bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Openness, Growth, and Convergence in Africa: Evidence from 1980-1999 Data
Authors: Baliamoune Mina
Published: February 2022

We explore the effects of openness to trade on growth and the implications for income convergence in Africa. Fixed-effect estimation results indicate that the evidence on the direct impact of openness to trade on growth is mixed and there is no support for conditional convergence. On the other hand, we find that the joint effect of openness and initial income has a U shape, suggesting that greater openness to trade may enhance growth in countries with relatively high income but tends to depress it in lower-income countries. Furthermore, we show that the growth effects of openness to trade also depend on export diversification. Our results suggest that openness to trade has a negative effect on growth in countries with high export concentration. An important policy implication of our findings is that liberalization and reform programs aimed at boosting openness to trade should take into account these interactions, otherwise low-income economies which also tend to have low export diversification could be harmed by trade liberalization.
For Prayer and Profit: West Africa's Religious and Economic Ties to the Gulf 1960s to the Present
Authors: Akyeampong Emmanuel
Published: February 2022

West Africa's historic ties of trade and Islam with the Arabian Peninsula date back to the 7th and 8th Centuries CE. On independence from colonial rule several African countries turned to the Arab world for official development assistance (ODA). The period from the 1990s has seen Gulf businesses making important financial investments in West African real estate and telecommunications. The Gulf has become an important source of consumer and capital goods for West Africa, as well as a buyer of African exports like coffee, cocoa, and timber. African professionals work in the Gulf, though Asians remain dominant in the Gulf labor force.
Globalization and the Economics of African Slavery in Arabia in the Age of Empire
Authors: Hopper Matthew S.
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the economic conditions that generated demand for slave labor in Arabia in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. The existing historiography has tended to emphasize a cultural or religious basis for slavery in the region, ignoring the expanding global markets for Arabian commodities that fueled demand for slave labor. This paper argues that growing markets for Arabian pearls and dates in Europe and North America helped drive the slave trade from east Africa to eastern Arabia and the Gulf. Globalization helped spread Arabian commodities to markets around the world but ultimately helped destroy the Gulf's most important export markets when industrialized states replaced Gulf pearls and dates with products of their own.
Harnessing the Power of Globalization for African Development
Authors: Gyimah-Brempong Kwabena
Published: February 2022

This address highlights how Africa can take advantage of the current wave of globalization to accelerate its development efforts. The central theme is that African countries should not be afraid to open up their economies to globalization because openness confers several benefits, including technology transfers, expanding markets for African exports, and employment creation. However, to be able to take advantage of the benefits of globalization, African countries need to improve their domestic environments, especially in the areas of governance, institutions for policy formulation and implementation, resource allocation, and the training and use of human capital.
World Bank Participatory Development Approach in Country Assistance Strategy: The Cases of Mozambique and of the Republic of Senegal
Authors: El-Hodiri Mohamed , Ndiaye Rokhaya
Published: February 2022

This paper uses Mozambique and Senegal as case studies to assess the World Bank's claim to be following a process of participatory development process in providing assistance to countries. The participatory process has been popular with academics and practitioners in the field of Economic Development, as well as institutions looking for ways of addressing concerns over lack of stakeholder inputs in the development process. We compare what the Bank claims to be doing on this front with what the stakeholders in Mozambique and Senegal claim to have actually experienced. The evidence suggests the Bank tend to follow a process that gives the appearance of participation; but in actuality the process excluded the people of Senegal and Mozambique from the decision process. Our results question whether the World Bank process represents a façade that legitimates policies decided without consultations with the presumed beneficiaries of the development process.
Piracy and Indian Ocean Africa
Authors: Alpers Edward A.
Published: February 2022

The current maritime crisis being caused by Somali piracy may be of recent origin, but the phenomenon of piracy in the Indian Ocean has ancient roots. In this paper I seek to place the recent Somali experience in this wider and deeper context, arguing that what is piracy to some, may be legitimate maritime action to others. I suggest that if piracy is often in the eyes of the beholder, for others it is a response to political and economic marginalization. At the same time, in some cases piracy becomes divorced from such sources of legitimization and those who practice maritime violence become simple outlaws.
New York City, Muslims, and the Indian Ocean: Preliminary Findings on the Connection via the Slave Trade
Authors: Gomez Michael A.
Published: February 2022

This article examines the enslaved African population in early New York City, with a particular focus on those who may have been Muslims. Beyond exceptional individuals, the information on African Muslims is scarce and speculative, but it would appear that there were such individuals, mostly from Madagascar, who were occupants of the city. Much more research remains to be done.
Africa, the Arabian Gulf and Asia: Changing Dynamics in Contemporary West Africa's Political Economy
Authors: Akyeampong Emmanuel
Published: February 2022

