Two plazas at Cobá, Mexico, may have been the place of market activity during the classic Maya period. The intense decomposition in the warm, moist soils of the Yucatan Peninsula precludes the identification of organic artifacts in archaeological contexts, but phosphorus and trace elements accumulation in soils may provide evidence of marketing activities. The spatial patterns of P and trace element concentrations were used to elucidate the types of ancient Maya activities that took place in those plazas. Phosphorus concentrations are highly correlated (p-value <0.01) with Fe, Mn, and Zn levels in both Plaza B and D. Although the soil geochemistry of Plaza B does not show a marketplace pattern in comparison with previous studies, the elemental concentrations and distributions within Plaza D join other lines of evidence to support the premise that marketplace activities took place at that location. Soil samples were analyzed using DTPA extraction, Mehlich II, Olsen, and Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (PXRF). Experiments were performed to study the suitability of PXRF for field studies. Aspects that were studied include granule size, soil moisture content, protective plastic films that could interfere with the X-Ray signal when placing the samples on top of the analyzer, and a comparison of certified soil standards to the PXRF elemental concentration readings. The results suggest that a field laboratory could be set up to air-dry and sieve soil samples to a minimum mesh size of #10 (> 2 mm).

This investigation explored whether there was a relationship between comfort in discussing political views and faculty members' political party preferences. The questions of whether political comfort differed based on gender, religious affiliation, academic discipline, and/or institutional affiliation were also explored. Both economics and political science faculty did not report comfort in discussing political views in the context of departmental committee service. Economics faculty either did not report on their colleagues' political views or they disagreed with their colleagues' political views. Political science faculty either did not report on their colleagues' political views or they agreed with their colleagues' political views. Also, this investigation found minimal ethnic and political diversity among the respondents.

As patient access to laboratory testing outside the clinic grows, healthcare providers can expect to confront increasing questions about the utility and interpretation of consumer-initiated laboratory tests, including germline genetic testing. The aim of this study was to characterize the current marketplace diversity of what has traditionally been labeled “direct-to-consumer” genetic testing options. A horizon scan was carried out with lab tests meeting the following criteria: (1) available for purchase in U.S. between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021, (2) capable of using germline genetic testing to assess risk of at least one diagnosable health condition, and (3) ability to purchase without visiting a provider. We will refer to these tests as “consumer-initiated tests”. Searches were completed of the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s Genetic Test Registry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s list of nucleic acid-based tests, and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki webpages. In addition, searches were performed on the three largest U.S. search engines and the three largest online retailers. In the initial search, 300 labs were identified. The websites of these laboratories were then reviewed for test offerings that matched the criteria for this study; labs without tests meeting these criteria were eliminated. Information regarding the ordering process, test characteristics, and return of results was abstracted from and validated by the webpages, sample test reports, and lab contacts through email and/or phone. In the final review of 21 laboratories that offered these tests, two primary models of testing were identified. In Model 1, a participant could pay for testing without any provider involvement. In Model 2, a participant could order a test after electing review by a company-affiliated healthcare provider. Methodologies varied from array-based genotyping to whole genome sequencing, and companies reported individual variants, complex traits, or both. Several labs also offered report customization, reporting of variants of uncertain significance, raw data downloads, and added health reports. The market for participant-initiated genetic testing for health risks continues to grow as patients seek information about their disease predisposition outside of traditional healthcare settings. Moreover, these patients can obtain raw data for reinterpretation through these testing modalities. Understanding these many test offerings can better equip primary care providers in fielding patient questions on resources such as this.

