bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical Challenges and Adaptive Solutions Regarding Support of Online Graduate Student Research in Regions with Limited Infrastructure
Authors: Endicott Leilani , Sherer Jenny
Published: March 2015

Online graduate programs have a unique opportunity to serve students in global regions that have limited infrastructure (and thus fewer educational opportunities) due to remoteness, poverty, violent conflict, ideological values that might not necessarily support educational access for all people, or other reasons. In many cases, students in these regions feel a particularly urgent need to attain educational goals, obtain scientific training, and conduct research that can help improve conditions for their community. However, the same infrastructure limitations that make education and social research so desperately necessary (e.g., shortcomings in government, commerce, law enforcement) can also present barriers to the completion of a graduate program, especially one that involves original data collection. In the cases that follow, the authors discuss how the Western (especially North American) scientific research system can be adapted to better support the ethical and pragmatic challenges of graduate students conducting research in regions with infrastructure limitations. The tension is that Western academic, regulatory, and procedural standards are sometimes prohibitive to the completion of studies in regions with conditions that limit the functioning and sustainability of the infrastructure that would normally provide a foundation for the collection and analysis of data. University faculty and staff must find ways to uphold the standards of science in a manner that is flexible and adaptive.
Global Education in the Russian Federation
Authors: Schmidtke Carsten
Published: March 2015

This chapter explores the history of international activities and global education in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation. Although readers might expect that Russia has over the centuries had a significant impact on global matters, just the opposite has been the case. Rather than impressing its mark on the world, Russia has generally been a country that was affected by global developments and has had to react to its demands and influences. One of the barriers to Russia's assuming a more proactive role today is Russian suspicion toward globalization and the intentions of Western countries within a global framework. In addition, Russians fear that too hasty an introduction of globalization might help tear their multi-ethnic nation apart. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that unless Russia stabilizes its domestic cultural interactions and unless direct benefits for Russia can be discerned from a more global orientation, its involvement in global education will remain quite restrained.
Identifying Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Curricula of Leading U.S. Executive MBA Programs
Authors: Mayes Robin James , Bracey Pamela Scott , Aguilar Mariya Gavrilova , Allen Jeff M.
Published: March 2015

Our society has witnessed large enterprises collapse from a disregard for Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and illegal and unethical comportments. This chapter provides an understanding of the basic concepts of CSR in the context of lawful and ethical responsibilities, while recognizing the power of CSR branding. Moreover, in accordance with the theory that higher education can elevate the importance of CSR strategies, it reports the results from a qualitative content analysis study identifying explicit and implicit inclusions of CSR, law, and ethics in course titles and descriptions from 20 leading Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at institutions of higher education in the United States. The results report that while law and ethics are commonly part of the reviewed Executive MBA programs, CSR has minimal representation in these programs.
Bridging the Foundational Gap between Theory and Practice
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: March 2015

This chapter addresses the relationship between ethics and law and the evolution from ethics to law so that practitioners can implement ethical business practices. Practitioners must first understand the differences in the foundational gap in theory between ethics and law as it applies to business in practice. This chapter provides a review of the foundation of the differences between ethics and law as addressed from a practical standpoint. Furthermore, a practical strategy in addressing business law is offered. Thus, the operational definition of ethics, in this chapter, is the study of business situations, activities, and decisions where issues of right and wrong are addressed based on the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or group. Law, on the other hand, is essentially an institutionalization or codification of ethics into specific social rules, regulations, and proscriptions and represents the minimum acceptable standards of behavior in a society.
Exploring Ethics in Innovation
Authors: Nogueira Leticia Antunes , Nogueira Tadeu Fernando
Published: March 2015

This chapter challenges the view of innovation as synonymous to improvement, which underlies much of the current business paradigm. It debates the presence of the ethical element in innovation processes by presenting the case study of high-fructose corn syrup, a product innovation widely used in the food industry. An argumentative analysis is conducted upon the case, taking into account the perspective of the different stakeholders. The main message of this chapter is that innovations have an inherent ethical dimension and that, for them to serve important societal purposes, it is imperative for the ethical dimension to be considered by different actors in the system.
Why Do Good People Do Bad Things in Business?
Authors: James Jr. Harvey S.
Published: March 2015

Promoting ethical behavior in business requires an understanding of why and when seemingly good people do unethical things. Research on this issue consists of theoretical models of moral decision-making and empirical studies of ethical sensitivity, attitudes, and behaviors of people in various contexts. These studies reveal that explanations of unethical conduct include considerations of a person's psychological disposition as well as the circumstances in which they live. They also identify general principles that explain why individuals might engage in unethical conduct. This chapter reviews studies conducted over the past 50 years and articulates lessons that can help business managers improve the ethical climate of business and ethical behavior of employees. While it does not break new ground, this discussion is important because it synthesizes scholarship in simple language accessible to both scholars and business professionals. This chapter also identifies directions for future research that can enhance and supplement these lessons.
Leading Ethically in a Culturally Diverse Global Environment
Authors: Yates Laurie A.
Published: March 2015