The last two to three decades have witnessed significant transformation in West Africa's relations to the Arabian Gulf and Asia. While ties to countries such as Saudi Arabia are historic, economic liberalization since the 1980s has introduced new trading partners and some unexpected developments. The outcome of these recent developments can be startling: so in Ghana, for example, India and China have overtaken the United Kingdom, the former colonial power, in investments and the number of operating companies. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks third in the cumulative value of foreign direct investments in Ghana since 1994. This paper is an historian's attempt to provide context, some perspective and to probe the implications of these emerging patterns for the political economy of West Africa. It uses Ghana under the Kufuor regime (2000-2008) as a case study of how one West African government engaged the new economic opportunities and the growing importance of Arab and Asian trading partners and investors in the climate of South-South cooperation.
Recent International Trade Patterns in Mauritius and Madagascar and Implications for Trade with GCC
Authors: Baliamoune-Lutz Mina
Published: February 2022

This paper has two main objectives. First, we examine whether trade can fully explain the differences between Mauritius and Madagascar in development patterns. Second, based on the analysis of trade patterns in the two countries, we outline the main implications for trade between the two African countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC). Whereas previous studies have focused on the development success of Mauritius, the present paper tries to assess the factors that could explain why Madagascar continued to significantly lag behind Mauritius in economic outcomes and development. We argue that both formal and informal institutions may have played a major role in making Mauritius more successful in its export-led growth relative to Madagascar.
The Changing Dynamics of China's Engagement in Africa
Authors: Alden Chris
Published: February 2022

This article examines the emerging relationship between China and Africa focusing in particular on the drivers for contemporary engagement, the plethora of actors involved and the challenges facing the long term sustainability of close economic and political ties. It asks if the methodologies of engagement, elite led ties coupled to a combination of bilateral relations and multilateral forums are sufficient to build the equitable development partnership which Africans and Chinese speak of.
The Perceived Success Factors and Problems of Small Business Owners in Africa
Authors: Benzing Cynthia , Chu Hung M.
Published: February 2022

Approximately 600 micro and small business owners in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria were surveyed to better understand their perceived success factors and ongoing problems. According to the entrepreneurs, hard work, good management skills and good customer service are the most important ingredients for success. Fifteen of the 17 success items could be broken into four factors. The factor for controllable non-managerial items was seen as the most important factor governing success for entrepreneurs from all three countries. The most significant problems as reported by entrepreneurs were a weak economy and unreliable employees. A factor analysis of the problems revealed significant differences among the three countries. Ghanaian entrepreneurs were less concerned about their lack of training and locational issues and more concerned about their lack of capital. Compared to Ghanaian and Kenyan entrepreneurs, Nigerians had greater concern with the factor related to safety, location and employees.
Rural-Urban Transformation in Nigeria
Authors: Sackey James , Liverpool-Tasie Saweda , Salau Sheu , Awoyemi Taiwo
Published: February 2022

Since the late 1960s, Nigeria's structural and rural-urban transformations have been driven largely by developments in its oil sector. Due to increased oil revenues, incentives for the production of internationally tradable agricultural commodities declined and the agricultural sector stagnated. Incentives to produce domestically consumed agricultural products also declined as oil exports financed increasing food imports. The decline of the agricultural sector fueled rural-urban migration. Migration continued into the 1980s and 1990s, even when large parts of the economy - including manufacturing - collapsed due to lower oil prices, unsustainable policies, and foreign debt. Growth in the urban informal sector, fueled by migrants has posed challenges in terms of urban poverty and the growth of urban and peri-urban slums. The government of Nigeria has attempted to stem the tide of rural-urban migration through rural development programs. However these programs have had limited impact and were unable to stem the flow of migrants into urban areas. Key remaining questions center on how to increase productivity in the agricultural sector and at the same time provide more lucrative opportunities in urban areas.
Institutional Arrangements and Education Service Delivery in Primary Schools in Mali
Authors: Dedehouanou Sènakpon F. A. , Berthe Abdrahmane
Published: February 2022

Over the past decade, Mali has been engaged in a process of improving access and quality of education within the framework of the education for all of the Millennium Development Goals. An important aspect of that process is the participative schools' management of local authorities through teachers-parents-students associations. This paper analyzes the role and effectiveness of such institutional arrangement that involve the local community in the governance of primary schools in Mali, using the accountability framework and data from the quantitative service delivery survey implemented in 2005. We find that although information is likely to be available across the entire chain of education service delivery, the capability to sanction or to reward the public primary schools teachers is at the central level. The capability of the local government in terms of enforceability is weakened in private and Médersa schools while it is somewhat strengthened in community schools. A simple OLS regression shows no strong relation between school-based management - through the local community - and primary schools’ performance. The results also suggest that class size, teaching staff and teachers incentives are important to schools' performance.
Effective Service Delivery of Nigeria's Public Primary Education: The Role of Non-State Actors
Authors: George Tayo O. , Olayiwola W. K. , Adewole M. A. , Osabuohien Evans S.
Published: February 2022