The purpose of this study was to explore differences in the perceived consumer problems and concerns between American and Egyptian consumers, as measured by a composite score for perception of problems. The relationships between fourteen independent variables and perceived consumer problems of American and Egyptian consumers also were examined. The independent variables that were studied include: perceived adequacy of income, perceived improvement in living situations, expectations and experiences with products, attitudes toward government, attitudes toward business as consumer protection agencies, attitudes toward consumer education efforts, and demographic variables of gender, age, marital status, presence of children, family annual income, education level, employment status, and university position. Specific objectives of this study were: (1) To determine if there are differences between American and Egyptian consumers in the following areas: perception of consumer problems; concerns related to price, quality, safety, labeling and information, and concerns about the environmental effects of products and their packaging; needs fulfillment related to perceived adequacy of income, needs fulfillment related to perceived improvement in living situations; expectations and experiences with products; attitudes toward consumer protection efforts by government; attitudes toward consumer protection efforts by business; and attitudes toward consumer education efforts. (2) To analyze relationships between perception of consumer problems and concerns and the following: needs fulfillment related to perceived income adequacy; needs fulfillment related to perceived improvement in living situations; expectations and experiences with products; attitudes toward consumer protection efforts by government; attitudes toward consumer protection efforts by business; and attitudes toward consumer education efforts. (3) To investigate the influence of demographic variables of gender, age, marital status, presence of children, family annual income, education level, university position, and employment status on the perception of consumer problems and concerns. Data were obtained through a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire was first developed in English, and then translated into Arabic with a back translation check. The reliability of the instrument was tested with a test-retest procedure. A questionnaire, an explanatory cover letter, and a stamped self-addressed envelope, were mailed to 180 randomly selected respondents at Virginia Tech and Radford University. Graduate students assigned at Ain Shams University and Sadat Academy delivered the questionnaires personally to the 180 randomly selected respondents in both universities in Cairo. The completed questionnaires were collected within three weeks after delivery. There were 112 questionnaires returned from Virginia Tech and Radford University, of which 108 were acceptable for analysis (60%). There were 154 questionnaires returned from Egypt, of which 142 were acceptable for analysis (78.8%). Hence, a total of 250 responses were used in the data analysis for an overall return rate of 69.4%. Procedures for statistical analysis involved eight phases including: the reliability analysis, frequency distribution, chi-square, factor analysis, the two-sample independent t-test, stepwise multiple regression, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and discriminant analysis. Results revealed a statistically significant difference in the total score on consumer problems between the two samples. Also, results showed a significant difference in the total score on consumer concerns related to quality, safety, and labeling and information. However, the variables that were found to discriminate the two samples in order of importance were: perception of consumer problems, concerns for quality, concerns for labeling and information, concerns for safety, and concerns for price. The most important concern for all respondents was quality. The majority of the American respondents perceived that they had more adequacy of income and improvement in living situations than the Egyptian respondents. Also, they conveyed a positive attitude toward government regulations and business efforts to protect consumers' interests as opposed to the Egyptian respondents who conveyed a negative attitude toward the same aspects. / Ph. D.

Urban Entertainment Destinations (UED) are a new form of development comprised of unanchored retail projects that mix entertainment venues and icon restaurants as a solution for enticing visitors back to the city. The difference between these destinations and the traditional shopping mall is the experience gained when leaving the destination. As a solution, several cities have considered Urban Entertainment Destinations as a developmental means for revitalizing the downtown. This thesis design project attempts to explore the significance of UED's by conducting a literature review and case study analysis of nine UED's across the United States. Studies extracted from each module revealed the importance of six key strategies- Placemaking, Multi-Anchoring, Contextual Links, Critical Mix & Mass, Programmability, and Branded Identity. Particular attention was placed on placemaking; designing gathering spaces, pathways, material choices, spatial relationships, and programmed land use. An emphasis has been made on incorporating the history and culture and the site's sense of place, two placemaking components that help create a distinct destination. These strategies were used as a basis for developing a set of design criteria that were in turn applied to the development of a master plan for a new UED in Rockford, Illinois. / Master of Landscape Architecture

