Grambling State University

The use of captive breeding in species recovery has grown enormously in recent years, but without a concurrent growth in appreciation of its limitations. Problems with (1) establishing self‐sufficient captive populations, (2) poor success in reintroductions, (3) high costs, (4) domestication, (5) preemption of other recovery techniques, (6) disease outbreaks, and (7) maintaining administrative continuity have all been significant. The technique has often been invoked prematurely and should not normally be employed before a careful field evaluation of costs and benefits of all conservation alternatives has been accomplished and a determination made that captive breeding is essential for species survival. Merely demonstrating that a species’ population is declining or has fallen below what may be a minimum viable size does not constitute enough analysis to justify captive breeding as a recovery measure. Captive breeding should be viewed as a last resort in species recovery and not a prophylactic or long‐term solution because of the inexorable genetic and phenotypic changes that occur in captive environments. Captive breeding can play a crucial role in recovery of some species for which effective alternatives are unavailable in the short term. However, it should not displace habitat and ecosystem protection nor should it be invoked in the absence of comprehensive efforts to maintain or restore populations in wild habitats. Zoological institutions with captive breeding programs should operate under carefully defined conditions of disease prevention and genetic/behavioral management. More important, these institutions should help preserve biodiversity through their capacities for public education, professional training, research, and support of in situ conservation efforts.

This article examines the effectiveness of three theoretical models (deprivation, importation, and situational) in explaining violent incidents, incidents against correctional staff, and incidents against other inmates in prison. Based on a sample of 431 disciplinary reports from a men's state prison in the deep South, the authors have found all three models help explain violent incidents. The deprivation and situational models help explain incidents against correctional staff. The situational and importation models contribute to explanations of incidents against other inmates. With regard to the relative power of each theoretical model in explaining inmate misconduct in prison, the situational model is the most powerful based on the total chi-square change of the model. According to the average of chi-square change per variable in each model, however, the deprivation model is the most powerful and the situational is the least in explaining violent incidents and incidents against correctional staff.

Simulation-based learning is an educational intervention which creates an environment that is conducive to experiential learning. Despite the prevalence of research on the influence of simulation on nursing education, there is a dearth of literature on the effectiveness of simulation-based learning. This systematic review examines literature on simulation outcomes in nursing education from the years 2000-2010. The electronic databases reviewed for the systematic review of the literature included: CINAHL Plus, Medline, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Education, Google Scholar, and Digital Dissertations and Theses through ProQuest. The MeSH search terms included "simulation outcomes measurement" and "nursing education". Seventeen studies were included in the review of the literature. The literature was categorized into three themes; internal outcomes, external outcomes, and clinical evaluation. The available literature on simulation and nursing education provides evidence that that simulation is useful in creating a learning environment which contributes to knowledge, skills, safety, and confidence. This systematic review of the literature revealed a gap in the literature pertaining to the transfer of these outcomes to the clinical setting, and lays a foundation for further research on outcomes specific to simulation and nursing education.

Abstract: Although the poaching of nestlings for the pet trade is thought to contribute to the decline of many species of parrots, its effects have been poorly demonstrated. We calculated rates of mortality due to nest poaching in 23 studies of Neotropical parrots, representing 4024 nesting attempts in 21 species and 14 countries. We also examined how poaching rates vary with geographic region, presence of active protection programs, conservation status and economic value of a species, and passage of the U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act. The average poaching rate across all studies was 30% of all nests observed. Thirteen studies reported poaching rates of ≥20%, and four reported rates openface> 70%. Only six studies documented no nest poaching. Of these, four were conducted on islands in the Caribbean region, which had significantly lower poaching rates than the mainland Neotropics. The other two studies that showed no poaching were conducted on the two species with the lowest economic value in our sample ( U.S. retail price). In four studies that allowed direct comparison between poaching at sites with active nest protection versus that at unprotected sites, poaching rates were significantly lower at protected sites, suggesting that active protection efforts can be effective in reducing nest poaching. In those studies conducted both before and after the passage of the U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act, poaching rates were found to be significantly lower following its enactment than in the period before. This result supports the hypothesis that the legal and illegal parrot trades are positively related, rather than inversely related as has been suggested by avicultural interests. Overall, our study indicates that poaching of parrot nestlings for economic gain is a widespread and biologically significant source of nest mortality in Neotropical parrots.