The study examines and analyses the role of Non-State Actors (NSAs) in public provision of primary education in Nigeria using descriptive and econometric techniques. The analysis demonstrates that the major source of funding of public primary education in Nigeria flows from the Federal Government to the State government and finally to the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA). The study shows that NSAs' activities are mainly the provision of school inputs with little or no role monitoring and management of public primary schools. It was found that the presence of private school inspectors has significant positive effect on pupils’ performance. Parents occupation and household qualities especially type of building were found to have positive impact on the pupils ‘performance. Based on these findings, the study recommends the need for adequate involvement of NSAs in the management of public primary schools and improved inspection of schools as ways of improving the quality of primary education in Nigeria.
Dysfunctional Institutions in the Delivery of Primary Education in Ethiopia
Authors: Abay Tsegabirhan Weldegiorgis
Published: February 2022

The objective of the paper is to analyze the effectiveness of the existing institutional arrangements for providing primary education in Ethiopia. Using largely secondary data and a complementary survey of 100 schools and institutional assessment, the study clearly establishes the fact that as real school resources have been increasing over time while quality and efficiency of primary education has been deteriorating. Thus, resources-based arguments cannot explain the grave quality crisis and inefficiency. Rather the existing institutional setup has been dysfunctional to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the Ethiopian primary education system. The primary conclusion from this study is that the existing Ethiopian institutional arrangements have been effective in creating access to primary education but ineffective and hence dysfunctional in delivering quality of education.
The Relevance of Global Reform of Bank Regulation: A Perspective from Africa
Authors: Kasekende Louis A.
Published: February 2022

The global financial crisis exposed fundamental weaknesses in the financial regulation, prompting ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework. The key features of the global reforms are: higher mandatory minimum capital adequacy ratios, together with improvements in the quality of capital; introduction of minimum liquidity requirements; introduction of macro-prudential tools; proposals for the resolution of globally systemically important banks. The international character of banking provides a clear rationale for global minimum regulatory standards, especially to avoid regulatory arbitrage, whereby banks locate in the jurisdictions with the least onerous regulations, spurring a race to the regulatory bottom. Hence key regulatory innovations have been drawn up at the global level and most governments around the world, including those in Africa, have incorporated them into their own national banking regulations. The aim of this paper is to assess the implications of the global regulatory reforms for bank regulation in Africa and, in particular, whether the specific reforms are likely to be helpful or counterproductive for banking system stability in Africa. The paper aims to help fill a gap in the literature on the latest global reforms to bank regulation; relatively little of which has assessed these issues from the standpoint of developing countries.
The Distribution of Firm Size in Africa's Manufacturing Sector and Its Implication for Industrial Policy
Authors: Nkurunziza Janvier D.
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzes the distribution of Kenyan firms into four size categories: micro, small, medium and large size. Four questions are investigated. First, do small firms grow faster than large ones or is firm growth independent of size as stipulated by Gibrat's “Law of Proportionate Effect” Second, what is the steady state size of firms? Third, how long does it take to reach the steady state size? Fourth, does the use of bank credit affect a firm's growth and the process of firm size convergence? On the basis of ergodic probability distributions, we derive information on firms' steady state growth and convergence. Using data on Kenya's manufacturing sector, empirical results suggest that firm growth is associated with overall economic performance. Before the early 1990s, firms had a high growth potential. In equilibrium, 70 percent of surviving firms converged to large size. In contrast, growth and convergence in the 1990s reflected the economic crisis that hit the Kenyan economy: the steady state distribution of firm size was concentrated in the first two quartiles, with suggestive evidence that smaller firms recorded the highest rates of failure. Also, the use of credit increased the growth of surviving firms but appears to have contributed to precipitating firm failure. These results suggest that support policies such as special credit schemes are not a panacea for a firm's survival and growth.
Home vs. School Deworming and Meal Programs: Evidence from Rural Senegal
Authors: Azomahou Théophile T. , Diallo Fatoumata L.
Published: February 2022

This study uses primary data to assess the impact of deworming and school feeding programs on pupil's educational outcomes measured by test scores. In particular we elaborate on deworming at home vs. school. Relying on Propensity Score Matching and selection models we find that meals program significantly increase pupils' test scores. The impact is more important for pupils who are in schools having association of mothers. Deworming at school has a positive effect on pupils’ performance while deworming at home has a negative impact. This result indicates that the use of widely spread traditional deworming medicines should be discouraged. Among the determinants of test scores, class size displays a U-shaped relation pointing to the crucial role of group effect in shaping pupils' knowledge. The impact of programs does vary depending on the gender of pupils. Policy analysis including cost-effectiveness is also provided.
Vulnerabilities of Sub-Saharan Africa Countries During the 2000s
Authors: Karikari John A
Published: February 2022