Globalization has amplified interdependence among nations, creating an increasing need for leaders to function in a variety of cultures. Leaders face ever-expanding complexities and challenges, many of which include ethical dimensions. Lapses in ethical leadership in recent decades have resulted in the destruction of companies and harm to individuals, societies, and economies. Although many leadership theories have been offered to date, scholars and practitioners still search for answers to failed leadership. A recent theoretical construct of ethical leadership has been proposed that may offer a solution (Brown, Trevino, & Harrison, 2004; Trevino, Brown, & Hartman, 2003). This chapter addressed these issues by exploring ethical leadership as a viable theory that may be considered for use across cultures. Research consisted of interviews with experienced international managers who also held MBA degrees. The results led to recommendations for international managers in leadership positions as well as directions for future research.
“Home Base” and the Brand Globalization Strategies of Emerging Market Multinationals
Authors: Lin Xiaohua , Farrell Carlyle
Published: March 2015

This chapter examines the impact of the “home base” of Emerging Market Multinationals (EMMNEs) on their global branding strategy. While EMMNEs are perceived as lacking experience and competence in global branding, especially when competing in Western developed markets, they achieve non-traditional competitive advantages by levering knowledge and experience gained from their home base (i.e. their home country market), other institutionally similar emerging markets, and diaspora communities in foreign countries. Informed by three theoretical perspectives—dynamic capability, institutional proximity, and social embeddedness—the authors develop a conceptual model to explain these effects and illustrate their propositions with a number of case studies.
Game-Theoretic Insights Concerning Key Business Ethics Issues Occurring in Emerging Economies
Authors: Windsor Duane
Published: March 2015

This chapter identifies some game-theoretic insights concerning several key issues of business ethics typically occurring in emerging economies. The chapter explicates four elements in this sequence: nature of game theory, characteristics of emerging economies, fundamentals of business ethics, and key business ethics issues. The chapter emphasizes useful insights of game theory rather than undertaking formal modeling (examples are noted in references). Game theory assists reasoning about strategic scenarios for businesses. A multinational entity operates within layers of institutions and norms from the international to the national and sub-national levels. Such institutions and norms help structure the complex environment within which a multinational entity operates. The approach in this chapter is to inquire into certain specific decision scenarios available in the extant literature as instances of important classes of decision problems and to suggest game-theoretic responses. These scenarios concern long-term sustainable business models, corporate values, and corporate reputation.
Functional anatomy of the lacrimal gland in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatal period
Authors: Klećkowska-Nawrot Joanna , Goździewska-Harłajczuk Karolina , Nowaczyk Renata , Krasucki Krzysztof
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present study was morphological and histochemical analysis of the lacrimalgland (LG) in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatalperiod. Studies were conducted on 50 ostriches aged between the 28th day of incubation until7 months old. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome,periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale’s dialysed iron. The LGin ostrich was classified as a tubulo-acinar type. The primordia of the lobes were determinedin the LG structure on the 28th day of incubation, whilst the weakly visible lobes with aciniand tubules were observed on the 40th day of incubation. Morphometric studies of the LGshowed steady growth, characterised by an increase in both length and width. Histometricmeasurements of lobe size showed little difference between the first, second and third agegroups, whilst in the fourth age group a marked increase in size of lobes was observed.The study showed that, apart from morphological changes, during the growth of the LGthe character of acid mucopolysaccharides changed. Sulphated acid mucopolysaccharideswere indicated, particularly with aldehyde fuchsin (AF) staining in the fourth age group.The Hale’s dialysed iron (HDI) staining showed a low concentration of carboxylated acidmucopolysaccharides in the first and second age groups and a higher concentration in thethird and fourth age groups. Periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS)-positive cells were observedin each age group, but only a small number of cells with a weakly PAS-positive reaction weredemonstrated in the first age group.
Free-radical Destruction of Sphingolipids Resulting in 2-hexadecenal Formation
Authors: Shadyro Oleg , Lisovskaya Alexandra , Semenkova Galina , Edimecheva Irina , Amaegberi Nadezda
Published: March 2015

The action of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and γ-radiation on aqueous lysosphingolipid dispersions was found to produce 2-hexadecenal (Hex). This process includes the stages of formation of nitrogen-centered radicals from the starting molecules and the subsequent fragmentation of these radicals via the rupture of C–C and O–H bonds. These findings prove the existence of a nonenzymatic pathway of sphingolipid destruction leading to the formation of Hex, which possesses a wide spectrum of biological activity. Analysis of the effect of HOCl on transplantable rat glioma C6 cells and human embryonic kidney 293 cells points to the formation of Hex. This suggests that the described mechanism of free-radical destruction of sphingolipids may be replicated on cell culture under the stress of active chlorine forms.
Collaboration Leads to Enhanced Curriculum
Authors: Mohan V. , Doctor D. , Hersh W. , Valerius J.
Published: March 2015