Summary Cyclonic storms, variously called typhoons, cyclones, or hurricanes (henceforth, hurricanes), are common in many parts of the world, where their frequent occurrence can have both direct and indirect effects on bird populations. Direct effects of hurricanes include mortality from exposure to hurricane winds, rains, and storm surges, and geographic displacement of individuals by storm winds. Indirect effects become apparent in the storm's aftermath and include loss of food supplies or foraging substrates; loss of nests and nest or roost sites; increased vulnerability to predation; microclimate changes; and increased conflict with humans. The short-term response of bird populations to hurricane damage, before changes in plant succession, includes shifts in diet, foraging sites or habitats, and reproductive changes. Bird populations may show long-term responses to changes in plant succession as second-growth vegetation increases in storm-damaged old-growth forests. The greatest stress of a hurricane to most upland terrestrial bird populations occurs after its passage rather than during its impact. The most important effect of a hurricane s i the destruction of vegetation, which secondarily affects wildlife in the storm's aftermath. The most vulnerable terrestrial wildlife populations have a diet of nectar, fruit, or seeds; nest, roost, or forage on large old trees; require a closed forest canopy; have special microclimate requirements and/or live in a habitat in which vegetation has a slow recovery rate. Small populations with these traits are at greatest risk to hurricane-induced extinction, particularly if they exist in small isolated habitat fragments. Recovery of avian populations from hurricane effects is partially dependent on the extent and degree of vegetation damage as well as its rate of recovery. Also, the reproductive rate of the remnant local population and recruitment from undisturbed habitat patches influence the rate at which wildlife populations recover from damage.

Using an ex-post facto, non-experimental approach, this research examined the impact of English language proficiency and multilingualism on the academic performance of international students enrolled in a four-year university located in north central Louisiana in the United States. Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire from 59 students who were in their sophomore, junior or senior year of college. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in language proficiency and multilingualism in relation to academic performance. The highest mean GPA was evident among students who had reported high levels of self-perceived English language proficiency, and among students who spoke at least three languages.

Thiol-containing proteins are key to numerous cellular processes, and their functions can be modified by thiol nitrosation or oxidation. Nitrosation reactions are quenched by O2·¯, while the oxidation chemistry mediated by peroxynitrite is quenched by excess flux of either NO or O2·¯. A solution of glutathione (GSH), a model thiol-containing tripeptide, exclusively yielded S-nitrosoglutathione when exposed to the NO donor, Et2NN(O)NONa. However, when xanthine oxidase was added to the same mixture, the yield of S-nitrosoglutathione dramatically decreased as the activity of xanthine oxidase increased, such that there was a 95% reduction in nitrosation when the fluxes of NO and O2·¯ were nearly equivalent. The presence of superoxide dismutase reversed O2·¯-mediated inhibition, while catalase had no effect. Increasing the flux of O2·¯ yielded oxidized glutathione (GSSG), peaking when the flux of NO and O2·¯ were approximately equivalent. The results suggest that oxidation and nitrosation of thiols by superoxide and NO are determined by their relative fluxes and may have physiological significance. Thiol-containing proteins are key to numerous cellular processes, and their functions can be modified by thiol nitrosation or oxidation. Nitrosation reactions are quenched by O2·¯, while the oxidation chemistry mediated by peroxynitrite is quenched by excess flux of either NO or O2·¯. A solution of glutathione (GSH), a model thiol-containing tripeptide, exclusively yielded S-nitrosoglutathione when exposed to the NO donor, Et2NN(O)NONa. However, when xanthine oxidase was added to the same mixture, the yield of S-nitrosoglutathione dramatically decreased as the activity of xanthine oxidase increased, such that there was a 95% reduction in nitrosation when the fluxes of NO and O2·¯ were nearly equivalent. The presence of superoxide dismutase reversed O2·¯-mediated inhibition, while catalase had no effect. Increasing the flux of O2·¯ yielded oxidized glutathione (GSSG), peaking when the flux of NO and O2·¯ were approximately equivalent. The results suggest that oxidation and nitrosation of thiols by superoxide and NO are determined by their relative fluxes and may have physiological significance.

