Accounting for Athletics: A Balanced Scorecard Approach

The Balanced Scorecard is a managerial accounting system designed for internal use in order to align four different facets of a business with its overall vision and strategy. It emphasizes that an organization should not be judged on financial performance alone, but also on a variety of non-financial metrics. Using the Balanced Scorecard, the Athletic Department at the University of Connecticut has been analyzed as to which metrics are the most important in terms of fulfilling their mission statement.

The Devil’s Calculus: Mathematical Models of Civil War

In spite of the movement to turn political science into a real science, various mathematical methods that are now the staples of physics, biology, and even economics are thoroughly uncommon in political science, especially the study of civil war. This study seeks to apply such methods - specifically, ordinary differential equations (ODEs) - to model civil war based on what one might dub the capabilities school of thought, which roughly states that civil wars end only when one side’s ability to make war falls far enough to make peace truly attractive. I construct several different ODE-based models and then test them all to see which best predicts the instantaneous capabilities of both sides of the Sri Lankan civil war in the period from 1990 to 1994 given parameters and initial conditions. The model that the tests declare most accurate gives very accurate predictions of state military capabilities and reasonable short term predictions of cumulative deaths. Analysis of the model reveals the scale of the importance of rebel finances to the sustainability of insurgency, most notably that the number of troops required to put down the Tamil Tigers is reduced by nearly a full order of magnitude when Tiger foreign funding is stopped. The study thus demonstrates that accurate foresight may come of relatively simple dynamical models, and implies the great potential of advanced and currently unconventional non-statistical mathematical methods in political science.

Children's Perceptions of Male and Female Athletes as Presented in Sports Illustrated for Kids

Despite gains made by Title IX in the past 36 years, including increased female participation in high school and collegiate sport, there is evidence that gender equity in sport is not fully achieved. Researchers target the media because they tend to shape social values and disseminate information to the masses (Kane, 1978, in Fink & Kensicki, 2002). As sports become more pervasive, framing theory has become particularly relevant. The purpose of this study is to build on the Hardin et al. (2002) study by examining the relationship among media sports coverage, gender equity in sport and the perceptions young sports fans begin to form about gender and sport based on media consumption. The researcher hypothesized that since women face discrimination in sport starting from the time that they choose to participate, children will perceive male athletes and their sports as more legitimate. Additionally, the media play a major role in shaping the views of audiences, so the way that they represent male and female athletes, including juxtaposing them, may have an impact on children. The researcher conducted a content analysis of 24 Sports Illustrated for Kids issues from 1996 to 1999 and 24 issues from 2006 to 2007. The researcher analyzed the content of photographs (N=3219) and of headlines (N=762) by using the definitions determined by Hardin et al. (2002). We found that there is a disproportionate amount of coverage devoted to male athletes and that the discrepancy between media representation between men and women in sport has grown since the mid-1990s. This study also includes a focus group conducted with three children from a community swimming program in a northeastern town and found that those children were acutely aware of the differences between men and women in sport based on the discussion. The researcher does not attempt to find a causal relationship between these children’s perceptions and the way media represents them, but rather uses the focus group to complement the content analysis. As children become sports consumers in later life, future research exploring the relationship between children’s perceptions and the media’s representations need to be done before causality and the significance of media effects are determined.

Salivary cortisol, psychological stress and depressive symptoms among patients undergoing colon cancer screenings

As the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, colon cancer has a high cure rate if detected early by a colonoscopy (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2007). However, more than 41 million at-risk Americans are not properly receiving colonoscopy screenings according to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control. This study provides insight into the physiological and psychological benefits of the colonoscopy procedure over and above cancer detection and prevention. Thirty-six patients receiving colonoscopic screening at the University of Connecticut Health Center participated in this study. A questionnaire battery that assessed perceived stress, depressive symptoms, colon cancer related worry, and social support, and optional saliva sampling was completed 2 weeks prior to and post colonoscopy. It was hypothesized that salivary cortisol concentrations, perceived stress, and self-reported depressive symptoms would show significant decreases from pre to post colonoscopy, and that these variables would all be positively correlated with one another. Results showed significant, positive correlations between depressive symptoms and both salivary cortisol (r (34)= .348, p< .05) and perceived stress (r (34)= .635, p< .01). Morning salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly from pre to post colonoscopy to levels below the population mean (t (16)=-3.711, p<. 01). No such differences were observed in either perceived stress or depressive symptoms. These results indicate that by decreasing cortisol concentrations to levels below that of the population mean, the colonoscopy provided physiological health benefits to patients beyond cancer screening. From a health psychology standpoint, this may encourage some of the 41 million Americans not receiving proper colon cancer screenings to adopt this potentially life-saving health behavior.

