Structure, Multiplexity, and Centrality in a Corruption Network:The Czech Rath Affair

The present study is an analysis of a Czech political corruption network known as the Rath affair reconstructed with publicly available data. We argue that for the study of criminal networks it is fruitful to follow a multiplex approach, i.e., to distinguish several interdependent network dimensions and study how they are interrelated. Relational elements in corruption are identified, and we propose three dimensions that are essential for understanding the Rath network: pre-existing ties (e.g., marriage or co-membership of the same party), resource transfer (e.g., bribing), and collaboration (e.g., communication). The aim of the study was threefold. We aimed to examine if the network exhibits the core/periphery structure, to investigate the multiplex structure of the network by assessing the overlap of the main dimensions of the network, and to determine the central and multiplex actors while considering the differentiation of centrality according to the three network dimensions. The core/periphery model appears to have a perfect fit to the aggregated network, leading to a four-block adjacency matrix. Studying the frequency of ties in these blocks shows that collaboration ties are present in all the blocks, while resource transfer ties are mainly located between the core and periphery, and pre-existing ties are rare generally. We also identify central actors, none of which are strategically positioned, occupying more visible positions instead. The majority of actors display strong multiplexity in the composition of their own ties. In the conclusion the potential usefulness of multiplex descriptive measures and of mixed methods approaches, implications of our results for trust incriminal networks, and potential merits of analytical sociology approach are discussed

Impact of consumers' diet choices on greenhouse gas emissions

This study explores the impacts on agricultural and total GHG emissions of Finnish consumption if the share of animal based food products was reduced and if the share of ecologically produced food was to increase in Finland. GHG emissions associated with production of basic food items were quantified (per capita per annum) for current food consumption, for national standard diet recommendations, for a diet with no milk and beef and for a vegan diet including an oat-based milk susbstitute. The major source of GHG in primary food production is the cultivated soil. For the present average food consumption the emissions from the soil comprise 62 %, the share of emissions due to enteric fermentation is 24 %, whereas energy consumption and fertilizer manufacture both contribute about 8 %. Because of the extensive production mode, regarding GHG emissions the environmental performance, of organic production is poor

Influences Affecting Career/Life Planning Aspirations as Perceived by Intellectually-Gifted, Ethnically-Diverse Adolescent Girls: A Case Study

With the exception of a few Asian-American women, there continues to be fewer women from ethnically-diverse cultures in high status careers. Yet little is known about the specific variables which affect the life planning and future aspirations of young, gifted black, Hispanic and Pan/Asian women. Studies conducted and reported have focused primarily on white, middle-class adolescents or college students. The importance of this study is the addition to the sparse amount of existing literature related to the influences affecting the future life planning of the intellectually-gifted, ethnically-diverse, adolescent female. The purpose of this case study was to examine and assess cultural influences as transmitted by the parents and community and as perceived by the intellectually-gifted black, Pan/Asian and Hispanic-American adolescent female. The seven questions designed to guide this research included an exploration of the girls\u27 perceptions of the parent-daughter relationship, the extent of the parent-daughter interaction relative to career choice, whether career goals were clearly defined, the girl\u27s perception of herself and her ability to pursue a career commensurate with her ability, and other influences perceived by the girl as affecting career choice/future life planning. The sample consisted of fourteen black, twenty Hispanic, and seventeen Pan/Asian-American girls attending seventh or eighth grade in San Diego County. Quantitative data were obtained through a fifty-one item questionnaire designed by the researcher. Qualitative data were obtained through group interviews with 20 percent of the sample population. Statistical treatment of the data were completed through chi-square analysis of selected questionnaire items. Interview responses were discussed qualitatively and a composite of the black, Hispanic and Pan/Asian-American sample subjects was drawn. Findings of the study included: 1) the girls had high occupational aspirations but career goals were not clearly defined; 2) the majority of the girls did not know the requirements needed to reach their particular goals; 3) the girls perceived their parents as being generally supportive of what they wanted to do, although the Pan/Asian parents strongly indicated their desire for the daughters to select medically-related careers, while the black parents stressed the importance of having at least a college degree; 4) Hispanic parents were more affiliative than directive; 5) double messages from parents about the importance of a career but the importance of remaining at home if the girls married; 6) double messages from the community about the equality of men arid women in relation to career choice but the girls perceived that, in all reality, men had more options; 7) the Pan/Asian and Hispanic girls cited money and marriage as barriers to career attainment; and 8) peers were perceived as having little effect on career choice. It is hoped that the results of this study will assist parents, teachers and counselors who provide career guidance become more aware of the attitudes, values and perceptions affecting the career choices of gifted Hispanic, Pan/Asian, and black adolescent girls. Limitations and suggestions for career guidance were discussed

Montana Kaimin, February 25, 1971

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/studentnewspaper/6997/thumbnail.jp

Paradise Lost, Paradox Revisited: The Implications of Familial Ideology for Feminist, Lesbian, and Gay Engagement to Law

In this article the author addresses the theoretical and political challenges issued to feminists and feminist scholarship by recent debates and litigation concerning family and family-based benefits. The argument proceeds in four parts: first, the discussion is relocated within socialist feminist theory. The implications of the qualified pro-family stance in the critiques advanced or influenced by women of colour is considered next, followed by an examination of some proposals to extend the definition of spouse and family to lesbian and gay relationships. The author is critical of both critiques and illustrates with reference to Canadian welfare and immigration law that feminists, lesbians, and gays must be attentive to the complex and contradictory implications of family-based strategies

Paradise Lost, Paradox Revisited: The Implications of Familial Ideology for Feminist, Lesbian, and Gay Engagement to Law

In this article the author addresses the theoretical and political challenges issued to feminists and feminist scholarship by recent debates and litigation concerning family and family-based benefits. The argument proceeds in four parts: first, the discussion is relocated within socialist feminist theory. The implications of the qualified pro-family stance in the critiques advanced or influenced by women of colour is considered next, followed by an examination of some proposals to extend the definition of spouse and family to lesbian and gay relationships. The author is critical of both critiques and illustrates with reference to Canadian welfare and immigration law that feminists, lesbians, and gays must be attentive to the complex and contradictory implications of family-based strategies

The effect of decisional states upon organizational climate in public schools /

A random sample of schools (N = 58) was selected from the population of public schools in Oklahoma. Once the sample population was selected, data were collected and analyzed. The multiple regression prediction model was utilized to analyze the data. The researcher wished to predict organizational climate pattern scores from decisional states scores. The analysis revealed that three of the five hypotheses posited were rejected, because the decisional states scores did not significantly predict organizational climate pattern scores. Two hypotheses were not rejected. These hypotheses stated that specific decisional states scores did not contribute significantly to the prediction model.Measures of decisional states were obtained from the Belasco and Alutto's Decisional States Scale. Organizational climate measures were obtained by using Litwin and Stringer's Profile of Organizational Climate. A pilot test and subsequent factor analysis was conducted to determine if the survey measurement instruments were appropriate. The measurement instruments were found appropriate instruments for the collection of data in the public schools of Oklahoma.This research focused upon the variable domains of decisional states (participatory decision-making) and organizational climate. Participatory decision-making theory and research suggest that there is a decision-making process in every organization. The theory and research on organizational climate suggest that an atmosphere (climate) is inherent in every organization. The problem for this research was: What is the relationship between organizational climate and decisional states?In summary, the researcher concluded that decisional states scores were not significant predictors of organizational climate pattern scores. This research challenged and contradicted previous research conducted in both participatory decision-making and organizational climate theory and research. It is recommended additional research be done in this area