This study assesses the vulnerabilities of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries in the 2000s (1999–2009) regarding whether the quality of their economic policies, institutions and governance improved or deteriorated. I find that overall the vulnerabilities of the countries were more likely to deteriorate than improve. More important, when there was more uncertainty with the vulnerabilities of the countries from 1999 to 2002 the per capita real gross domestic product of the countries declined. But from 2003 to 2009, when the vulnerabilities of the countries were stable, although the likelihood of deterioration still dominated, the per capita domestic real gross domestic product of the countries increased. Thus while it is important to assess the vulnerabilities of countries the stability of the conditions or the lack thereof is crucial.
Economic Growth, Health Care Reform, and Child Nutrition in Ghana
Authors: Frimpong Jemima , Okoye Dozie , Pongou Roland
Published: February 2022

Policymakers have long argued that economic growth in developing countries will positively impact child health. We examine child nutrition in Ghana during the economic growth of the 1980s and 1990s. We find that stunting in children aged 2-35 months declined from 30% in 1988 to 21% in 1998, but increased to 27% in 2003. Wasting followed an opposite path, while underweight gradually fell from 30% to 24% during this period. We show that these different responses to economic growth reflect differences in the factors generating these outcomes. Improvement in underweight was consistent with the positive household effects of macroeconomic growth, but increase in stunting after 1998 responded to the decline in health care utilization following the reform of the health care system. Indeed, the increased negative impact of a lack of access to healthcare explains most of the decline in child linear growth. The fraction of children presenting any of the three forms of malnutrition remained stable at around 40% during this period. These findings indicate that appropriate policies are needed to ensure that economic growth leads to an improvement in child well-being.
Purchasing Power Parity for African Countries: The Impact of the 2007-2008 “Great Recession”
Authors: Nsiah Christian
Published: February 2022

We investigate both the weak and strong forms of PPP between 33 African countries, the United States, Euro area, South Africa, and Nigeria. The study applies panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests, panel granger causality test and the panel fully modified OLS models to quarterly CPI and nominal exchange rate data for the period 1995Q1-2014Q4. We find great support for the weak form of PPP and a persistent bi-causal relationship between the nominal exchange rates and the respective price differences between the African countires and reference countries. Support for a strong form of PPP occurs, however, in the post-recession era for the U.S. dollar and the British pound. When we break the data into pre and post-recession, we find a unidirectional causality for the South African rand, pound, and euro in some cases.
Political Instability, Inflation Tax and Asset Substitution in Burundi
Authors: Nkurunziza Janvier D.
Published: February 2022

The paper shows that civil war in Burundi in the 1990s has provoked an unprecedented decline in government revenue. Both foreign aid transfers and revenue from domestic sources dried up, inducing the government to rely more on inflation tax. Using quarterly data covering the period from 1980:1 to 2002:4 to measure the sensitivity of money demand to inflation we find that the long-run semi-elasticity of inflation to real money in circulation trebled between the pre-war to the war period. The remarkable increase of the semi-elasticity reflects what is known in the literature as “flight from domestic currency,” whereby domestic currency is substituted for less liquid assets. By shedding light on the behavior of the demand for real money amidst persistent political and economic instability, this paper illustrates the limits of inflation tax as a dependable source of government revenue.
On the Pattern of Currency Blocs in Africa
Authors: Yehoue Etienne B.
Published: February 2022

This paper seeks to elucidate the debate over currency union in Africa. The paper examines whether natural currency blocs gradually emerge from an empirical investigation. Based on the historical data on inflation, trade, and the comovements of prices and outputs, I argue that the emergence of large-scale currency blocs in Africa will follow a gradual path and that this dynamic does not lead to the emergence of a single continental currency at this time. Rather, the pattern which emerges seems to suggest three blocs: one in West Africa, a second around South Africa, and a third in Central Africa. Although little evidence is found supporting the emergence of a single African currency at this time, the emergence of an African currency union is not necessarily precluded, since the ultimate decision to surrender a nation's monetary policy to a supranational institution is not made based solely on economic considerations. I then address the issue of a possible anchor for the union, were it to emerge and opt for an anchorage. I find—based on the trade criterion—that the euro seems to be a good choice.
Economic Growth in Egypt: Constraints and Determinants
Authors: Dobronogov Anton , Iqbal Farrukh
Published: February 2022

Egypt accelerated its ongoing transition from a public sector dominated economy to a private sector led and market oriented economy after the collapse of oil prices in the mid-1980s. Some aspects of the economy, such as trade policy, have been substantially transformed since then whereas other aspects, such as public control of the financial sector, have experienced less change in substance. We examine some determinants of growth in Egypt since the mid-1980s using insights from both standard econometric techniques and a diagnostic approach proposed by Hausmann, Rodrik and Velasco (2004). We find that trends in government consumption, credit to the private sector and the average growth rate of OECD countries have been significant determinants of growth in Egypt in the past. We also present evidence that suggests that inefficiency of financial intermediation is a significant current constraint on growth.
On Austrian Refugee Children: Agency, Experience, and Knowledge in Ernst Papanek's “Preliminary Study” from 1943
Authors: Steinberg Swen
Published: February 2022