Analysis of the Phosphorylated Forms of Protein Kinase R

Protein Kinase R (PKR) is induced by interferon and activated by dsRNA. Subsequent autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of eIF2alpha inhibits viral replication. In the latent state PKR exists as an unphosphorylated monomer. Work in the Cole laboratory has shown two additional states, a phosphorylated monomeric state (pPKRm) and a phosphorylated dimeric state (pPKRd). RNA serves as a scaffold bringing two PKRs together allowing dimerization and autophosphorylation to occur. The contribution of each state to the function of PKR remains unclear. Western blots were performed to examine the phosphorylation states of the essential residues, T446 and T451. Activity assays have shown activation of pPKRm at a level comparable to pPKRd in its ability to phosphorylate eIF2alpha. Phosphorylation of eIF2alpha by both pPKRm and pPKRd was shown to be RNA independent. Despite reaching similar terminal levels of eIF2alpha phosphorylation, kinetic measurements revealed a faster reaction from pPKRd. Therefore, pPKRm and pPKRd may both contribute to the activity of PKR.

Analysis of the LIFO inventory valuation method during the onset of IFRS

I propose that the Last in, First out (LIFO) inventory valuation method needs to be reevaluated. I will evaluate the impact of the LIFO method on earnings of publically traded companies with a LIFO reserve over the past 10 years. I will begin my proposal with the history of how the LIFO method became an acceptable valuation method and discuss the significance of LIFO within the accounting profession Next I will provide a description of LIFO, the First in, First out (FIFO), and the weighted average inventory valuation methods and explore the differences among each. More specifically, I will explore the arguments for and against the use of the LIFO method and the potential shift towards financial standards that do not allow LIFO (a standard adopted and influenced by the International Financial Accounting Standards Board). Data will be collected from Compustat for publicly traded companies (with a LIFO Reserve) for the past 10 years. I will document which firms use LIFO, analyze trends relating to LIFO usage and LIFO reserves (the difference in the cost of inventory between using LIFO and FIFO), and evaluate the effect on earnings. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the accuracy of LIFO in portraying earnings and to see how much tax has gone uncollected over the years because of the use of LIFO. Moreover, I will provide an opinion as to whether U.S. GAAP should adopt a standard similar to IFRS and ban the LIFO method.

Investigating the Affects of Cucurbitacin-I on Cellular Motility

Cellular migration is an integral component of many biological processes including immune function, wound healing and cancer cell metastasis. A complete model illustrating the mechanism by which cells accomplish movement is still lacking. Exploring the affects of various drugs on cell motility may be instrumental in discovering new proteins which mediate cell movement. This project aims ultimately to characterize the molecular target of the drug Cucurbitacin-I, a natural plant product. This drug has been shown to inhibit migration of epithelial sheets and may have anti-tumor activity. In this paper, we show that Cucurbitacin-I inhibits the migration of MDCK and B16F1 cells. The drug also affects the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton of these cells by indirectly stabilizing filamentous actin. Cucurbitacin-I does not, however, have an effect on the motility or cytoskeletal morphology of the soil amoeba, Dictyostelium discoidium.

Biological Signatures of Vaccine Responses

The set of host- and pathogen-specific molecular features of a disease comprise its “signature”. We hypothesize that biological signatures enables distinctions between vaccinated vs. infected individuals. In our research, using porcine samples, protocols were developed that could also be used to identify biological signatures of human disease. Different classes of molecular features will be tested during this project, including indicators of basic immune capacity, which are being studied at this instance. These indicators of basic immune response such as porcine cytokines and antibodies were validated using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This is an established method that detects antigens by their interaction with a specific antibody coupled to a polystyrene substrate. Serum from naïve and vaccinated pigs was tested for the presence of cytokines. We were able to differentiate the presence of porcine IL-6 in normal porcine serum with or without added porcine IL-6 by ELISA. In addition, four different cytokines were spotted on a grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance imaging system (GCSPRI) chip and antibody specific for IL-8 was run over the chip. Only the presence of IL-8 was detected; therefore, there was no cross-reactivity in this combination of antigens and antibodies. This system uses a multiplexed sensor chip to identify components of a sample run over it. The detection is accomplished by the change in refractive index caused by the interaction between the antibody spotted on the sensor chip and the antigen present in the sample. As the multiplexed GCSPRI is developed, we will need to optimize both sensitivity and specificity, minimizing the potential for cross-reactivity between individual analytes. The next step in this project is to increase the sensitivity of detection of the analytes. Currently, we are using two different antibodies (that recognize a different part of the antigen) to amplify the signal emitted by the interaction of antibody with its cognate antigen. The development of this sensor chip would not only allow to detect FMD virus, but also to differentiate between infected and vaccinated individuals, on location. Furthermore, the diagnosis of other diseases could be done with increased accuracy, and in less time due to the microarray approach.

