Browsing by Subject "Growth"

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Entrepreneurial city : race, the environment, and growth in Austin, Texas, 1945-2011
(2011-12) Busch, Andrew M., active 2011; Meikle, Jeffrey L., 1949-
The primary concern of this dissertation is to give historical perspective to the idea of the creative city and the creative, or "new," "knowledge," or "postindustrial" economy that has produced this new form of urban space. Austin, Texas, one of the developed world's premiere creative cities, is used as a test case. Like many urban scholars, I focus on the manifestation of the city as a unique material expression of the capitalist order, and also on the city as a symbolic discourse that has helped to generate its material conditions, including consistent socioeconomic unevenness. In broad outline I am interested in the forces of capitalism that cause cities and regions to grow. I begin with a basic question asked by geographer Allen J. Scott: "How do competitive advantages (including capacities for creativity) of cities emerge, and how might they be enhanced by public action?" In the case of Austin, I argue that the city's competitive advantage was engendered by an ethos that valued free market competition and a focus on the dual economic engines of technology and leisure which city and university leaders identified during World War Two. Austin's economic ideology, which consciously eschewed fordist modes of production in favor of knowledge-based growth associated with the University of Texas, was poised to blossom when macroeconomic ruptures forced massive restructuring associated with globalization during and after the 1970s. The city's inherent advantage as a site of surplus knowledge production for Texas and the Southwest created a highly paid, educated labor market that business people and politicians viewed as the core element of a non-industrial city. Even before the 1970s Austin was well on its way to economic growth through technological accumulation and modes of production that took advantage of skilled labor markets. The creative city thus has a history that must be understood before policy is adopted based on non-transferable conditions of growth.
Essays on pricing under uncertainty and heterogeneity in the finance-trade-growth nexus
(2013-08) Yousefi, Seyed Reza; Whinston, Andrew B.
My dissertation consists of empirical and theoretical essays on Microeconomic Theory and International Economics. The first chapter discusses the existence and characterization of a model that determines producer's optimal pricing and allocation rule as a preannounced markdown schedule. The mechanism focuses on pricing and operational implications of allotting scarce resources when customers are heterogeneous in their valuations and sensitivities towards availability of product. The proposed mechanism suggests that a carefully designed multistep markdown pricing could achieve optimal revenue when selling a single unit. However, to sell multiple units, monopolist should modify the implementation of markdown pricing by either hiding the number of available products or selling them via contingent contracts and upfront payments. In the second essay, we study the heterogeneity of finance and growth nexus across countries. Our paper contributes to the literature by investigating whether this impact differs across regions and types of economy. Using a rich dataset, cross-section and dynamic panel estimation results suggest that the beneficial effect of financial deepening on economic growth in fact displays measurable heterogeneity; it is generally smaller in oil exporting countries; in certain regions, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); and in lower-income countries. Further analysis suggests that these differences might be driven by regulatory/supervisory characteristics and related to differing performance on financial access for a given level of depth. The third chapter analyzes contraction of exports in the aftermath of severe financial crises and tests for its heterogeneity across different industries and based on their credit conditions. It provides a theoretical framework to provide insight on why sectors are hit disproportionately during and in the aftermath of severe financial distresses, and confirms most of them with empirical estimations. The findings suggest that industries with greater reliance on outside financing and fewer shares of tangible assets experience greater contractions in export volumes in the years following a severe financial crisis.
The evolution of skeletal development in early tetrapods : anatomy and ontogeny of microsaurs (Lepospondyli)
(2011-05) Olori, Jennifer Catherine; Bell, Christopher J., 1966-; Rowe, Timothy B.; Cannatella, David C.; Sprinkle, James T.; Anderson, Jason S.