Abstract This empirical study identifies, examines, and compares the perceptions of HRMs in selected organizations in one developed country (the USA) and one less‐developed country (Jordan) toward arguments supporting nepotism. It also identifies, examines, and compares the perceptions of these HRMs toward arguments against nepotism in these two countries. The results of this study indicate that few HRMs in each country have agreed with arguments supporting nepotism. In contrast, many of these HRMs have agreed with arguments against nepotism. While there are differences between the perceptions of US and Jordanian HRMs toward arguments for and against nepotism, these differences are not significant.

The study examines the determinants of Islamic banks' performance across eight Middle Eastern countries between 1993 and 1998.A variety of internal and external banking characteristics were used to predict profitability and efficiency.In general, our analysis of determinants of Islamic bank profitability confirms previous findings.Controlling for macroeconomic environment, financial market structure, and taxation, the results indicate that high leverage and large loans to asset ratios lead to higher profitability.The results also indicate that foreign-owned banks are more profitable than their domestic counterparts.Everything remaining equal, there is evidence that implicit and explicit taxes affect the bank performance measures negatively.Furthermore, favorable macroeconomic conditions impact performance measures positively.Our results also show that stock markets are complementary to bank financing

The use of UV-absorbing molecules as matrices in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) is well documented. The matrices that are currently used have low molecular weights (<300 Da) and thus, for a typical MALDI-TOF spectrum, the low-mass range (m/z 100-500) is dominated by matrix ions. Consequently, the applications of MALDI-TOFMS have been restricted mostly to the analysis of high molecular weight analytes. This report demonstrates the use of meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (F20TPP, MW 974.57) as a matrix in the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric analysis of some commercial nonylphenol ethoxylates (4-(C(9)H(19))-C(6)H(4)-(OCH(2)CH(2))(n)-OH), in which the ethoxymer ion distribution ranges from 331-771 Da. When F20TPP was used without a sodium ion dopant, there were no MALDI signals for the ethoxylates. However, addition of sodium acetate to the sample produced MALDI spectra in which the ethoxymer molecules were sodiated to form [M + Na](+) ions. A comparison of the mass spectrometric data with those obtained when alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) was used as the matrix indicated that the F20TPP-induced spectra provided comparable data, with the advantage of having less matrix interference in the low-mass range (m/z 100-500). Thus, the use of F20TPP and similar porphyrins may provide the means to apply MALDI-TOF to the analysis of low molecular weight molecules with minimum interference from matrix signals. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

We employ an enhanced version of a decomposition technique, an improved Adomian decomposition method, and confirm computationally its high accuracy for a number of dark and singular cubic-quartic optical solitons which arise from the Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation.The overall recurrent scheme applied for the governing model is elucidated and further scrutinized with regard to the optical solitons mentioned above.The computational results are promising and reveal a remarkably high level of precision.Tables of the absolute errors and illustrating plots are provided to augment the main findings of our comparative study.

Knowledge of the long-term toxicological and immunological effects of e-cigarette (e-cig) aerosols remains elusive due to the relatively short existence of vaping. Therefore, we performed a systematic search of articles published in public databases and analysed the research evidence in order to provide critical information regarding e-cig safety. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (or e-cigs) are an alternative to traditional cigarettes for the delivery of nicotine and are typically filled with glycerol or propylene glycol-based solutions known as e-liquids. Though present in lower quantities, e-cig aerosols are known to contain many of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. However, due to the paucity of experimental data and contradictory evidence, it is difficult to draw conclusive outcomes regarding toxicological, immunological and clinical impacts of e-cig aerosols. Excessive vaping has been reported to induce inflammatory responses including mitogen-activated protein kinase, Janus tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription and nuclear factor-κB signalling, similar to that induced by tobacco smoke. Based on recent evidence, prolonged exposure to some constituents of e-cig aerosols might result in respiratory complications such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and inflammation. Future studies are warranted that focus on establishing correlations between e-cig types, generations and e-liquid flavours and immunological and toxicological profiles to broaden our understanding about the effects of vaping.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, generally exceeded only by cardiovascular disease in the developed world. The number of people diagnosed with cancer within the next few decades is expected to double. There will therefore be increased demand for novel diagnostic and medical therapies that use new non-traditional sources. Soybeans contain a variety of anticarcinogenic phytochemicals. Recently, there has been increased interest in the potential health benefits of bioactive polypeptides and proteins from soybeans, including lunasin and lectins. Lunasin is a polypeptide that arrests cell division and induces apoptosis in malignant cells. Lectins are glycoproteins that selectively bind carbohydrates; lectins are used in medicine in a variety of new applications. Additional research, including clinical trials, should continue to examine and elucidate the therapeutic effects, nutritional benefits, and toxic consequences of commonly ingested soybean lectins and lunasin.