Are school nurses effective in the fight against childhood obesity?

Background. With childhood obesity on the rise in the United States, school nurses are faced with the task of preventing, identifying and treating obese children in their schools. This study reviews current literature and examines the effectiveness of the school nurse regarding obesity prevention and treatment services and the barriers they face.^ Methods. Ovid, Ebsco, Google Scholar and other professional websites were searched for school-based obesity interventions that included school nurses and that took place in the United States between 1996 and present day. This resulted in 8 studies.^ Results. Of the 8 studies identified, the majority were conducted in the Midwest, all of the studies were cross-sectional in design or qualitative in nature and only half of these studies were based off theoretical design. The most common barriers school nurses face include: lack of time, lack of support from both the school and parents, lack of confidence in counseling students and their parents and lack of specific guidelines for their role. ^ Conclusions. This study further reflects the need for more research using experimental research designs to evaluate nurse-driven interventions and nurse-related policies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment, the need to create specific guidelines for school nurses, the need for further education for nurses relating to counseling, and the need for more support from the school and community for school-based obesity prevention. ^

Patient-centered medical home technology effects on hypertension and diabetes control

Background: Hypertension and Diabetes is a public health and economic concern in the United States. The utilization of medical home concepts increases the receipt of preventive services, however, do they also increase adherence to treatments? This study examined the effect of patient-centered medical home technologies such as the electronic health record, clinical support system, and web-based care management in improving health outcomes related to hypertension and diabetes. Methods: A systematic review of the literature used a best evidence synthesis approach to address the general question " Do patient-centered medical home technologies have an effect of diabetes and hypertension treatment?" This was followed by an evaluation of specific examples of the technologies utilized such as computer-assisted recommendations and web-based care management provided by the patient's electronic health record. Ebsco host, Ovid host, and Google Scholar were the databases used to conduct the literature search. Results: The initial search identified over 25 studies based on content and quality that implemented technology interventions to improve communication between provider and patient. After further assessing the articles for risk of bias and study design, 13 randomized controlled studies were chosen. All of the studies chosen were conducted in various primary care settings in both private practices and hospitals between the years 2000 and 2007. The sample sizes of the studies ranged from 42 to 2924 participants. The mean age for all of the studies ranged from 56 to 71 years. The percent women in the studies ranged from one to 78 percent. Over one-third of the studies did not provide the racial composition of the participants. For the seven studies that did provide information about the ethnic composition, 64% of the intervention participants were White. All of the studies utilized some type of web-based or computer-based communication to manage hypertension or diabetes care. Findings on outcomes were mixed, with nine out of 13 studies showing no significant effect on outcomes examined, and four of the studies showing significant and positive impact on health outcomes related to hypertension or diabetes Conclusion: Although the technologies improved patient and provider satisfaction, the outcomes measures such as blood pressure control and glucose control were inconclusive. Further research is needed with diverse ethnic and SES population to investigate the role of patient-centered technologies on hypertension and diabetes control. Also, further research is needed to investigate the effects of innovative medical home technologies that can be used by both patients and providers to increase quality of communication concerning adherence to treatments.^

Influenza vaccination as a primary or secondary prevention for cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review of the literature

