation in the Gospel tent, the Zion Harmonizers are well traveled. They have toured Europe and covered many cities within the United States. The Gospel Quartet movement has long reached national success status as the late Rebert H. Harris formed the National Gospel Quartet Convention, an effort to preserve the art form in which quartet singing would be recognized. Hence, a Louisiana State Convention has been undertaken by Dr. E.W. Giles and has completed its third year in existence, as the quartet convention is an effort to ensure the preservation of the history of the Gospel Quartet group. Author Joyce Jackson explained it best when she stated ~For examining quartets in this historical context communicates and documents the pervasiveness of the tradition not only in black culture but in American culture as a whole
Modulation of oxidative stress via benzodiazepines
Get PDFOxidative damage resulting from generation of oxygen-derived free radicals is thought to be the cause of age-related dysfunction in key organs and tissues. Recent studies suggest that the GABA neurotransmitter system modulates the extent of oxidative damage. If this is true, then a drug that alters GABA neurotransmission, such as diazepam, a drug that facilitates GABA neurotransmission, was tested for its efficacy to lessen oxidative damage to the brain tissue. A total of sixteen Swiss Webster mice were implanted subcutaneously with osmotic mini pumps that provided a constant delivery (3.5 mg/Kg/day) of either diazepam (n=8) or vehicle (50% dimethyl sulfoxide/ 50% propylene glycol, n=8), over a period of two weeks. The mice were placed in activity chambers on day 4 and day 13 of the study to test thigmotaxis, an indicator of anxiolytic effects. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout the study. The mice were euthanized on day 14 and the brains were removed for biochemical analyses of oxidative damage, total thiols, and protein carbonyl content. There was no difference in weight gain and food intake between the control and the experimental groups. In total thiols and carbonyl there were no significant differences. I conclude that the dosage of diazepam was not high enough to affect the oxidative damage
The study of biological membranes using the atomic force microscope
Get PDFIn the past research, when a carbon nanotube enhanced cantilever was probed along a living cell membrane, carboxylic acid groups located at the tips of the nanotubes would interact with various groups on the surface of the membrane causing it to rupture. A method to re-derivatize the tips of the nanotubes through covalent bonding by allowing the amine groups to attach to the carboxylic acid groups was developed. This chemical change perhaps will allow one to probe a cell surface without rupturing it. Successful nanotube derivatization will eventually lead to a map of the surface of living cell membranes and advances in cancer research
Phytoremediation of lead by Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) plant
Get PDFOver the past several decades, health and environmental risks of pollution have become apparent. As a result, environmental regulations have been created to remediate areas where environmental contamination is tremendous, therefore, a low-cost alternative to the already existing technology is needed. Using plants to eliminate hazardous organic compounds from contaminated soils has been proposed as an efficient means of remediation. Phytoremediation is the direct use of living green plants to remediate soil, sludge, sediments and ground water contaminated with toxic compounds. The four processes of phytoremediation are rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, phytostabilization and phytodegradation. As they \u27grow and develop, plants will use one of these processes to take in dissolved organic contaminants. Phytoremediation has several advantages over traditional procedures such as on-site management and excavation. It is an inexpensive, non-intrusive process that requires little input past the initial seeding and establishment and may be more effective than unvegetated bioremediation. Some plants have a natural ability to absorb, and hyperaccumulate trace elements in their tissues. This ability is being harnessed to remove toxic heavy metals and trace elements from contaminated soils and water. The purpose of this research is to determine which process of phytoremediation the Chinese Tallow plant uses to uptake lead by exposing the plant to different concentrations of the metal, and analyzing the parts of the plant (roots, stems, leaves, soil) using atomic absorption. The results of this study reveal that the Chinese Tallow plant uses the process of rhizofiltration to remediate soils contaminated with lead when exposed to high concentrations of the metal