Because the ancestry of extant amphibians remains highly controversial, under traditional perspectives, amphibians and amniotes often are distinguished by differences in developmental mode rather than their evolutionary relationships. Resolution of relationships is important, however, because phylogeny affects interpretations of biology, including the evolution of development. To address those issues, I documented the growth and development of two extinct lepospondyls, Microbrachis pelikani and Hyloplesion longicostatum, and compared the patterns in those taxa to data from other tetrapods. I quantified allometry in the skeleton using both measurement-based and geometric morphometric analyses. I applied Ontogenetic Sequence Analysis (OSA), a size-independent method, to the reconstruction of ossification sequences based on fossils. I also documented skeletal morphogenesis and used Parsimov Analysis and Parsimov-based Genetic Inference of ossification sequence data to evaluate the three hypotheses of extant amphibian ancestry, the Lepospondyl (LH), Temnospondyl (TH), and Polyphyletic (PH) hypotheses. Skeletal growth in Microbrachis pelikani and Hyloplesion longicostatum is primarily isometric. Comparisons with data from other Paleozoic taxa suggest that isometry was the ancestral pattern of growth in tetrapods. All regression analyses had a linear fit indicating lack of an abrupt metamorphosis. Absence of metamorphosis is also supported by the possession of lateral lines in both taxa throughout ontogeny, and Microbrachis pelikani additionally retained gills. However, ossification of the skeleton was completed at small body size. The greatest resolution in ossification sequence reconstruction was achieved with OSA, but results from all reconstruction methods indicated advanced ossification of the pubis and delayed ossification of the scapula in the lepospondyls. In terms of total number of sequence shifts optimized across each hypothesis of amphibian relationships, the TH had the shortest tree length. However, the values for the three hypotheses did not differ significantly, demonstrating that none was supported strongly. Based on my synthesis of new developmental data, I propose that Microbrachis pelikani and Hyloplesion longicostatum expressed a mosaic pattern of skeletal development. That pattern included a gradual transition to an adult morphology, and a lack of an amphibian-like metamorphosis. A similar pattern is common to most early tetrapods and Eusthenopteron, supporting the hypothesis that metamorphosis is not ancestral for Tetrapoda.
Feeding, growth dynamics and behavior of the bioluminescent dinoflagellate, Polykrikos kofoidi
(1993) Schmidt, Richard Keith, 1969-; Buskey, Edward Joseph, 1952-
The dinoflagellate Polykrikos kofoidi is a pseudocolonial, bioluminescent heterotrophic species which has been known to readily feed upon other nearshore dinoflagellate blooms, such as red tides. This heterotrophic dinoflagellate was found to feed preferentially on photosynthetic dinoflagellates with a diameter of 30 μm and greater, but at high food concentrations. For all food species tested, Gyrodinium dorsum, Gonyaulax polyedra and a 50/50 mixture (based on carbon content), growth rates reached maximal values at 4-6 mg C 1⁻¹ (μmax] = 0.8 d-1) . The feeding rate of P. kofoidi increased with food concentrations and did not appear to saturate at concentrations up to 8-10 mg C 1⁻¹, which was supported by encounter rates calculated for each food treatment. Encounters with food cells (cells/day) by each P. kofoidi were not significantly different (paired Student's t-test, α=0.05) from the number of cells ingested per day for each individual, which also indicates that P. kofoidi must contact a prey cell to feed and cannot locate prey using remote chemical cues in the water. A comparison of swimming behavior in the presence and absence of prey cells and prey exudate also supports the assumption of the inability of P. kofoidi to detect remote chemical cues in the water. The bioluminescent capacity of P. kofoidi exhibited a positive correlation with growth rate over varying food concentrations. The constant increase in ingestion of food, even in concentrations as high as 8-10 mg C 1⁻¹, coupled with a growth rate that exceeded that of its preferred food species, will allow P. kofoidi to exploit blooms of dinoflagellates and could serve as a biological control agent to help control red tides
Growth and photosynthetic responses of two subtropical seagrasses, Thalassia testudinum and Halodule wrightii to in situ manipulations of irradiance
(1994) Czerny, Andrew Barthel; Dunton, Kenneth H.