Background: In 2007, we initiated a health information management (HIM) track of our biomedical informatics graduate program, and subsequent ongoing program assessment revealed a confluence of topics and courses within HIM and clinical informatics (CI) tracks. We completed a thorough comparative analysis of competencies derived from AMIA, AHIMA, and CAHIIM. Coupled with the need to streamline course offerings, the process, described in this paper allowed new opportunities for faculty collaboration, resulted in the creation of a model assessment for best practice in courses, and led to new avenues of growth within the program.

Objective: The objective of the case study is to provide others in the informatics educational community with a model for analysis of curriculum in order to improve quality of student learning.

Methods: We describe a case study where an academic informatics program realigned its course offerings to better reflect the HIM of today, and prepare for challenges of the future. Visionary leadership, intra-departmental self-analysis and alignment of the curriculum through defined mapping process reduced overlap within the CI and HIM tracks. Teaching within courses was optimized through the work of core faculty collaboration.

Results: The analysis of curriculum resulted in reduction of overlap within course curriculum. This allowed for additional and new course content to be added to existing courses.

Conclusions: Leadership fostered an environment where top-down as well as bottom-up collaborative assessment activities resulted in a model to consolidate learning and reduce unnecessary duplication within courses. A focus on curriculum integration, emphasis on course alignment and strategic consolidation of course content raised the quality of informatics education provided to students. Faculty synergy was an essential component of this redesign process. Continuous quality improvement strategy included an ongoing alignment of curriculum and competencies through a comparative analysis approach. Through these efforts, new innovation was possible.

Citation: Valerius J, Mohan V, Doctor D, Hersh W. Collaboration leads to enhanced curriculum. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 200–209

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-10-CR-0086
Hospital Closure and Insights into Patient Dispersion
Authors: Garg N. , Husk G. , Nguyen T. , Onyile A. , Echezona S. , Kuperman G. , Shapiro J.S.
Published: March 2015

Background: Hospital closures are becoming increasingly common in the United States. Patients who received care at the closing hospitals must travel to different, often farther hospitals for care, and nearby remaining hospitals may have difficulty coping with a sudden influx of patients.

Objectives: Our objectives are to analyze the dispersion patterns of patients from a closing hospital and to correlate that with distance from the closing hospital for three specific visit types: emergency, inpatient, and ambulatory.

Methods: In this study, we used data from a health information exchange to track patients from Saint Vincent’s Medical Center, a hospital in New York City that closed in 2010, to determine where they received emergency, inpatient, and ambulatory care following the closure.

Results: We found that patients went to the next nearest hospital for their emergency and inpatient care, but ambulatory encounters did not correlate with distance.

Discussion: It is likely that patients followed their ambulatory providers as they transitioned to another hospital system. Additional work should be done to determine predictors of impact on nearby hospitals when another hospital in the community closes in order to better prepare for patient dispersion.

Citation: Garg N, Husk G, Nguyen T, Onyile A, Echezona S, Kuperman G, Shapiro JS. Hospital closure and insights into patient dispersion: the closure of Saint Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center in New York City. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 185–199