Examines the relationship between nepotism and various organizational characteristics (size, ownership, and geographic region) in certain organizations in two countries – Jordan and Egypt. Results indicated that HRMs in large organizations, the public sector and urban regions reported higher levels of nepotism than their rural counterparts in smaller, medium‐sized organizations, in the private sector.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to replicate Kohli and Jaworski, and Kohli's pioneering market orientation model within a highly growth‐oriented and competitive banking industry in an emerging Middle‐Eastern economy, Jordan. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted among top management personnel of 475 bank branches in Jordan. A total of 11 hypotheses related to market orientation; its antecedents and consequences were examined by estimating multiple regression models. Findings The study confirms that market orientation‐performance relationship is robust across diverse contexts. Also, top management traits are consistent predictors of market orientation. However, organizational factors as direct and linear determinants of market orientation are not completely stable. Further, the nature of the correlations between environmental factors and market orientation may be more complex than has been believed. In addition, within‐country variations along Hofstede's cultural dimensions may be possible. Finally, most scales including that of market orientation suffer from weaknesses. Originality/value This paper provides further validation for a market orientation model and unveils some of its weaknesses and strengths.

This paper presents optical solitons with the concatenation model having spatio-temporal and chromatic dispersions. This model can advantageously curtail the Internet bottleneck effect. Two integration schemes yield these solitons. By utilizing the multipliers approach, the conservation laws are also derived.

Wireless sensor networks has grown a lot in recent years and offers excellent opportunities in defense related applications such as monitoring environment and collecting data related to antisocial activities. Currently, the needs of wireless sensors have become inevitable in daily life. With the continuous growth of wireless sensor networks in daily life, business, and defense applications, the security of transferring data from sensors to their destination has become an important research area. Due to the limitations of power, storage, and processing capabilities, current security mechanisms of wireless networks or wired networks can not apply directly to wireless sensor networks. So there is a need to develop new techniques or modify the current security mechanisms to transfer data from source (from the field) to base station (destination). In this paper, we discuss currently available intrusion detection techniques, attack models using game theory, and then propose a new framework to detect malicious nodes using zero sum game approach for nodes in the forward data path. The first part of research provides the game model with probability of energy required for transferring the data packets. The second part derives the model to detect the malicious nodes using probability of acknowledgement at source.

In the current paper, a full spectrum of 1-soliton solutions to the concatenation model with the power-law of self-phase modulation has been recovered.The method of undetermined coefficients has permitted us to solve this problem successfully.The parameter constraints naturally emerge from the derivation and are also listed, guaranteeing these solitons' existence.It has been proved that dark solitons and singular solitons of a specific type would exist only when the power-law parameter collapses to unity.

This paper implements two of Kudryashov's approaches to extract optical soliton solutions to the concatenation model that is a conjunction of the nonlinear Schrdinger's equation, Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel model, and the Sasa-Satsuma equation.A full spectrum of soliton solutions emerged along with the parameter constraints that are all comprehensively presented.

This study uses the politics of global warming in the US to investigate an affective mechanism of hostile media perception and the democratic consequences of such perception, in an effort to delineate audience and journalistic barriers to stimulating urgent concern about climate change. The study confirms that partisanship played a significant role in perceptual differences with regard to media bias in an important area of science journalism--climate change. News consumers' anger perception was tested as a mediator in seeking an affective mechanism of hostile media perception. Hostile media perception has important democratic consequences in that it is positively associated with individuals' trust in news coverage of global warming and with selective media use.