In 1943 Viennese refugee pedagogue Ernst Papanek turned in his master's thesis, “On Refugee Children: A Preliminary Study,” for the New York School of Social Work at Columbia University. Particularly interested in their role in processes of knowledge translation and transfers, he circulated questionnaires among refugee children he had rescued from France to the United States. Through his thesis he gave the children a voice and depicted their agency. This article contextualizes Papanek's approach to the relief efforts in the United States in the early 1940s. Focusing especially on the responses of Austrian refugee children in the questionnaires, it uncovers aspects of the young people's experiential knowledge and how they were further explored in a follow-up study on Papanek's research from 1947. The article draws on recent approaches in migration studies that look at the intersection of knowledge and the experiences of young migrants, underlining its potential in research for unaccompanied minors and young refugees from Nazi persecution.
IONIC DEPENDENCY OF SKIN POTENTIAL, TRANSPORT CURRENT, AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP IN LEOPARD FROG (RANA SPP.) VENTRAL EPITHELIA
Authors: NEALEN, PAUL M.
Published: February 2022

Amphibian ventral epithelia can perform significant Na+ transport, as characterized in the now-classic two-membrane model first demonstrated by Ussing and colleagues. This transport is normally demonstrated by using short-circuit current (Isc) to negate transport-generated potentials across epithelia suspended in Ussing chambers. While this model and method have been supported through decades of experimentation, the exact relationship between the transport current and the epithelial potential generated is often ignored, as potentials typically are treated as a factor to be systematically eliminated. Here, leopard frog (Rana spp.) ventral epithelium were utilized in Ussing chambers for tests of specifically how the relationship between epithelial potentials and transport currents depends upon external medium ionic content. Stable skin potentials were recorded using 300 mOsm NaCl; potentials were then reduced to 0 mV via Isc in order to estimate the magnitude of the ionic transport current. A subset of the epithelia prepared was then tested in one or more alternative ionic solutions (300 mOsm KCl, NaHCO3, and CaCl2). While identifiable skin potentials were detected in all solutions tested, only in NaCl were the magnitudes of the epithelial potential and short-circuit current statistically significantly related. Detectable skin potentials in non-Na+-containing solutions indicates the existence of non-Na+ electrogenic activity in this tissue, whose presence explains the relatively poor ability of transport current magnitudes to explain the magnitudes of observed skin potential. Estimates of molecular transport rates for Na+ exceed 4 x 1014 molec sec-1 cm-1, demonstrating the enormous osmoregulatory challenge faced by fresh water amphibians in maintaining ionic homeostasis.
LIGHT AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE CERCARIAE AND REDIAE OF RIBEIROIA ONDATRAE
Authors: KEELER SHAMUS P. , FRIED BERNARD , HUFFMAN JANE E.
Published: February 2022

Ribeiroia ondatrae (Price, 1931) is a digenetic trematode occurring in lentic aquatic systems throughout North and South America and has been identified as a cause of limb malformations in numerous species of amphibians. Several questions still remain related to basic morphology of the various life stages of R. ondotrae. The purpose of this study was to describe the daughter rediae and cercariae of R. ondatrae using light and scanning electron microscopy. Helisoma trivolvis snails infected with R. ondatrae were collected from Delaware Lake, NJ. Daughter rediae and cercariae were collected from the infected snails, and light and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe the life stages with particular focus on the tegumentary surface. The tegument of R. ondatrae rediae and cercariae is aspinose despite reports in the literature describing a spinose tegument in the cercariae. The rediae and cercariae were observed to be much simpler in tegumentary structure than various species of Echinostoma that have been studied recently with scanning electron microscopy.
DETECTION OF MERCURY IN NATURAL WATERS IN BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, USING COLD VAPOR ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: MCGETTIGAN AMANDA , KWASNIEWSKI DANIEL , CHINNI ROSEMARIE C.
Published: February 2022

Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS) was used to detect potential mercury contamination in sixteen natural waterways in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Four samples were collected from each site in mercury-free Nalgene containers. After collection, the samples were brought back to the lab, acidified, and refrigerated until analysis could proceed. For analysis, each sample was prepared by adding various reagents and by digesting each in a 95°C water bath for approximately two hours. The digested samples were analyzed using tin (II) chloride and the maximum absorbance of each sample was recorded. Calibration curves were developed using serial dilutions of the mercury standard; these curves allowed for calculation of detection limits for mercury and were also used to calculate the mercury concentration in the samples if any was present. The results showed that none of the waterways tested had significant amounts of mercury present.
LIGHT AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE LARVAL STAGES AND ADULT OF SPHAERIDIOTREMA GLOBULUS (TREMATODA: PSILOSTOMIDAE)
Authors: HUFFMAN JANE E. , STEVENS PATRICIA , FRIED BERNARD
Published: February 2022