The growth and photosynthetic responses of two species of subtropical seagrasses, Thalassia testudinum and Halodule wrightii, were examined in relation to reductions in underwater light. Shade screens reduced irradiance to roughly 30% and 20% of in situ ambient (ISA). Short shoots of T. testudinum had a greater ability to tolerate a ten month period of light reduction as demonstrated by the longer survival of plants exposed to 30% ISA. Evidence for photoadaptation was observed in plants from shaded treatments compared to unshaded controls (plants receiving 100% ISA). Leaf elongation rates were lower in T. testudinum plants exposed to 20% ISA for one month (October 1992 to November 1992) compared to plants receiving 100% ISA, but there were no differences between treatments for the months of January, February, March, and May. However, by July both levels of shaded T. testudinum had significantly lower growth rates compared to plants receiving 100% ISA. Water temperatures above 25°C and the depletion of stored reserves by spring growth most likely contributed to the disappearance of all short shoots of T. testudinum shaded at 20% ISA and both shaded plots of H. wrightii by August 1993. Photosynthesis versus irradiance (P vs. I) parameters revealed significant differences in the rates of light saturated photosynthesis (P [subscript max]), respiration, saturation irradiance (I [subscript k]), and relative quantum efficiency (α) between the two species. In particular, the significantly lower respiration rates of Thalassia testudinum (89.8 ± 8.4 μmol O₂ gdw⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 30°C) compared to Halodule wrightii (186.0 ± 20.0 μmol O₂ gdw⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 30°C ) may contribute to its survival in light-limited environments. Respiration rates and P [subscript max] for both species significantly increased with seasonal increases in temperature. No significant differences were noted in shaded versus unshaded H. wrightii at 20°C or 30°C; however, in T. testudinum, after four months of shading at 20% ISA, P [subscript max] was significantly lower and α significantly higher relative to unshaded controls. The lower growth rates and increased light harvesting capability of T. testudinum in response to reduced irradiance reflects the K-selected strategy of this species compared to H. wrightii
I am.
(2021-10) Sausmikat, Caren
Large clutch of Jurassic mammaliamorph perinates and evolution of mammalian reproduction and growth
(2018-05-03) Hoffman, Eva Amelia; Rowe, Timothy, 1953-; Bell, Christopher J; Colbert, Matthew W
Transformations in morphology, physiology, and behavior along the mammalian stem lineage were accompanied by profound modifications to reproduction and growth, including the emergence of a reproductive strategy characterized by high maternal investment in a small number of offspring and heterochronic changes in early cranial development associated with the enlargement of the brain. Because direct fossil evidence of these transitions is lacking, their timing and sequence are unknown. Here we present the first fossil record of pre- or near-hatching young of any non-mammalian synapsid. A large clutch of well-preserved perinates of the tritylodontid Kayentatherium wellesi (Cynodontia: Mammaliamorpha) were found with a presumed maternal skeleton in Early Jurassic sediments of the Kayenta Formation. The single clutch numbers at least 38 individuals, well outside the range of litter-size variation documented in extant mammals. This discovery confirms that high offspring number is ancestral for amniotes and constrains the timing of a reduction in clutch size along the mammalian stem. Although tiny, the perinates have overall skull shape similar to that of adults, with no allometric lengthening of the face during ontogeny. The only positive allometries are associated with the bones supporting the masticatory musculature. Kayentatherium diverged just before a hypothesized pulse of brain expansion that reorganized cranial architecture at the base of Mammaliaformes. The association of large clutch size with isometric cranial growth is consistent with a scenario in which encephalization—and attendant shifts in metabolism and development—drove later changes to mammalian reproduction.