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-10-RA-0090
Diel and seasonal changes of biogenic volatile organic compounds within and above an Amazonian rainforest
Authors: Yáñez-Serrano A. M. , Nölscher A. C. , Williams J. , Wolff S. , Alves E. , Martins G. A. , Bourtsoukidis E. , Brito J. , Jardine K. , Artaxo P. , Kesselmeier J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The Amazonian rainforest is a large tropical ecosystem, which is one of the last pristine continental terrains. This ecosystem is ideally located for the study of diel and seasonal behaviour of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in the absence of local human interference. In this study, we report the first atmospheric BVOC measurements at the Amazonian Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) site, located in central Amazonia. A quadrupole proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS), with seven ambient air inlets, positioned from near ground to about 80 m (0.05, 0.5, 4, 24, 38, 53 and 79 m above the forest floor), was deployed for BVOC monitoring. We report diel and seasonal (February–March 2013 as wet season and September 2013 as dry season) ambient mixing ratios for isoprene, monoterpenes, isoprene oxidation products, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methanol and acetonitrile. Clear diel and seasonal patterns were observed for all compounds. In general, lower mixing ratios were observed during night, while maximum mixing ratios were observed during the wet season (February–March 2013), with the peak in solar irradiation at 12:00 LT (local time) and during the dry season (September 2013) with the peak in temperature at 16:00 LT. Isoprene and monoterpene mixing ratios were the highest within the canopy with a median of 7.6 and 1 ppb, respectively (interquartile range (IQR) of 6.1 and 0.38 ppb) during the dry season (at 24 m, from 12:00 to 15:00 LT). The increased contribution of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) above the canopy indicated a transition from dominating forest emissions during the wet season (when mixing ratios were higher than within the canopy), to a blend of biogenic emission, photochemical production and advection during the dry season when mixing ratios were higher above the canopy. Our observations suggest strong seasonal interactions between environmental (insolation, temperature) and biological (phenology) drivers of leaf BVOC emissions and atmospheric chemistry. Considerable differences in the magnitude of BVOC mixing ratios, as compared to other reports of Amazonian BVOC, demonstrate the need for long-term observations at different sites and more standardized measurement procedures, in order to better characterize the natural exchange of BVOCs between the Amazonian rainforest and the atmosphere.
Comparing the CarbonTracker and TM5-4DVar data assimilation systems for CO2 surface flux inversions
Authors: Babenhauserheide A. , Basu S. , Houweling S. , Peters W. , Butz A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Data assimilation systems allow for estimating surface fluxes of greenhouse gases from atmospheric concentration measurements. Good knowledge about fluxes is essential to understand how climate change affects ecosystems and to characterize feedback mechanisms. Based on assimilation of more than one year of atmospheric in-situ concentration measurements, we compare the performance of two established data assimilation models, CarbonTracker and TM5-4DVar, for CO2 flux estimation. CarbonTracker uses an Ensemble Kalman Filter method to optimize fluxes on ecoregions. TM5-4DVar employs a 4-D variational method and optimizes fluxes on a 6° × 4° longitude/latitude grid. Harmonizing the input data allows analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches by direct comparison of the modelled concentrations and the estimated fluxes. We further assess the sensitivity of the two approaches to the density of observations and operational parameters such as temporal and spatial correlation lengths. Our results show that both models provide optimized CO2 concentration fields of similar quality. In Antarctica CarbonTracker underestimates the wintertime CO2 concentrations, since its 5-week assimilation window does not allow for adjusting the far-away surface fluxes in response to the detected concentration mismatch. Flux estimates by CarbonTracker and TM5-4DVar are consistent and robust for regions with good observation coverage, regions with low observation coverage reveal significant differences. In South America, the fluxes estimated by TM5-4DVar suffer from limited representativeness of the few observations. For the North American continent, mimicking the historical increase of measurement network density shows improving agreement between CarbonTracker and TM5-4DVar flux estimates for increasing observation density.
Using XCO2 retrievals for assessing the long-term consistency of NDACC/FTIR data sets
Authors: Barthlott S. , Schneider M. , Hase F. , Wiegele A. , Christner E. , González Y. , Blumenstock T. , Dohe S. , García O. E. , Sepúlveda E. , Strong K. , Mendonca J. , Weaver D. , Palm M. , Deutscher N. M. , Warneke T. , Notholt J. , Lejeune B. , Mahieu E. , Jones N. , Griffith D. W. T. , Velazco V. A. , Smale D. , Robinson J. , Kivi R. , Heikkinen P. , Raffalski U.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Within the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change), more than 20 FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectrometers, spread worldwide, provide long-term data records of many atmospheric trace gases. We present a method that uses measured and modelled XCO2 for assessing the consistency of these NDACC data records. Our XCO2 retrieval setup is kept simple so that it can easily be adopted for any NDACC/FTIR-like measurement made since the late 1950s. By a comparison to coincident TCCON (Total Carbon Column Observing Network) measurements, we empirically demonstrate the useful quality of this suggested NDACC XCO2 product (empirically obtained scatter between TCCON and NDACC is about 4‰ for daily mean as well as monthly mean comparisons, and the bias is 25‰). Our XCO2 model is a simple regression model fitted to CarbonTracker results and the Mauna Loa CO2 in situ records. A comparison to TCCON data suggests an uncertainty of the model for monthly mean data of below 3‰. We apply the method to the NDACC/FTIR spectra that are used within the project MUSICA (multi-platform remote sensing of isotopologues for investigating the cycle of atmospheric water) and demonstrate that there is a good consistency for these globally representative set of spectra measured since 1996: the scatter between the modelled and measured XCO2 on a yearly time scale is only 3‰.
Soil moisture–precipitation coupling: observations from the Oklahoma Mesonet and underlying physical mechanisms