Sphaeridiotrema globulus (Rudolphi, 1814) is a digenetic trematode occurring in river and lentic aquatic systems in North America and has been identified as the cause of ulcerative hemorrhagic enteritis in waterfowl. The purpose of this study was to describe the stages of S. globulus using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elimia virginica snails infected with S. globulus were collected from Lake Musconetcong, NJ. Daughter rediae and cercariae were collected from the infected snails and LM and SEM microscopy were used to describe these stages with particular emphasis on the tegumentary surface. The tegument of S. globulus daughter rediae and cercariae is aspinose. The daughter rediae and cercariae showed simpler tegumentary structures than similar stages described in several species of echinostomids.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS INTERMEDIUS DERMATITIS IN DENNING NEW JERSEY BLACK BEARS (Ursus americanus)
Authors: KEELER SHAMUS P. , BURGUESS KELCEY I. , HEATHER LEMASTER , HUFFMAN JANE E.
Published: February 2022

On 18 March 2006, during annual den research, personnel from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Black Bear Project examined a 5-yr-old female and three yearling black bears (Ursus americanus) with severe dermatitis. The female and three yearlings all exhibited weight loss. Deep skin scrapings were taken and examined under a stereomicroscope. The skin of each bear was swabbed with BBL CultureSwabs. No mites were found in the skin scrapings. Staphylococcus intermedius was the only bacterial species isolated from the four bears. To our knowledge this is the first report of non-mange related dermatitis caused by S. intermedius in black bears.

New Jersey black bears (Ursus americanus) are found primarily in the northern portion of the state but the population has been steadily moving south. The average New Jersey black bear litter size is 2.7 cubs. They den in rock cavities, brush piles, felled trees, and open nests (Carr and Burguess, 2004).
Becoming “Boundary Pioneers”: Roles for Academic Science Departments in Understanding and Addressing Interactions between Science and Religion
Authors: W. Shane Joseph
Published: February 2022

In this essay, I assert that academic scientists are ideally suited to address frequent and often contentious interactions between scientific and religious perspectives that occur on our campuses and well as among our colleagues and within our communities. I first define and provide specific examples of four historical approaches that characterize relationships between science and religion: (1) the Warfare or Conflict thesis, (2) the Independence approach, (3) the Harmony thesis, and (4) the Complexity model. Given that discussions about science and religion are often manifested in ongoing controversies surrounding biological evolution, I then summarize the origins of anti-evolution movements in the United States via the rise and persistence of Christian Fundamentalism. The essay concludes by comparing the religious beliefs of academic scientists to the general public and offering practical suggestions for serving as “boundary pioneers” between science and religion.
The Invasive New Zealand Mud Snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) Not Detected in Western Lakes Huron and St. Clair
Authors: Levri Edward P. , Opiela Carol , Bilka Rachel
Published: February 2022

The New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is a world wide invasive species with established invasive populations in Australia, Europe, Japan, and North America. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, the snail has been found in each major water body except for Lakes Huron and St. Clair. Here we report data from samples taken from 78 sites in Lake St. Clair, the Mackinaw Straits, and two locations in western Lake Huron (Saginaw Bay and Thunder Bay) from time periods ranging from 1997 to 2009. Potamopyrgus was not found in the samples taken from any of the sites. Thus, there is no evidence from this study that the New Zealand mud snail has established populations in Lakes Huron and St. Clair.
Impact of Chemical Fertilizer and Pesticides on Aquatic Microcosms
Authors: Henry Michael , Brenner Fred J. , Jones Abigail M. , Brockhage Rachel , Smeltzer David J.
Published: February 2022

Four commonly used greenhouse chemicals: 10:10:10 Peters fertilizer, two fungicides and an insecticide/nematicide, were analyzed to determine their effects on water quality and productivity. Each of these chemicals in varying concentrations were added to three microcosms and assessed for their impact on pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen, nitrate, ammonia, phosphorous, algae and chlorophyll a. In general, the addition these of chemicals did not affect pH, TDS, specific conductance or the dissolved oxygen. In all microcosms, the addition of fertilizer increased phosphorus, nitrate-N, and ammonia-N concentrations which in turn increased the size of algae communities and chlorophyll-a concentrations. There was a significant correlation between the size of the algae communities and chlorophyll a concentrations in all microcosms. The effect of fungicides and insecticides/nematicides varied among the different chemical concentrations, but in general, there was a reduction in nutrient concentrations with increasing concentrations of the chemicals. But when these chemicals were combined with fertilizer, nutrient concentrations, algae communities and chlorophyll-a exhibited similar increases as the microcosms receiving fertilizer alone. Based on the results of this study, a hydroponic system was designed to reduce the influx of nutrients into receiving fresh water systems.
Megasporogenesis and Megagametogenesis of Cardamine Parviflora L. (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Harvey Robert , Smith Bruce
Published: February 2022