Management practices for sustainability of small, technology oriented businesses
(2012-12) Quezada, Arturo; McCann, Robert Bruce, 1948-; Nichols, Steven Parks, 1950-
The focal point for this research is a drilling automation small business. Questions regarding survival, growth, innovation, flexibility and professional management related to this technology business are seeded as the root for the research. Topics were selected based on the experience of the author as an attempt to provide answers to such questions. In a broader context, small businesses make an important contribution to the economy and job creation. Low survival rates raise questions about the factors that influence the success or failure of such businesses. Researches have attempted to identify such factors. However, there are limited theoretical models that were generated based on a small business setting. Many factors and their interactions among each other could determine the survival of a small business. However, there are techniques and philosophies that enhance the potential for success. Some of those techniques and philosophies proposed by authors researched are the Lean Startup methodology, analysis of roadblocks and speed bumps on the Product Development Process model, participative management, competencies alignment and outsourcing. Correlations between the small drilling automation business and research are made in order to generate the answers to the questions proposed initially. Ultimately, in regard to the company I work for, generation of intellectual property via outsourcing, deep knowledge of the potential market, financial flexibility obtained from capital and other resources by means of the relationships established helped the company to survive startup and grow. Founding expertise translated into good behavioral focus supported a sustained growth stage and competitiveness. There are applicable models and methodologies that serve to guide to faster innovation where associated risks are managed by having the multiple solutions available. The level of informality tolerated within the firm should be related to the level of performance, so for us there may be benefit to a more formal evaluation of the strategy, uncovering relationships and details not anticipated, that could lead to different decisions. Overcoming capital restraints to earn financial flexibility was particularly beneficial to our initial success. At current size and complexity level, it would be beneficial for our company to evaluate more formal tactical management.
Mental muscularity: shaping implicit theories of intelligence via metaphor
(2009-08) Anderson, Scott Victor; McGlone, Matthew S., 1966-
Motivating students is a central challenge for many teachers, particularly in subjects students commonly perceive as “impenetrable,” such as statistics. One line of motivation research by C.S. Dweck (2006) has found that when students believe their intelligence is malleable (i.e., a growth mindset) and that learning is a function of effort, they show greater motivation, accept more learning challenges, and have improved performance outcomes relative to students who believe their intelligence is fixed (e.g., “I’m not a math person”). This dissertation extends research regarding implicit theories of intelligence by examining how metaphors of the growth mindset (e.g., the mind is a muscle) can be integrated as feedback into a computer program to encourage students to implicitly adopt the growth mindset relevant to statistics. The present study manipulated framing conditions with metaphorical, literal, and no feedback about the growth mindset. Results show that framing feedback implicitly in terms of the “mind as muscle” metaphor increased non-math major undergraduates’ willingness to accept learning challenges and their overall score on testing items relevant to statistical literacy, as compared to students who received literal feedback or no feedback about the growth mindset. Also, overall, gender differences were noted, with males accepting more learning challenges, passing on fewer difficult items, and having higher scores on testing items than females. Findings also indicate that participants’ psychological reactance and interest in fitness and muscularity (metaphor resonance) did not meaningfully change participants’ learning outcomes.
Roles for zebrafish trpm7 in growth, skeletogenesis, kidney function and physiological ion homeostasis
(2009-12) Elizondo, Michael Reuben; Parichy, David M.; Wallingford, John B.; Fischer, Janice A.; Paull, Tanya T.; Shankland, Marty
Development of the adult form requires coordinated growth and patterning of multiple traits in response to local gene activity as well as global endocrine and physiological effectors. In recent years the zebrafish has been utilized as a favorable animal model as a step towards dissecting and better understanding these postembryonic developmental processes. One of the more powerful methods utilized in zebrafish has been the identification of new gene functions through the use of mutant screens. The nutria mutant was recovered from one such screen to identify postembryonic defects in pigment pattern, growth and metamorphosis. These mutants exhibited a pigment cell defect, touch unresponsiveness and severe growth retardation. Here I will discuss my work towards dissecting the underlying developmental processes governing the phenotypic changes in nutria mutants. I characterize gross alterations in skeletal development in nutria mutants that lead to accelerated endochondral ossification but delayed intramembranous ossification. I show that the nutria phenotype results from mutations in trpm7, which encodes a transient receptor potential (TRP) family member that functions as both a cation channel and a kinase. I find trpm7 expression in the fish-specific, ion homeostasis-regulating gland known as the corpuscles of Stannius (CS), and in the mesonephric kidney. I show that mutants also develop kidney stones. Together these results suggest a role for trpm7 activity in regulation of physiological ion homeostasis. Next I confirm that role by identifying late-embryonic and early larval defects in the CS and the kidney, two organs that regulate physiological ion homeostasis. I demonstrate the early larval detection of kidney stones in trpm7 mutants and show that their appearance is presaged by decreased levels of total calcium and magnesium. Furthermore I establish a link between trpm7 function in the CS and stanniocalcin1 (stc1), a potent molecular regulator of calcium homeostasis. Finally, using transgenic overexpression and morpholino-oligonucleotide knockdown, I demonstrate that stc1 modulates calcium and magnesium levels in trpm7 mutant and wild-type backgrounds. Together these analyses establish postembryonic roles for trpm7 function in growth, skeletogenesis, kidney function, and physiological ion homeostasis.