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CVD mainly comprise of coronary heart disease and stroke and were ranked first and fourth respectively amongst leading causes of death in the United States. Influenza (flu) causes annual outbreaks and pandemics and is increasingly recognized as an important trigger for acute coronary syndromes and stroke. Influenza vaccination is an inexpensive and effective strategy for prevention of influenza related complications in high risk individuals. Though it is recommended for all CVD patients, Influenza vaccine is still used at suboptimal levels in these patients owing to prevailing controversy related to its effectiveness in preventing CVD. This review was undertaken to critically assess the effectiveness of influenza vaccination as a primary or secondary prevention method for CVD. ^ Methods: A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases OVID MEDLINE, PUBMED (National Library of Medicine), EMBASE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR and TRIP (Turning Research into Practice). The study search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English language from January 1970 through May 2012. The case control studies, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials related to influenza vaccination and CVD, with data on at least one of the outcomes were identified. In the review, only population-based epidemiologic studies in all ethnic groups and of either sex and with age limitation of 30 yrs or above, with clinical CVD outcomes of interest were included. ^ Results: Of the 16 studies (8 case control studies, 6 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials) that met the inclusion criteria, 14 studies reported that there was a significant benefit in u influenza vaccination as primary or secondary prevention method for preventing new cardiovascular events. In contrary to the above findings, two studies mentioned that there was no significant benefit of vaccination in CVD prevention. ^ Conclusion: The available body of evidence in the review elucidates that vaccination against influenza is associated with reduction in the risk of new CVD events, hospitalization for coronary heart disease and stroke and as well as the risk of death. The study findings disclose that the influenza vaccination is very effective in CVD prevention and should be encouraged for the high risk population. However, larger and more future studies like randomized control trials are needed to further evaluate and confirm these findings. ^

El Cervantes de Arturo Marasso : una crítica erudita, diferente

En este trabajo se destaca la figura de Arturo Marasso, poeta y erudito argentino, en relación con su lectura de El Quijote a través de su libro Cervantes. La invención del Quijote. La atención se centra principalmente en el capítulo Las tentaciones de San Antonio y las de don Quijote, que plantea una asociación novedosa entre ambos personajes. Se presentan la época de San Antonio Abad y la Vida de San Antonio, obra de San Atanasio y su especial relación con el género aretológico (edificante). Para finalizar, se comenta la lectura que Marasso realiza de Cervantes, influido por su amplio conocimiento de los clásicos.

Hacia una educación inclusiva : reinventar las prácticas curriculares, más allá de las políticas educativas

El presente artículo se propone dejar planteados algunos aportes y debates en torno a la definición de políticas educativas que promueven la inclusión y sus efectos en las prácticas curriculares que se configuran en el dispositivo escolar, el que define sus condiciones de posibilidad. Se plantea que no existe una aplicación lineal de las políticas educativas, atendiendo a las mediaciones que los actores educativos ponen en juego en las prácticas curriculares fundadas en una lógica escolar naturalizada. Por ello la necesidad de propiciar procesos de desnaturalización de las creencias de los actores educativos acerca de las formas de lo escolar, el aprender y el enseñar, el curriculum, la educación común, la educación especial y sus posibles relaciones. De este modo habilitar movimientos instituyentes que transformen las prácticas curriculares en herramientas para la inclusión educativa en términos de igualdad para todos/as.

Aproximación al monacato occidental en la Edad Media

Monasticism was not born nor grew up in contraposition to scholasticism. Both of them express the truth and unity of religious life. In this paper, the Author analyses the cases of a monk and a scholar, Bernardus of Claraval and Petrus Abelardus, respectively, by means of two of their major works: Commentary on The Song of Songs and Preface to the Commentary on the Letters of Saint Paul. Finally, a brief summary concerning longing for heaven in texts of Medium Ages is included.

Emergency Obstetric Care: Strategy for Reducing Maternal Mortality in Developing Countries

Twenty-five years have passed since the global community agreed in Nairobi to address the high maternal mortality by implementing the Safe Motherhood Initiative. However, every year nearly three million women die due to pregnancy related causes. This tragedy is avoidable if women have timely access to required emergency obstetric care. Emergency obstetric care refers to life-saving services for maternal and neonatal complications provided by skilled health workers. Since the beginning of the 1980’s, several efforts have been intensified to improve maternal and child health status and reducing the high morbidity and mortality. There was built on a worldwide consensus to provide improved maternal and child health care for addressing the high morbidity and mortality. All participant countries agreed to integrate emergency obstetric care services in their national health care system. Emergency obstetric care is one of the strategies for reducing the maternal mortality as pregnancy related complications are unpredictable. However, many women in developing countries do not have access to essential health care services including emergency obstetric care. Basic emergency obstetric care by skilled birth attendants or timely referral for further comprehensive emergency obstetric care can reduce maternal deaths and disabilities significantly. This paper is based on the results published in PubMed, Medline, Lancet, WHO and Google Scholar web pages from 1990 to 2013.