Cardamine parviflora, “small-flowered bittercress”, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is found throughout the eastern part of the United States and Canada. Flowering occurs from April through July. It has, as with all mustards, four separate sepals and four separate petals, six stamens, and one pistil with two united carpels. Each carpel has many ovules that start develop from the base of the ovary. Flowers were collected near Rocky Ridge County Park, York, PA and immediately fixed in FPA50. At least 24 h later collections were serially dehydrated to 100% ETOH, and placed in Herr clearing fluid. A Nikon SMZ-U dissecting microscope was used for ovule removal and an attached DSFi1 Nikon digital camera was used to capture the images. Ovules, on the Raj slides, were viewed using a Nikon Eclipse 80i microscope with phase contrast to determine developmental stages and the attached Nikon digital cameras DS-Ri1 was used for image capture. Images of all stages of megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis were saved. A few morphological features determined from this study include are, ovules are campyloptropous, bitegmic and show Polygonum Type megagametophytic development. Developmental features reported here are compared with previous studies of Arabidopsis thaliana L. and Draba verna L.
Assessment of Passive and Active Macroinvertebrate Collection Methods in Adjacent Reaches on the Upper Main Stem of the Susquehanna River
Authors: Guild Katherine , Anthony Andrew , Bilger Michael , Holt Jack
Published: February 2022

Macroinvertebrates are functional indicators of stream health based upon their sensitivity to pollution. Our study utilized different passive and active benthic macroinvertebrate collection methods (D-net, Surber sampler, rock baskets, and Hester-Dendy multiplate samplers) during the summer and fall of 2012 and 2013. Collections were taken on both sides of the west channel in the west channel of the upper main stem of the Susquehanna River near Shamokin Dam, PA. Sampling sites each included seven locations, one for passive sampling and six longitudinal locations for active sampling. Overall, we collected 50 taxa of macroinvertebrates identified to family-level, which allowed us to calculate pollution tolerance values and other comparative metrics. The Proportional Bray-Curtis Similarity Index analysis describes a very low to moderate overlap between benthic macroinvertebrate communities collected by active and passive methods (2% - 43%). Furthermore, other metrics including the Shannon Diversity and Hilsenhoff Biotic Indices reflected the variability in occurrence of pollution intolerant taxa according to method and location. The greatest variation occurred in percent EPT which showed a range of 0% to 56% in a single sample period using different methods. Passive sampling methods selectively collected colonizers and omitted other taxa (e.g. burrowers and mollusks) illustrating their bias in sampling. Overall, the metrics did not support the use of one technique over another. Rather, they supported the practice of using both passive and active collection methods in order to use macroinvertebrate community estimates to assess water quality in large rivers that have a wetted channel of cobble, silt, and sand like the upper main stem of the Susquehanna River. Based on our results we concluded that active samplers which target different habitats together with passive samplers which allow comparisons from one site to another would be the most appropriate methods to use in the upper main stem of the Susquehanna River.
Bioassessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates of the Middle Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Watershed
Authors: Panas John , Niles Jonathan , Silknetter Sam , Bilger Michael
Published: February 2022

During October and November 2011, an assessment of the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage was conducted in the middle Penns Creek (PA) watershed. The survey consisted of 10 tributary sites within a 40km portion of the watershed. The goals were to establish baseline conditions for headwater streams in this section of the watershed, determine their current biotic health, and suggest possible designated use upgrades. All sample sites were low-order (1–3) streams typically of higher gradient. We calculated the Pennsylvania Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity at each site based on the following biotic indices: Beck's Index, Total Taxa Richness, EPT (Ephemeroptera + Plecoptera + Trichoptera) Taxa Richness (Pollution Tolerance Values 0–4), Shannon Diversity Index, Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, and Percent Sensitive Individuals (Pollution Tolerance Values 0–3) . All study streams are currently designated by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) as Cold Water Fish (1), High Quality (6), or Exceptional Value (3) streams. We found six streams to be of highest biotic quality (IBI score >80). Benthic macroinvertebrate IBI scores for Little Poe Creek (93.2) exceeded the current designated use of High Quality by PA DEP, and should be considered for a re-designated increase to Exceptional Value. In total, 10 pollution sensitive genera (Epeorus, Leuctra, Sweltsa, Tallaperla, Acroneuria, Pteronarcys, Agapetus, Dolophilodes, Wormaldia, and Diplectrona) were present across all study streams. Panther Run (51.9) received the lowest benthic macroinvertebrate IBI score, possibly due to low total organisms which may suggest it could be experiencing ecological stressors. Our overall results indicate these Penns Creek streams to currently be of good biotic health, however long-term monitoring may be necessary to further assess anthropogenic impacts within the watershed.
Variability in Macroinvertebrate Communities of the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania†
Authors: King, N. R. , McTammany M. E. , Wilson M. J. , Chakany J. C. , Coffin H. N. , Reilly M. E.
Published: February 2022