Sustainable growth and affordable form : strategies for Austin’s future housing development
(2016-05) Howard, Kevin Michael; Wegmann, Jake; Almy, Dean
Today, Austin faces a housing affordability crisis driven by rapid population growth and increasing economic disparity. With a significant housing shortage, particularly in affordable units, Austin must build both in existing neighborhoods and in new communities on the periphery to balance its housing market. This report evaluates a series of recent housing projects in Austin in search of a sustainable model for residential development that balances equity, ecology, and economy. This analysis finds that no existing model provides affordable housing with good access to transit and urban amenities that can be marketed and reproduced at the scale necessary to balance Austin’s housing market. This report then analyzes the formal qualities that make housing development efficient and affordable for developers, taxpayers, and residents. An analysis of density and building construction technology explores the convoluted relationship of density and per-unit land and construction costs. Then, a case study evaluates and compares a series of street grid designs drawn from cases as varied as Tokyo and outskirts of Austin. Each grid is evaluated based on indicators of efficiency and walkability. This report identifies that there is likely an optimal density for maximizing per-unit affordability, which varies by land cost. This report also finds that, disregarding net density, automobile scaled infrastructure grids with large blocks and wide rights-of-way are found to perform well for development efficiency, but poorly for walkability. Alternatively, pedestrian scaled infrastructure grids with small blocks were found to be equally efficient provided that they were designed with narrow rights-of-ways for local streets. While highlighting lessons particular to Austin, this paper provides insights on housing affordability issues shared by many other cities, adding to the discussion of how to most sustainably deliver affordable housing in America’s growing cities.
Sustaining growth through innovation
(2011-08) Dailey, Zachary Edwin; Nichols, Steven Parks, 1950-; McCann, Robert B.
This thesis seeks to identify a generalized strategy for businesses to follow in order to sustain long term growth. In particular, it focuses on innovation as the catalyst that drives the growth. To establish the foundation for building this strategy, it first looks at the need for businesses to sustain growth in order to remain healthy. After developing this link, existing research in business growth is examined. With this information, the strategy is then formulated. From here, two of the largest companies in the world based on market capitalization are evaluated over time against this strategy to show its ability to drive sustained growth and long term success.
