This dissertation has two objectives. The first is to modify the existing Present Value Model of the Current Account (PVMCA) to reflect the major features of the Nigerian economy and to determine if this resulting theoretical framework is valid for the analysis of the Nigerian current account for the period 1960--97. The second objective is to examine the excessiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian current account deficits during this period. / To achieve these objectives, the thesis presents a model of current account determination that is based upon the permanent-income hypothesis of private consumption behavior. We derive a present value relationship among the current account, expected changes in net output and a consumption-based real interest rate. This thesis then extends this framework to incorporate changes in the terms of trade and possible asymmetric access to the international financial markets. It also conducts an empirical estimation of the several variants of the PVMCA. The econometric results show that an intertemporal model of current account determination that includes changes in the interest rate, exchange rate and terms of trade outperforms one that excludes them. / This thesis represents the first attempt to use an intertemporal model of the current account and selected macroeconomic and structural indicators to assess the external position of the Nigerian economy. The empirical results support the hypothesis that current account deficits accompanied by macroeconomic instability and structural weaknesses can generate an external crisis.

Background: The customary mechanism for assessing weight change involves an assessment of the imbalance in the energy consumed vs. the energy expended. This energy balance ratio is commonly assessed in 24-hour periods, but this strategy fails to account for the timing of macronutrient intake and within-day fluctuations in energy balance, which have an influence on body composition and, ultimately, weight. Hourly fluctuations in energy balance provides information on the time spent in a catabolic state and time spent in an anabolic state, which is not possible with a 24-hour energy balance assessment. Measuring hourly energy balance to optimize absorption and storage of specific nutrients may be a practical strategy for obese individuals to improve body composition. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe current dietary habits and assess hourly energy balance of college students with different BMI categories (i.e., below and above a BMI of 30) to determine if there are differences between body composition and hours spent in different energy balance states. Methods: The subjects completed a four-day diet and physical activity record from which energy intake and energy expenditures from a relative intensity activity scale was predicted linked to MET values. After completing the record, subject weight, height, % body fat and fat free mass was assessed using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance segmental body composition analyzer. Results: Data were analyzed from a total of 17 college students (9 men and 8 women) ranging from 20-28 years old (mean age 23 ± 2.6). Predicted energy intake averaged 2237.3 ± 749.3 kcals/d and predicted energy expenditure averaged 2941.7 ± 552.7 kcals/d. The average body fat % of the subjects was 27.1 ± 11.6% and the average BMI of the subjects 28.8 ± 5.8. Using an Independent Samples T-Test, eight subjects with a BMI ≥ 30 spent more time in hours high deficit (< -400 kcals Energy Balance) when compared to nine subjects with a BMI < 30. Nine subjects with a BMI < 30 spent more time in ±400 kcal energy balance. Using a Spearman Rho correlation, body fat % was positively correlated to hours high deficit (p ≤ 0.01) and negatively correlated to hours in ±400 kcal energy balance (p ≤ 0.01). Analysis of men and women found that body fat % of men was not significantly associated to any energy balance variables. While not significant, there was a trend toward a positive correlation between body fat % and hours high deficit (p=0.065) and a negative correlation between body fat % and hours in ±400 kcal energy balance (p=0.065). In women, subjects who spent more time in high energy deficit (< -400 kcals Energy Balance) had higher body fat % (p ≤ 0.05). Subjects who spent more hours in optimum energy balance (± 400 kcal Energy Balance) had lower body fat % (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that spending long periods of time in an energy deficit is correlated with higher body fat % and higher BMI in college students. Particularly for women, it may be beneficial for body composition to avoid long periods of time in energy deficit and strive to remain in or near ±400 kcal energy balance. College students may be especially prone to extreme deficits in energy balance because of unpredictable schedules and frequent meal skipping. Recommendations for avoiding large energy deficits throughout the day may be beneficial for this population.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 1982. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-94).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of South Carolina, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 304-316).

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This dissertation project broadly addresses the question of how state behavior is conditioned by the structural configuration of the network in which they are embedded. It attempts to reconcile some of the discrepancies between the systemic and dyadic approaches to international relations, by arguing that the international system is a multidimensional network that results as an emergent property of the dyadic ties that exist between states.This dissertation consists of three stand alone analyses, connected by their focus on systemic configuration and the impact of various elements of international structures on the behavior of states. In contrast to most studies of international relations, dimensions of the international order are observed, rather than assumed. The first chapter focuses specifically on observing and describing the structure and tendencies of the behavioral dimension of the international system. It assesses patterns of consistency in international relations, searching for both simple, dyadic consistency as well as more complex, triadic consistency. The second chapter relies on these positive and negative relations to create a model of policy reinforcement, with a focus on the onset of militarized conflict. Structural balance theory is used to identify shared, external relations that either reinforce or dampen the impact of dyadic hostility on militarized conflict. The final empirical chapter shifts to a more localized focus, investigating the impact of alliance portfolio size on the likelihood of alliance obligation fulfillment. Here, the size and capabilities of a disputant's local alliance portfolio do not directly modify the behavior of the disputant, but instead that of the disputant's other allies.Together, these chapters demonstrate the importance of accounting for systemic factors in explaining and analyzing dyadic behavior. The characteristics of local networks, such as alliance portfolios, have significant implications for state security. The configuration of foreign policy relations provides feedback to states, influencing their willingness to take aggressive actions. Bipolarity and multipolarity can be empirically observed through the clustering of states, rather than by merely counting the number of major powers. However, perhaps most significant is the contribution these analyses make to a small but growing literature attempting to move beyond the dyad.

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