Ethical Leadership in Kazakhstan: An Exploratory Study

This study measured ethical leadership perceptions utilizing a new corporate culture scale in a Central Asian country. Ethical leadership ratings from 103 Kazakhstani employees were used to determine how they perceived their managers in terms of being moral people and moral managers. Results indicate that managers are perceived as relatively weaker moral managers as compared to moral persons. Holding employees accountable for their actions is the lowest rated aspect of the moral manager. Definitions of moral persons and moral managers in Kazakhstan vary somewhat from an American culture-oriented ethical leadership model. Implications for theory and practice are discussed

Molecular Computing: from conformational pattern recognition to complex processing networks

Natural biomolecular systems process information in a radically different manner than programmable machines. Conformational interactions, the basis of specificity and self-assembly, are of key importance. A gedanken device is presented that illustrates how the fusion of information through conformational self-organization can serve to enhance pattern processing at the cellular level. The device is used to highlight general features of biomolecular information processing. We briefly outline a simulation system designed to address the manner in which conformational processing interacts with kinetic and higher level structural dynamics in complex biochemical networks. Virtual models that capture features of biomolecular information processing can in some instances have artificial intelligence value in their own right and should serve as design tools for future computers built from real molecules

The Natural Resource Curse and Economic Transition

Using cross-country regressions, we examine the relationship between “point-source” resource abundance and economic growth, quality of institutions, investment in human and physical capital, and social welfare (life expectancy and infant mortality). Contrary to most literature, we find little evidence of natural resource curse outside of the economies in transition. In the economies in transition, there is some evidence that natural resource wealth is associated with higher infant mortality. This negative effect, however, exists only relative to other resource rich countries. Compared to other economies in transition, natural resource abundant transitional economies are not worse off with respect to our indicators..

The LSND and MiniBooNE Oscillation Searches at High Δm2\Delta m^2

This paper reviews the results of the LSND and MiniBooNE experiments. The primary goal of each experiment was to effect sensitive searches for neutrino oscillations in the mass region with $\Delta m^2 \sim 1$ eV$^2$. The two experiments are complementary, and so the comparison of results can bring additional information with respect to models with sterile neutrinos. Both experiments obtained evidence for $\bar \nu_\mu \rightarrow \bar \nu_e$ oscillations, and MiniBooNE also observed a $\nu_\mu \rightarrow \nu_e$ excess. In this paper, we review the design, analysis, and results from these experiments. We then consider the results within the global context of sterile neutrino oscillation models. The final data sets require a more extended model than the simple single sterile neutrino model imagined at the time that LSND drew to a close and MiniBooNE began. We show that there are apparent incompatibilities between data sets in models with two sterile neutrinos. However, these incompatibilities may be explained with variations within the systematic error. Overall, models with two (or three) sterile neutrinos seem to succeed in fitting the global data, and they make interesting predictions for future experiments.Comment: Posted with permission from the Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science, Volume 63. \c{opyright} 2013 by Annual Reviews, http://www.annualreviews.or

Habitat Management to Reduce Human Exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and Western Conenose Bugs (Triatoma protracta).

Chagas disease, which manifests as cardiomyopathy and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a vector-borne parasite. In California, the vector Triatoma protracta frequently colonizes woodrat (Neotoma spp.) lodges, but may also invade nearby residences, feeding upon humans and creating the dual risk of bite-induced anaphylaxis and T. cruzi transmission. Our research aimed to assess T. cruzi presence in woodrats in a previously unstudied northern California area, statistically evaluate woodrat microhabitat use with respect to vegetation parameters, and provide guidance for habitat modifications to mitigate public health risks associated with Tr. protracta exposure. Blood samples from big-eared woodrats (N. macrotis) trapped on rural private properties yielded a T. cruzi prevalence of 14.3%. Microhabitat analyses suggest that modifying vegetation to reduce understory density within a 40 meter radius of human residences might minimize woodrat lodge construction within this buffer area, potentially decreasing human exposure to Tr. protracta

Concerto for Jazz Trombone and Wind Ensemble

Concerto for Jazz Trombone and Wind Ensemble is an original piece that incorporates distinct elements of jazz music within a largely classical framework. The analysis presented examines the role of improvisation, the use of blues tonality, and the incorporation of quintessential jazz harmonies throughout the work. My research explores the way in which these jazz elements operate in the context of a prototypical concerto format with a wind ensemble instrumentation and classical forms. The compositional devices and musical components of each section are examined in great detail, from the motivic unity of the first movement to the blending of blues and Hungarian-Gyspy styles in the third movement. By using a unique combination of musical languages and compositional techniques, Concerto for Jazz Trombone and Wind Ensemble aims to contribute a new type of piece to the solo trombone repertoire — one in which the trombonist balances the more traditional concerto soloist role with that of creative improviser