The environmental influences on the growth and grazing of marine protists
(2020-12-03) Tang, Chi Hung; Buskey, Edward Joseph, 1952-; Erdner, Deana L; Liu, Zhanfei; Stoecker, Diane K
Marine protists are important components at the base of the marine food web. The growth and grazing of protistan organisms in response to the toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons and elevated seawater temperature at the community and species levels were investigated. In exposure to 10 μL L⁻¹ of chemically dispersed crude oil in the mesocosms, the grazing impacts of microzooplankton (20-200 μm) on phytoplankton were reduced. While the microzooplankton grazing accounted for ~50% of the phytoplankton’ population growth in the control treatment, there was a de-coupling between these two parameters in the oil-loaded treatment. The de-coupling could potentially lead to algal blooms in the natural environment under certain conditions. In contrast, in exposure to chemically dispersed crude oil in the microcosms, the grazing impacts of nanoplankton (2-20 μm) on bacteria did not differ among the treatments of control and low (2 μL L⁻¹) and high (8 μL L⁻¹) concentrations. The tight couplings between the nanoplankton grazing and bacterial population growth in the control and oil-loaded treatments could have kept the abundance of bacterial cells steady. The community compositions of bacteria in the low and high dose crude oil treatments became increasing similar and different from those in the control treatment. It is believed to be related to the availability of carbon and inorganic nutrients. The relatively high abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria Cycloclasticus and Alcanivorax in the oil-loaded treatments indicated the presence of biodegradation. Exposure experiments were conducted to investigate the responses of marine protistan species to the toxicity of soluble petroleum hydrocarbon and elevated seawater temperature. In exposure to increasing concentrations of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of crude oil, the heterotrophic dinoflagellates Oxyrrhis marina and Protoperidinium sp. and ciliates Euplotes sp. and Metacylis sp. showed species- specific vulnerabilities to oil toxicity, as reflected by their specific growth rates. When compared to the control treatment, their population grazing impacts and per capita ingestion rates were reduced with exposure to the WAF of crude oil alone and the mixture of crude oil and dispersant at the same concentration. In exposure to elevated seawater temperature, the Florida strain of mixotrophic dinoflagellate Fragilidium subglobosum obtained a specific growth rate of ~0.3 d⁻¹ at both 19°C and 23°C in mono-specific culture but zero or negative growth rates in cultures with added prey dinoflagellate Tripos tripos. F. subglobosum grown at 19°C showed higher maximum photosynthetic efficiency than at 23°C but did not differ in cellular chlorophyll-a content or cell size. This strain of F. subglobosum is believed to be non-mixotrophic and therefore the hypothesis that this dinoflagellate species becomes more heterotrophic at elevated temperature was not proved or disapproved
Understanding and appling principles of location efficiency : market based strategies for increasing household spending power
(2006-05) Culbertson, Devin Elijah; Kahn, Terry D.
Location Efficiency refers to the notion of living and working in close proximity to oneʼs daily needs so as to minimize travel time and cost. Communities that are trying to encourage mixed use, transit oriented neighborhoods could benefit substantially by understanding this concept and taking steps to increase the financial incentive associated with location efficient development and housing choice. This report starts by giving a conceptual overview of location efficiency and outlining key relationships between macro factors that impact its viability. Market based strategies to increase use of alternative transportation modes and increase location efficient savings are presented here as a politically viable way to achieve pedestrian oriented smart growth without public subsidy. Final suggestions for implementation guide the candidate community through the analysis and application of these concepts
“Utilizing adaptive reuse to balance community desires and economic needs" a case study of Old Taylor High, Taylor, Texas
(2023-04-18) Roy, Nora Leigh; Paterson, Robert G.
While small towns often have deep-rooted and vibrant cultural histories, it is common for them to be constrained by stagnant or declining economies. Concurrently, it is typical for these towns to have an inventory of existing building stock which is no longer suited for its original purpose. Utilizing this building inventory to meet current needs and desires through adaptive reuse can contribute to the overall wellbeing of the town. By leveraging the community’s existing community character and social capital which are embodied within its built environment, adaptive reuse projects have the potential to contribute to the overarching economic development needs of the city. This report examines the practice of adaptive reuse, from theory to implementation. Centering itself around a case study of the Old Taylor High development in Taylor, Texas, the paper explores the economic value of social capital and community character, potential benefits to both property owners and cities, common challenges and triumphs, economic development practices, and replicable elements of success. Through extensive review of existing research, interviews with public and private staff involved with the adaptive reuse process, and exploration of pertinent historical documents and communications, this paper concludes that, while not viable in all circumstances, adaptive reuse can be a strong and viable option as a means of economic development.