Aquatic habitats vary widely in physical, chemical, and biological factors that can directly influence macroinvertebrate communities. Large rivers are spatially heterogeneous ecosystems with habitats affected by proximity to river banks, channel morphology, tributary confluences and human activities. Yet, large rivers remain largely understudied and are generally sampled in easily accessible near-bank areas, leaving macroinvertebrate communities undocumented from deeper, faster flowing mid-channel habitats. Our goals were to document variability in macroinvertebrate community structure in the Susquehanna River and its two main tributaries, to determine the importance of upstream vs. local conditions, and to assess differences in near-bank vs. mid-channel sampling areas. We collected benthic macroinvertebrate samples in summer 2011 from the West Branch, North Branch, and mainstem Susquehanna River using rock baskets to standardize substrate effects across sites. We documented higher abundances of many genera in mid-channel sampling locations compared to near-bank locations but found no significant differences in taxa richness. Many taxa showed particular distribution patterns among river sites, but little correlation between upstream sampling locations and sites directly downstream. Therefore, our results indicate macroinvertebrate communities are primarily driven by the interaction of local habitat conditions.
Evaluation of Chironomidae Diversity in the Little Paint Creek Watershed, Pennsylvania
Authors: Webb Rebecca L. , Dick Deannah , Wilson Ryan
Published: February 2022

The health of a watershed can be assessed by evaluating the benthic macroinvertebrates that are present in the waterways. Benthic chironomid larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) are often used as a biological indicator of ecological health. The chironomid larvae are particularly tolerant to contaminants, with different taxa exhibiting different levels of tolerance. Thus, evaluation of the abundance and diversity of chironomids within a watershed can be an assessment tool for the biotic health of the watershed. Although several studies of Pennsylvania watersheds have identified the presence of Chironomidae, our study aimed to further understand chironomid diversity by assessing them to the subfamily and genus level. We surveyed eight sites over Little Paint Creek and three tributaries within the Little Paint Creek watershed in southwestern Pennsylvania. By comparing the chironomid abundance and diversity to previously published EPT data for the watershed, our data suggests that water quality of tributary UNT 45234 is better than previously predicted and may be better than that of tributary UNT 45242. The limited number of less tolerant subfamilies of chironomids in the Little Paint Creek samples suggests that this stream may have reduced water quality. We established a baseline of chironomid abundance and diversity within the Little Paint Creek watershed. Our future goal for the project will be to continue to monitor the chironomids at these sites and to compare our findings to areas within the watershed which have been reported to have higher rates of contaminants due to acid mine drainage and Marcellus shale drilling, to determine their effect on aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity.
Probing Chemical Environment Using Polymeric Reverse Micellar Solutions Which Sequester Inorganic Coordination Complex Fluorophores
Authors: Rodriguez Jason , Kremer Joseph
Published: February 2022

A series of tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride ([Ru(bpy)3]Cl2)-sequestered reverse micellar solutions of variable surfactant concentration were examined using fluorescence spectroscopy before and after thermal radical polymerization of the nonpolar phase. The [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 emission spectra simulated aqueous solution chemical environments irrespective whether the nonpolar phase is liquid or polymerized into a solid. A range of surfactant concentrations were examined. Emission maxima of the reverse micelle solution-sequestered [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 species are red-shifted with respect to aqueous [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2. The red-shift can be interpreted in the context of increasing chemical environment polarity. Emission maxima of the [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 species of polymerized nonpolar phase at approximately 600 nm were consistent with [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 aqueous species. The work represents a pathway to preserve solution-dependent chemical processes of molecular sensors.
Multiple Paternities in American Black Bears from New Jersey
Authors: Ombrello Teresa A. , Chinnici Nicole L. , Huffman Jane E.
Published: February 2022

The American black bear (Ursus americanus) was nearly extirpated from New Jersey in the early to mid-twentieth century. The black bear is the largest land mammal in New Jersey and occupies the northwestern region of the state. Both sexes of black bears are known to practice multiple mating. In this study, we assessed paternity among bears from New Jersey. All analyses were performed using eight microsatellite loci: G10L, Mu50, G10P, G10H, G10O, G10J, G10C, and Mu59. We analyzed fifteen family units (sow and offspring) for a total of 50 cubs and yearlings for paternity. Data from eight microsatellite loci allowed assignment of multiple paternities for cubs in three out of 15 (20%) litters.