Digital Sneakerhead communities have gained significant attention in the fashion market in recent years, this is due to their unique dynamics and cultural significance. This thesis aims to explore the culture of sneaker collectors, pointing its focus on the intricate dynamics and practices used to drive their interactions, discussions and dedication. The study of Sneakerhead culture, traditionally more focused on commercial aspects and brand appeal, can be crucial for understanding contemporary consumption patterns and the connections between consumer culture and social identities. This thesis offers valuable insights into the cultural practices and dynamics of digital Sneakerhead communities, aiming to inform and provide new insights in the development of more empathetic approaches to consumer engagement, as well as to contribute to the broader body of consumer culture academic interest. The thesis uses Kozinets’ (2019) Netnographic method in order to observe and analyse social dynamics, knowledge exchange dynamics, and socially conscious consumption practices among participants in digital sneaker communities. After observing the Sneakerhead community through these theoretical themes based on Marketplace culture theory, the results produced are sub-themes which grants a deeper insight of the digital Sneakerhead community. 19 of these sub-themes were identified, following the three themes selected in accordance with the theory. The results of this thesis is then based on observation and analysis of the Sneakerhead community and provides new insider information about the culture created and sustained in digital communities, while also offering practical insight for marketers and other stakeholders. Delimitations of this thesis are mostly attributed to the method used and to the inherent problem of bias in qualitative research. Future research is suggested on different social media platforms, as well as on in-person meeting of the Sneakerhead communities; an outlook in different geographical areas could provide additional insight and validation to this thesis.

This thesis describes the principles of electronic and Internet marketplaces. For analyzing the status of the use of electronic marketplaces and online polling was done with the actual marketplace and society, which is a member of the marketplace. Proposal that trade through the market is prepared for a particular company, which previously traded through the marketplace.

This paper analyzes the nature of linguistic interactions between host communities and international tourists. The tourism-based context provides an excellent platform from which to describe the sociolinguistic influences that American tourists have had on Mexican communities. Specifically, the language use of local vendors in Puerto Peñasco/Rocky Point, Mexico, is described in terms of the various linguistic characteristics that constitute their particular dialect of English. Not only does this work emphasize the sociocultural foundation of language acquisition, it also illustrates the type of language that is learned in economically motivated situations. The results also emphasize how the growing ubiquity of (American) English in tourism contexts establishes distinct attitudes towards the United States and those who live there.

The subject of this dissertation is artisanal mining in Namibia and is based on two hypotheses. The first is that if the artisanal mining process is well understood in Namibia, then effective solutions to improving the artisanal mining cycle of poverty can be developed. The second hypothesis states that if effective solutions to improving the artisanal mining cycle of poverty can be implemented, then the miners' income can be increased.Research for the dissertation is broken down into four areas. The first area includes the development of an understanding of the artisanal mining process. A general model that shows the relationship of four basic elements of artisanal mining (investment, production, sales and consumption) as well as several components that make up the elements was created. The model also describes the various environments (physical, social/cultural, and political) that artisanal operate.The Artisanal Mining Process Model was then used to evaluate artisanal mining in Namibia. Artisanal mining in Namibia is somewhat unique because of the material mined (collector minerals and semi-precious gemstones), but the outcome is consistent with other locations with most artisanal miners only making a subsistence living. One of the key outcomes of this part of the study is the identification of low sales revenue exacerbated by the miners having to sell in a local market with few buyers.Because the local market and buyers are a critical component of the cycle of poverty, the third area of research is an understanding of the local market and the supply chain that ultimately leads to a much larger international market. The international markets lead to the fourth area of research, which is the Tucson Mineral Show, the largest of its kind in the world.The conclusions of the paper discuss the applicability of the Artisanal Mining Process Model in helping to understand issues facing the artisanal miners as well as methods that could be used to help the artisanal miners participate in the international market for collector minerals.

This paper contains geophysical analysis of the largest town square in Sigtuna, Sweden. The studied area is approximately 736 m2. The purpose of the study was to search for early medieval house remnants and to possibly find structures matching those found during excavations in other parts of the town. The hypothesis is that the town of Sigtuna was planned and that the yards of the town were put out in a special pattern following the main street, which is the same as today. During the day of the geophysical prospection the weather conditions were not optimal. A lot of water at the surface disturbed the instrument and gave a blurred image. It turned out that a lot of contemporary pipes and a large traffic island from the 1930s covered the area. Archaeological structures could only be seen in smaller areas in between later structures. Vague oblong structures could be seen, as well as a distinct smaller square on the eastern part of the area. A large rectangle close to the main street was also observed. None of these structures could be seen in modern maps or photographs and are therefore marked as something that could be of archaeological interest. Some of the structures that were noted were probably part of the original medieval town plan, as judged by their size and location.