Authors: Ford T. W. , Rapp A. D. , Quiring S. M. , Blake J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Interactions between soil moisture and the atmosphere are driven by the partitioning of sensible and latent heating, through which, soil moisture has been connected to atmospheric modification that could potentially lead to initiation of convective precipitation. The majority of previous studies linking the land surface to subsequent precipitation have used atmospheric reanalysis or model datasets. In this study, we link in situ observations of soil moisture from more than 100 stations in Oklahoma to subsequent unorganized afternoon convective precipitation. We use hourly, high resolution NEXRAD radar-derived precipitation to identify convective events, and then compare the location of precipitation initiation to underlying soil moisture anomalies the morning prior. Overall we find a statistically significant preference for convective precipitation initiation over drier than normal soils, with over 70% of events initiating over soil moisture below the long-term median. The significant preference for precipitation initiation over drier than normal soils is in contrast with previous studies using satellite-based precipitation products to identify the region of maximum precipitation accumulation. We sub-sample 19 convective events occurring near Lamont, Oklahoma, where soundings of the atmospheric profile at 06:00 and 12:00 LST are also available. For these events, soil moisture is strongly, negatively correlated with the level of free convection, planetary boundary layer height, and surface temperature changes from 06:00 to 12:00 LST. We also find strong, positive correlations between morning soil moisture and morning-to-afternoon changes in convective available potential energy and convective inhibition. In general, the results of this study demonstrate that both positive and negative soil moisture feedbacks to the atmosphere are relevant in this region of the United States.
Moving sociohydrology forward: a synthesis across studies
Authors: Troy T. J. , Konar M. , Srinivasan V. , Thompson S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Sociohydrology is the study of coupled human–water systems with the premise that water and human systems co-evolve, often with two-way coupling. A recent special issue in HESS/ESD, "Predictions under change: water, earth, and biota in the Anthropocene", includes a number of sociohydrologic publications that allow for a survey of the current state of understanding of sociohydrology and the coupled system dynamics and feedbacks, the research methodologies available, and the norms and ethics involved in studying sociohydrologic systems. Although sociohydrology is concerned with coupled human–water systems, it is critical to consider the sociohydrologic system as embedded in a larger, complex social–ecological system through which human–water feedbacks can occur and from which the sociohydrologic system cannot be isolated. As such, sociohydrology can draw on tools developed in the social–ecological and complex systems literature to further our sociohydrologic knowledge, and this is identified as a ripe area of future research.
The asymmetric impact of natural disasters on China's bilateral trade
Authors: Meng Y. , Shi P. , Yang S. , Jeager C. C.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Globalization and technological revolutions are making the world more interconnected. International trade is one of the major approaches linking the world. Since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan shocked the global supply chain, more attention has been paid to the global impact of large-scale disasters. China is the second largest trader in the world and faces the most frequent natural disasters. Therefore, this study proposes a gravity model for China's bilateral trade tailored to national circumstances, and estimates the impact of natural disasters in China and trading partner countries on Chinese imports and exports. We analyzed Chinese and trading partner statistical data from 1980 to 2012. Study results show that: (1) China's natural disasters have a positive impact on imports, but have no significant impact on exports, (2) trading partner countries' natural disasters reduce Chinese imports and exports, (3) both development level and land area of the partners are important in determining the intensity of natural disaster impacts on China's bilateral trade. The above findings suggest that the impact of natural disasters on trade is asymmetric and significantly affected by other factors, which demand further study.
Using sparse regularization for multiresolution tomography of the ionosphere
Authors: Panicciari T. , Smith N. D. , Mitchell C. N. , Da Dalt F. , Spencer P. S. J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) is a technique that allows reconstructing the state of the ionosphere in terms of electron content from a set of Slant Total Electron Content (STEC) measurements. It is usually denoted as an inverse problem. In this experiment, the measurements are considered coming from the phase of the GPS signal and, therefore, affected by bias. For this reason the STEC cannot be considered in absolute terms but rather in relative terms. Measurements are collected from receivers not evenly distributed in space and together with limitations such as angle and density of the observations, they are the cause of instability in the operation of inversion. Furthermore, the ionosphere is a dynamic medium whose processes are continuously changing in time and space. This can affect CIT by limiting the accuracy in resolving structures and the processes that describe the ionosphere. Some inversion techniques are based on l2 minimization algorithms (i.e. Tikhonov regularization) and a standard approach is implemented here using spherical harmonics as a reference to compare the new method. A new approach is proposed for CIT that aims to permit sparsity in the reconstruction coefficients by using wavelet basis functions. It is based on the l1 minimization technique and wavelet basis functions due to their properties of compact representation. The l1 minimization is selected because it can optimise the result with an uneven distribution of observations by exploiting the localization property of wavelets. Also illustrated is how the interfrequency biases on the STEC are calibrated within the operation of inversion, and this is used as a way for evaluating the accuracy of the method. The technique is demonstrated using a simulation, showing the advantage of l1 minimization to estimate the coefficients over the l2 minimization. This is in particular true for an uneven observation geometry and especially for multi resolution CIT.
Information Ownership and Materiality in an Age of Big Data Surveillance
Authors: Hogan Mél , Shepherd Tamara
Published: March 2015

