title: Nonlinearities, co-trending and budget balance sustainability

authors: Holmes, Mark J.

subjects: economics

abstract: The study provides new evidence on the sustainability debate concerning the US budget balance. Existing studies are often only able to reject non-cointegration between government expenditure and revenue once structural breaks or regime changes are allowed for. Using a testing procedure advocated by Bierens, this study provides a different perspective on this issue. Government expenditure and revenue are both found to be stationary around a nonlinear deterministic trend, and they are co-trended insofar as they share a common nonlinear deterministic trend.

text: Nonlinearities, co-trending and budget balance sustainability The study provides new evidence on the sustainability debate concerning the US budget balance. Existing studies are often only able to reject non-cointegration between government expenditure and revenue once structural breaks or regime changes are allowed for. Using a testing procedure advocated by Bierens, this study provides a different perspective on this issue. Government expenditure and revenue are both found to be stationary around a nonlinear deterministic trend, and they are co-trended insofar as they share a common nonlinear deterministic trend.

year: 2010

title: Enhanced sample preparation for quantitation of microcystins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry

authors: Puddick, Jonathan

subjects: MALDI–TOF mass spectrometry

abstract: Introduction: Microcystins (MCs) are a group of cyanotoxins which pose a serious health threat when present in aquatic systems. Quantitative analysis of MCs by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry has potential for the processing of large numbers of samples quickly and economically. The existing method uses an expensive internal standard and protocols that are incompatible with automated sample preparation and data acquisition.
Objective: To produce a MALDI–TOF sample preparation technique for the quantitation of MCs that not only maintains reproducibility and sensitivity, but is also compatible with an automated work-flow.
Methodology: Seven different MALDI–TOF sample preparations were assessed for signal reproducibility (coefficient of variation) and sensitivity (method detection limit) using a cost-effective internal standard (angiotensin I). The best preparation was then assessed for its quantitative performance using three different MC congeners ([Dha7] MC-LR, MC-RR and MC-YR).
Results: The sensitivity of six of the preparations was acceptable, as was the reproducibility for two thin-layer preparations performed on a polished steel target. Both thin-layer preparations could be used with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer that automatically acquires data, and one could be used in an automated sample preparation work-flow. Further investigation using the thin-layer spot preparation demonstrated that linear quantification of three different MC congeners was possible.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that with different sample preparation methods and modern instrumentation, large numbers of samples can be analysed rapidly for MCs at low cost.

text: Enhanced sample preparation for quantitation of microcystins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry Introduction: Microcystins (MCs) are a group of cyanotoxins which pose a serious health threat when present in aquatic systems. Quantitative analysis of MCs by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry has potential for the processing of large numbers of samples quickly and economically. The existing method uses an expensive internal standard and protocols that are incompatible with automated sample preparation and data acquisition.
Objective: To produce a MALDI–TOF sample preparation technique for the quantitation of MCs that not only maintains reproducibility and sensitivity, but is also compatible with an automated work-flow.
Methodology: Seven different MALDI–TOF sample preparations were assessed for signal reproducibility (coefficient of variation) and sensitivity (method detection limit) using a cost-effective internal standard (angiotensin I). The best preparation was then assessed for its quantitative performance using three different MC congeners ([Dha7] MC-LR, MC-RR and MC-YR).
Results: The sensitivity of six of the preparations was acceptable, as was the reproducibility for two thin-layer preparations performed on a polished steel target. Both thin-layer preparations could be used with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer that automatically acquires data, and one could be used in an automated sample preparation work-flow. Further investigation using the thin-layer spot preparation demonstrated that linear quantification of three different MC congeners was possible.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that with different sample preparation methods and modern instrumentation, large numbers of samples can be analysed rapidly for MCs at low cost.

year: 2011

title: Puhi: Memories and experiences in their ceremonial role in traditional and contemporary Maori worlds

authors: Simpson, Ariana

subjects: psychology

abstract: According to early writers, Puhi are described as the treasured daughters of chiefs, were of high rank, endowed with aristocracy, and fiercely protected and respected by the tribe. They were renowned for their beauty, their courage and leadership. Although very little information and knowledge on the function and the role of Puhi is available, information has been sought from early and contemporary writings, tribal narratives, oral histories and memories and experiences of women in their ceremonial role as puhi in traditional and contemporary times. Of interest for this research is the value and belief system in which the role and function of Puhi has survived and exists today, given that in today’s society, Maori women and their children are the primary victims of domestic violence in Aotearoa. This research aims to identify and highlight the importance of kotiro in traditional and contemporary times and to provide a clearer understanding of Puhi by documenting and recording experiences, memories and early writings.

text: Puhi: Memories and experiences in their ceremonial role in traditional and contemporary Maori worlds According to early writers, Puhi are described as the treasured daughters of chiefs, were of high rank, endowed with aristocracy, and fiercely protected and respected by the tribe. They were renowned for their beauty, their courage and leadership. Although very little information and knowledge on the function and the role of Puhi is available, information has been sought from early and contemporary writings, tribal narratives, oral histories and memories and experiences of women in their ceremonial role as puhi in traditional and contemporary times. Of interest for this research is the value and belief system in which the role and function of Puhi has survived and exists today, given that in today’s society, Maori women and their children are the primary victims of domestic violence in Aotearoa. This research aims to identify and highlight the importance of kotiro in traditional and contemporary times and to provide a clearer understanding of Puhi by documenting and recording experiences, memories and early writings.

year: 2006