No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Modeling is an important tool in watershed management. In much of the world, data needed for modeling, both for model inputs and for model evaluation, are very limited or non-existent. The overall objective of this research was to enable development of watershed management plans for agricultural dominated systems under situations where data are scarce. First, uncertainty of the SWAT model's outputs due to input parameters, specifically soils and high resolution digital elevation models, which are likely to be lacking in data-poor environments, was quantified using Monte Carlo simulation. Two sources of soil parameter values (SSURGO and STATSGO) were investigated, as well as three levels of DEM resolution (10, 30, and 90 m). Uncertainty increased as the input data became coarser for individual soil parameters. The combination of SSURGO and the 30 m DEM proved to adequately balance the level of uncertainty and the quality of input datasets. Second, methods were developed to generate appropriate soils information and DEM resolution for data-poor environments. The soils map was generated based on lithology and slope class, while the soil attributes were generated by linking surface soil texture to soils characterized in the SWAT soils database. A 30 m resolution DEM was generated by resampling a 90 m DEM, the resolution that is readily available around the world, by direct projection using a cubic convolution method. The effect of the generated DEM and soils data on model predictions was evaluated in a data-rich environment. When all soil parameters were varied at the same time, predictions based on the derived soil map were comparable to the predictions based on the SSURGO map. Finally, the methodology was tested in a data-poor watershed in Bolivia. The proposed methodologies for generating input data showed how available knowledge can be employed to generate data for modeling purposes and give the opportunity to incorporate uncertainty in the decision making process in data-poor environments. / Ph. D.

This dissertation surveyed Section 8 participants to collect the information necessary to update utility allowances to reflect fy 1983 utility costs. Data was collected regarding the thermal efficiency of units currently under lease and the lifestyles of participants. HUD specified that allowances were to be updated by collecting and analyzing actual energy use data (from previous utility bills if possible). However, VHDA chose to contract with this author to develop a model which could estimate actual energy use from the survey data. Such a model was developed and validated using case studies of Section 8 units that were able to return accurate actual use data; as part of the information requested in the survey. Following model validation, the model was used to update utility allowances and generate a set of allowance worksheets VHDA field agents use when determining levels of assistance under the Section 8 program. A total VHDA utility budget was then estimated by aggregating the individual utility allowances based on the updated worksheets. The new total utility budget was estimated to be $6.2 million while the previous budget was about $3.8 million. This was clearly higher than VHDA had the funds to cover. Therefore solutions were explored to reduce these budget costs and still provide 100% of the cost of utilities. / Ph. D.

Two sets of theories are used sequentially in the analysis of the policymaking behind Learnfare. The first series consIsts of theories of the overall pollcymaking process, and includes the rational comprehensive, incrementalist, and two models of "organized anarchy" including the "garbage can" and "policy windows" perspectives. The second series focuses more specifically on the role of policy analysis itself within the larger process, and includes models I abstracted from several recent writings on the subject. The task here is to characterize the nature of analysis and the work of the analyst. These models consist of the "anti-analytic" and "analyst subordination" theses, and the perspective of "policy analysis as art and craft". For the most part, both sets of models afforded helpful and distinct insights into the Learnfare policymaking process. / Ph. D.

This study attempted to determine the relation between womens' anticipation of Esteem-Threat, their level of satisfaction, and their utilization of prenatal care services in the public assistance setting. One-hundred twenty-six women completed a battery of questionnaires during an initial clinic visit. Measures of patient datisfaction were completed after a minimum of four clinic visits. Results showed a significant linear relation between womens' anticipation of Esteem-Threat and satisfaction with services. No relations were found between Esteem-Threat and the timing of entry into prenatal care. A small, statistically significant relation was found between Esteem-Threat and the number of appointments kept. Results are discussed in the context of the limitations of the sample and the psychometric properties of the measures. Future applications of the Esteem-Threat model are also discussed. / Ph. D.

This is the first book on the transformations wrought by Cambodia's 2002-08 economic boom. It explores the impact of the boom on governance, economic structure, and opportunities for the poor. It provides new insights into the relationship between economic growth and political stability in post-conflict societies. It is a cross-disciplinary study involving Cambodian and foreign scholars. From 2002, Cambodia underwent a visible economic transformation driven largely by such external factors as increased Chinese demand for primary commodities and a strong international demand for Cambodian garments. Apart from dramatic rates of economic growth, the boom involved the disappearance of forests and the decline of logging, the inflow of Chinese investment and the rise of indigenous capital, and the increased significance of remittances from garment workers and labour migrants. In addition, the impact of government policies on land registration and concessions transformed relations of production and, with them, the socio-economic and political environment in rural and urban Cambodia. "Cambodia's Economic Transformation" examines the political economy of the Cambodian boom, analysing the changing structure of the economy, the relationship between state and market, and outcomes for the poor. Not least, it focuses the role of the state in facilitating and controlling the market, and the way that this has affected the life chances of the poor. In so doing, it situates Cambodian experience within key debates in the wider political economy of Eastern Asia, scrutinizing the relationship between class formation, structures of governance and resource distribution.

The Comprehensive Health Investment Project is a community health project operating in Roanoke, Virginia that is designed to address the needs of families and their children who do not have access to continuous health services. This study examined parental characteristics of those parents participating in the Comprehensive Health Investment Project. Five surveys, which assess parental satisfaction, parental skills, parental comfort, sense of community, and safety practices were administered to parents and subsequently collected for analysis. It is the data from these surveys which provide invaluable descriptions of these parents and family dynamics. Results indicate that the participating parents have high levels of parenting satisfaction and a high level of involvement with their children. The parents had a low sense of community. Overall, parents followed good safety practices with their children. Some questions, when cross tabbed with demographic variables, demonstrated an interaction between the response and the selected variable. However, there was no apparent trend for the interaction to be true for all questions. A description of the method of data analysis and the parenting characteristics exhibited by these parents is included. Recommendations and suggestions are also provided to better assist the CHIP staff in service provision. This research will assist providers in measuring parental program effectiveness and will expand existing knowledge regarding parental practices and satisfaction. / Master of Science