Can private data “havens,” localized servers, and offline infrastructure empower secure and private user control over data? Contrasting Sealand's counter-surveillance policies with the NSA's Utah Data Center mass surveillance apparatus, the authors analyze how control of the physical location of data centers shapes the possibilities of data agency and ownership. They note that to whom data belongs has become regulated asymmetrically through technological capacity rather than through socially articulated norms or deliberative legal processes. They offer a number of policy approaches to enhance the democratic potential of information stewardship, but question whether any are sufficient to subvert the power of agencies such as the NSA.
Combining Analytical Methods for Assessing Food Security across the Food Value Chain
Authors: Reif Constance , Lana Marcos , Graef Frieder , Dietrich Ottfried , Schindler Jana , Helming Katharina , Koenig Hannes , Sieber Stefan
Published: March 2015

Food security (FS) is a function of food availability, accessibility, stability and utilization. Food value chains (FVCs) are part of the food system and are characterized by five main components: natural resources, food production, processing, markets and consumption. Many methods are available to assess single FVC components, but few cover a series of FVC components. This paper introduces an integrated research framework which combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies across a generic FVC. Furthermore, this approach provides mechanisms to identify the contribution to FS of each component in the FVC. The methodology uses an FVC as an analytical framework within which to assess FS in a systematic approach. Starting with a working scenario, each tool was evaluated according to its potential to assess FS indicators in different components, and then classified according to its temporal and spatial scales. The advantages, challenges and limitations of this conceptual approach are evaluated and discussed.
Financing Agricultural Production from a Value Chain Perspective
Authors: Oberholster Cobus , Adendorff Chris , Jonker Kobus
Published: March 2015

World agriculture, despite numerous supply and demand challenges, has to increase its production capacity significantly to satisfy the increased demand for food. In addition, the sector has a significant developmental role to play. Access to credit is, however, a key enabler in this regard. This paper reports on a country-specific study performed to promote the success of agricultural value chain financing in South Africa, with a specific focus on the financing of agricultural production. The literature review provides a global overview of agricultural production, agricultural value chain financing and the potential role of leading chain actors as connecting institutions. The empirical study provides strong evidence of significant relationships between the dependent variable of the study, namely the perceived success of agricultural value chain financing in South Africa, and the intervening and independent variables. The independent variables value chain integration, strategic partnering, risk management, supporting services, sustainable production, product range and external financing positively influence the intervening variable – value chain competitiveness. In the same manner, the intervening variable of value chain competitiveness positively influences the perceived success of agricultural value chain financing in this study.
Assessment of Trace Gas Emissions From Wild Fires in Different Vegetation Types in Northern Ghana: Implications for Global Warming
Authors: Nyadzi Emmanuel , Ezenwa Mathew I. S. , Nyarko Benjamin K. , Okhimamhe A. A. , Bagamsah Thomas T. , Okelola Francis O.
Published: March 2015

Biomass burning in Northern Ghana is a major cause for concern because of its potential contribution to global warming, hence climate change. This study assessed the emission of trace gases from human activities in the Guinea savanna of Northern Ghana using the guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Carbon content of biomass was determined from four different vegetation covers in the study area; namely, widely open savanna woodland, grass/herb with scattered trees, open savanna woodland and closed savanna woodland. Under each vegetation cover, five plots (1 m x 1 m) were demarcated for the estimation of above-ground biomass density. Using the combustion furnace method, emitted carbon, methane and carbon monoxide were estimated. Results showed that the emitted methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) differed significantly (p<0.05) under all the vegetation types. The gases were in perfect correlation (r=1.00) with the quantity of above-ground biomass density and carbon released, with more CO being emitted. Emission of CH4 and CO per hectare of burnt area in the open savanna woodland category was the highest with 0.001719 ton and 0.045119 ton respectively. Over time, emission of these gases may increase their atmospheric concentration, causing major health problems. The contribution to global warming, thus climate change, may also become quite significant. This underscores the fact that existing flaws in the wild fire management policy of Ghana must be effectively dealt with and appropriately implemented with regular reviews to reduce the annual wild fires that are very rampant in Northern Ghana, especially during the dry season.
Verzet. Een inleiding
Authors: van Gemert Frank , Schuilenburg Marc
Published: March 2015

Resistance. An introduction

In the introduction of the special issue of the Journal on Crime & Culture on ‘Resistance’, the editors focus on the theoretical history of the concept of resistance in the field of Criminology. Against the background of the Birmingham School and the themes and ideas of Critical Criminology, the authors argue that new issues are rebelled against, and new styles and rituals become en vogue. The street fighting man on the barricades is no longer the obvious icon, and resistance is not per se intergenerational, interclass or a confrontation between minorities and mainstream culture. Resistance may have epidemic proportions as the Arabic Spring. Movements like Occupy or WikiLeaks operate across borders, but resistance also includes subtle transgressions within organizations.
To resist = to create? Some thoughts on the concept of resistance in cultural criminology
Authors: Hayward Keith , Schuilenburg Marc
Published: March 2015

