The Presentation of Profiles in Everyday Life: Identity Formation in the Digital Age

This study analyzes the impact of social media profiles on identity formation. My analysis shines a light on the dynamics of self presentation and profile curation on social media. Through this analysis, I examine the extent to which the online self forms the basis for the offline self and personal identity at large, and the ways in which social and economic forces produce such a development. Previous research has looked at the ways in which online and offline selves interact within the social context they are situated in, and has set a framework for analyzing the role of individual agency in identity formation in an increasingly digital world. Through in-depth interviews of 5 young adult social media users, this study addresses the following question: In what ways is social media a site of self creation along with self expression? Overall, the relationship between self expression and identity formation on social media is complex and warrants further examination, as this study reveals the deluge of mediating factors behind acts of self expression and, therefore, behind personal identity.Purchase College SUNYSociologyBachelor of ArtsKosut, Mari

Holistic Compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley

The theory underlying US securities laws is that investors are helpless without reliable information [Zelizer, 2002]. When Enron\u27s collapse and other corporate frauds made it clear that practically every element of our system of safeguards failed until it was too late to repair the damage, Congress reinforced those laws by passing the Sarbanes-Oxley (SARBOX) Act [O\u27Malley, 2002]. This new law demands that C-suite executives confirm their confidence in the quality and integrity of information generated by information systems by signing the figures off personally. Under SARBOX, the Securities and Exchange Commission holds executives accountable for reliable internal controls, record retention, and fraud detection. In turn, executives are looking to information systems and to IS auditors to help them meet their regulatory responsibilities. This article discusses SARBOX mandates and the intent of regulatory agencies. That understanding lays the foundation needed to develop holistic SARBOX compliance programs with information technology and business process improvements. Holistic compliance is an enterprise-wide and long-term approach that views the new law as opportunities to improve internal controls and public reporting. Holistic compliance stands in contrast to simply complying with the rules or silo compliance; i.e., efforts scattered throughout business silos. We identify SARBOX requirements ( sections ) concerning IS and IS research. Research areas to achieve minimal compliance include methods for IS assurance and auditing, risk management, and electronic records management (ERM). Research in business intelligence, data warehousing and mining, and supply chain management are necessary for holistic compliance that improves competitive position. While research efforts in these areas are not new, regulations have made them more compelling and urgent issues for senior management

Fabrication of microstructured binary polymer brush “corrals” with integral pH sensing for studies of proton transport in model membrane systems

Binary brush structures consisting of poly(cysteine methacrylate) (PCysMA) “corrals” enclosed within poly(oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA) “walls” are fabricated simply and efficiently using a two-step photochemical process. First, the C–Cl bonds of 4-(chloromethyl)phenylsilane monolayers are selectively converted into carboxylic acid groups by patterned exposure to UV light through a mask and POEGMA is grown from unmodified chlorinated regions by surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP). Incorporation of a ratiometric fluorescent pH indicator, Nile Blue 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl carbamate (NBC), into the polymer brushes facilitates assessment of local changes in pH using a confocal laser scanning microscope with spectral resolution capability. Moreover, the dye label acts as a radical spin trap, enabling removal of halogen end-groups from the brushes via in situ dye addition during the polymerisation process. Second, an initiator is attached to the carboxylic acid-functionalised regions formed by UV photolysis in the patterning step, enabling growth of PCysMA brushes by ATRP. Transfer of the system to THF, a poor solvent for PCysMA, causes collapse of the PCysMA brushes. At the interface between the collapsed brush and solvent, selective derivatisation of amine groups is achieved by reaction with excess glutaraldehyde, facilitating attachment of aminobutyl(nitrile triacetic acid) (NTA). The PCysMA brush collapse is reversed on transfer to water, leaving it fully expanded but only functionalized at the brush–water interface. Following complexation of NTA with Ni2+, attachment of histidine-tagged proteorhodopsin and lipid deposition, light-activated transport of protons into the brush structure is demonstrated by measuring the ratiometric response of NBC in the POEGMA walls

Optimization of insect cell based protein production processes - online monitoring, expression systems, scale-up

Due to the increasing use of insect cell based expression systems in research and industrial recombinant protein production, the development of efficient and reproducible production processes remains a challenging task. In this context, the application of online monitoring techniques is intended to ensure high and reproducible product qualities already during the early phases of process development. In the following chapter, the most common transient and stable insect cell based expression systems are briefly introduced. Novel applications of insect cell based expression systems for the production of insect derived antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) are discussed using the example of G. mellonella derived gloverin. Suitable in situ sensor techniques for insect cell culture monitoring in disposable and common bioreactor systems are outlined with respect to optical and capacitive sensor concepts. Since scale-up of production processes is one of the most critical steps in process development, a conclusive overview is given about scale up aspects for industrial insect cell culture processes

Pervasive skills development for aspirant chartered accountants : academic versus training programmes

Abstract: Changes in the business environment have challenged both the technical and pervasive competencies of aspirant professional accountants (or chartered accountants [CAs]). Accounting bodies have responded to this need by adopting competency-based qualification models. Likewise, in 2008, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants developed a Competency Framework where aspirant CAs are now assessed on both technical and pervasive skills en route to qualifying as CAs, the latter being the focus of this article. The article aims to ascertain the views of aspirant CAs on the effectiveness of academic and training programmes en route to qualifying as a CA. It also seeks additional vehicles to improve the delivery of pervasive skills during qualification. This research uses empirical data in the form of a questionnaire with both open and closed response options. The study reveals that both programmes are critical to the success of qualifying as a CA, but further emphasis is required in developing pervasive skills for both programmes. The findings also demonstrate the importance of using methods such as cases, mentorship programmes and internship programmes in equipping candidates with pervasive skills. The use of separate modules to develop pervasive skills during both programmes was also strongly supported by the majority of aspirant CAs