To resist = to create? Some thoughts on the concept of resistance in cultural criminology

This article provides a theoretical analysis of the label ‘resistance’. It sets out from the premise that the notion of resistance, although it has been current in criminology for some time, is still vaguely defined. We argue that resistance is not just a negative term, but can also be seen as a positive and creative force in society. As such, the primary function of resistance is to serve as a solvent of doxa, to continuously question obviousness and common sense. In the process of resistance we distinguish three processes: invention, imitation and transformation. The third stage warrants deeper investigation within cultural criminology.
Jusqu’ici tout va bien. Jongeren en de productie van parochiale plaatsen in La Haine
Authors: De Backer Mattias , Christiaens Jenneke
Published: March 2015

Jusqu’ici tout va bien. Youth and the production of parochial places in La Haine

La Haine (Kassovitz, 1995) shows practices of resistance of youngsters in public space. Next to the traditional milieus of socialisation – at home, at school or in institutionalised leisure facilities – youngsters demand their ‘place’ in public space. In doing so, they partly privatise public space (‘parochial space’). In this article we argue that transgressive behaviour of youngsters should be conceptualised as both a side-effect of growing up and socialisation, and as resistance against adult domination, especially in public space. As such, hanging around is cause and effect of control and criminalisation.
Commodifying compliance? UK urban music and the new mediascape
Authors: Ilan Jonathan
Published: March 2015

Commodifying compliance? UK urban music and the new mediascape

Subcultural theory and cultural criminology have traditionally viewed ‘underground’ youth movements as providing images of deviance/resistance which the cultural industries harvest to turn a profit. The logic follows that street and sub cultures imbue products with a ‘transgressive edge’ that increases their appeal within youth markets. This paper uses the example of UK ‘grime’ music to demonstrate how this dynamic cannot be viewed as applying universally in contemporary times. Where their street orientated content is censured, many grime artistes express a desire for commercial success which would ultimately emerge through muting their rhetorical links to crime and violence and explicitly championing ‘mainstream’ values. This case is used as an empirical cue to explore the use and critique of the concept of ‘resistance’ within cultural criminology and subcultural theory. The paper problematizes commodification of resistance discourses as they apply to the rugged culture of the streets and indeed its supposed ‘oppositional’ character where disadvantaged urban youth clearly embody and practice the logic of neoliberalism. It furthermore suggests that certain critiques of cultural criminology go too far in denying any meaning to criminality and subcultural practice beyond consumer desire. Ultimately, the concept of ‘defiance’ is suggested as a useful tool to understand the norms of and behaviours of the excluded.
Verzet of collaboratie? Hoe de strijd tegen genocide kan bijdragen aan genocide
Authors: Moerland Roland
Published: March 2015

Resistance or collaboration? How the struggle against genocide can facilitate genocide.

The politization of the concept of genocide by Western states has been severely criticised, because it has led to an impunity for genocidal crimes. In certain instances however, such criticism has contributed to the dynamic of victimization, instead of resisting it. The article discusses how Professor Edward S. Herman and journalist David Peterson’s staunch criticism of the politics of genocide amounts to a brazen denial of the genocide against the Tutsi which recycles much of the extremist discourse of the former Rwandan authorities that were implicated in genocide. In this case Herman and Peterson’s resistance against the politics of genocide has profound implications, several of which the article will address.
Autism Associated with B-Vitamin Deficiency Linked to Sugar Intake and Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Shamberger Raymond J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Autism rates in the United States are increasing at a rate of 10-15% per year. This study uses nutritional epidemiology and relates autism rates to the total B-vitamin intakes. The total amounts of B-vitamins are then compared to the previously established minimal daily requirements to see if the intakes are adequate. The apparent lower B-vitamins may result from the increased consumption of sugar and alcohol which are devoid of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and antioxidants.
Study Design: The autism rate was then compared to the percent exclusive per cent breast feeding from 2000-2004 as well as 2007-2010. Other comparisons were made between the statewide exclusive breast feeding and the binge drinking per state. The percentage of infants who participated in Washington state WIC (Womens Infant & Childrens) program were also compared to the autism rate in each county. The autism rate among 8 year olds when compared to the % increase of sugar consumption from 2002 to 2010 also showed an increase in the autism rate.
Results: The total amounts of B vitamins in breast milk seemed to be inadequate compared to published mdrs. There was also a direct relationship to the autism rate with the women who were breast feeding from 2000-2004 and 2007-2010. Increased autism rates were related to increased sugar consumption and to an increased alcohol intake.
Conclusions: The mothers who are exclusively breast feeding should continue their prenatal vitamins. Sugar intake and alcohol consumption should be decreased. The results suggest that autism is nutritionally related.
Structural and Functional Neuroimaging of Restricted and Repetitive Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Traynor Jenna M. , Hall Geoffrey B.C.
Published: March 2015

A prominent symptom of Autism Spectrum Disorder includes restricted and repetitive behaviours. This symptom has been divided into three subtypes: repetitive motor behaviour, insistence on sameness and circumscribed interests. In the past, the neural correlates of these behaviours have been largely understudied. More recently, neuroimaging studies have pointed to a number of neural networks that may underlay these behaviours. However, results from this work have been varied and remain difficult to integrate. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent neuroimaging studies on restricted and repetitive behaviours in autism, and to provide an organized framework that will permit a clearer understanding of the neural correlates of these behaviours. Using a developmental perspective, this review will identify that there are distinct and overlapping neural networks that are associated with repetitive motor behaviour, insistence on sameness and circumscribed interests. In addition, this review will identify a series of executive and affective function tasks that have proven efficacious in the study of repetitive behaviour.
Hábitos de lectura en estudiantes de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la universidad de Zaragoza
Authors: Salvador Oliván José Antonio , Agustín Lacruz Mª Carmen
Published: March 2015

El objetivo del estudio es explorar los hábitos de lectura de estudiantes de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la universidad de Zaragoza. El estudio es descriptivo, transversal. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoadministrado para recoger los datos de 561 estudiantes. El análisis de datos incluyó estadísticos descriptivos y el test de chi cuadrado.Los resultados revelan que los estudiantes universitarios son lectores frecuentes de una amplia variedad y tipos de información relacionada con el ocio, con el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje o simplemente periodística, siendo los dispositivos más empleados el ordenador y el smartphone, y los lugares más habituales de lectura el propio domicilio, la biblioteca y los espacios públicos. La política, economía y deportes son temas más leidos  por los hombres, mientras que los contenidos en revistas no académicas (salud, moda, sociedad, horóscopo), aunque son los menos leídos, son preferidos por las mujeres.
Inventario de recursos turísticos como base para la planificación territorial en la zona Altiplano de San Luis Potosi, México
Authors: Blanco López Paloma , Vázquez Solís Valente , Reyes Agüero Juan Antonio , Guzmán Chávez Mauricio Genet
Published: March 2015

Este artículo aborda el análisis del potencial turístico como condición para la planificación turística. Se explica el turismo como factor de desarrollo y a la planificación como instrumento de su gestión. Se utilizan los municipios con mayor potencial turístico en la Zona Altiplano de San Luis Potosí para exponer y ejemplificar los resultados del diagnóstico de la región. Después se evalúan los instrumentos vigentes de planificación turística vigentes en San Luis Potosí y se ofrece una propuesta de aprovechamiento turístico con ayuda de un análisis FODA para los municipios seleccionados.
Estudio de la demanda del turismo en el Parque Nacional y Reserva de la Biosfera de Monfragüe
Authors: Leco Berrocal Felipe , Mateos Rodríguez Ana Beatriz , Pérez Díaz Antonio
Published: March 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido la realización de un diagnóstico exhaustivo del turismo en el Parque Nacional y la Reserva de la Biosfera de Monfragüe1. Para ello se han analizado algunos indicadores como el perfil del visitante, los alojamientos utilizados o a las actividades que se han llevado a cabo. Los datos, obtenidos a partir de las encuestas realizadas al efecto, han posibilitado una evaluación objetiva y precisa del perfil del turista en este espacio protegido, exponiendo las fortalezas y oportunidades de este territorio y subrayando la valoración afectiva o la fidelidad de los usuarios hacia este espacio protegido.
Le double sens de la communauté morale : la considérabilité morale et l’agentivité morale des autres animaux
Authors: Bailey Christiane
Published: March 2015

Distinguant deux sens de « communauté morale », cet article soutient que certains animaux appartiennent à la communauté morale dans les deux sens : (1) ils sont des patients moraux dignes de considération morale directe et équivalente, mais également (2) des agents moraux au sens où ils sont capables de reconnaître, d’assumer et d’adresser aux autres des exigences minimales de bonne conduite et de savoir-vivre. Au moyen de la notion d’« attitudes réactives » développée par Peter F. Strawson, je soutiens que les animaux sociaux qui sont à la fois objets et sujets d’attitudes réactives forment des communautés morales au second sens, dans la mesure où ils se traitent mutuellement comme des individus ayant des obligations et tenus à des exigences de bonne volonté minimale dans leurs interactions interpersonnelles. Distinguant l’agentivité morale du raisonnement moral, je soutiens que la capacité de raisonner abstraitement sur les principes et les conséquences de nos actions nous imposent plus de responsabilités que n’en ont d’autres animaux, mais que cela ne fait pas nécessairement de nous des agents moraux plus compétents que d’autres animaux sociaux. Je termine en donnant un aperçu de quelques implications de ce changement de perspective en éthique animale.