Methodology for Detection and Assessment of the Impact Of Informal Processes On Organizational Output

This research focuses on the detection and assessment of informal processes within an organization. Informal processes are defined as activities that are not formalized with respect to the inputs, resources, and/or controls; or an activity that deviates from a formal process. Informal processes affect all aspects of an organization's business. Informal processes cannot be eliminated (nor should they necessarily be). The question becomes how can we identify the informal processes and assess their impact on our system/s safety? The research reported in this paper is aimed at providing an answer to this question. A theoretical foundation in the area of organizational culture, structures and practices culminating in the SoTeRiA (Socio-Technical Risk Analysis) framework provides the general model for this research. A comprehensive methodology for the detection, identification and assessment of informal processes is presented which will allow an organization to benefit from positive informal processes, while resolving detrimental informal processes to preclude their use. Two detection methods have been developed - an indirect detection method (questionnaire completed by a management representative) and a direct detection method (process audit). A methodology has been developed to be utilized as a guideline in the performance of process audits that encompasses process element identification, process interactions, and the usage of document trees. A methodology for the assessment of the impact of informal processes on an organization has been developed that will enable businesses and organization's to have more accurate and complete data from which to make their decisions regarding the state of the organization. To assess the impact of informal processes, Bayesian Belief Networks were utilized to determine the probability of the process output failure with the inclusion of informal processes and then after the informal processes were brought into the formal system. The application of this methodology has proven that when either informal processes that are beneficial to an organization are brought into the formal system, or detrimental informal processes are eliminated, the probability of the output failure decreases. The methodology presented provides a comprehensive approach to the understanding, detection, and assessment of informal processes in an organization

Malin 1: A Deeper Look

Our R-band data show that the optical light from Malin 1 corresponds well with the >2-arcmin extent of the galaxy's HI content and continues well beyond previously published V-band optical light radial profiles. Analysis of our image yields improved understanding of the galaxy's properties. We measure ellipticity of 0.20 +/- 0.03, implying inclination of 38 +/- 3 degrees, and we trace the radial profile to 77 arcsec. A single dusty spiral arm is also weakly discernable, and is consistent with the rotation direction of the HI and spiral structure of the inner disk. Possible scenarios for the origin of the spiral structure are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in PAS

Unimagined community and disease in <i>Ruth</i>

Critical assessments of Elizabeth Gaskell have tended to emphasise the regional and provincial aspects of her writing, but the scope of her influence extended across the globe. Building on theories of space and place, the contributors to this collection bring a variety of geographical, industrial, psychological, and spatial perspectives to bear on the vast range of Gaskell's literary output and on her place within the narrative of British letters and national identity. The advent of the railway and the increasing predominance of manufactory machinery reoriented the nation's physical and social countenance, but alongside the excitement of progress and industry was a sense of fear and loss manifested through an idealization of the country home, the pastoral retreat, and the agricultural south. In keeping with the theme of progress and change, the essays follow parallel narratives that acknowledge both the angst and nostalgia produced by industrial progress and the excitement and awe occasioned by the potential of the empire. Finally, the volume engages with adaptation and cultural performance, in keeping with the continuing importance of Gaskell in contemporary popular culture far beyond the historical and cultural environs of nineteenth-century Manchester

Hepatic P450 Enzyme Activity, Tissue Morphology and Histology of Mink (Mustela vison) Exposed to Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans

Dose- and time-dependent effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQ) of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), or a mixture of these two congeners on hepatic P450 enzyme activity and tissue morphology, including jaw histology, of adult ranch mink were determined under controlled conditions. Adult female ranch mink were fed either TCDF (0.98, 3.8, or 20 ng TEQTCDF/kg bw/day) or PeCDF (0.62, 2.2, or 9.5 ng TEQPeCDF/kg bw/day), or a mixture of TCDF and PeCDF (4.1 ng TEQTCDF/kg bw/day and 2.8 ng TEQPeCDF/kg bw/day, respectively) for 180 days. Doses used in this study were approximately eight times greater than those reported in a parallel field study. Activities of the cytochrome P450 1A enzymes, ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and methoxyresorufin O-deethylase (MROD) were significantly greater in livers of mink exposed to TCDF, PeCDF, and a mixture of the two congeners; however, there were no significant histological or morphological effects observed. It was determined that EROD and MROD activity can be used as sensitive biomarkers of exposure to PeCDF and TCDF in adult female mink; however, under the conditions of this study, the response of EROD/MROD induction occurred at doses that were less than those required to cause histological or morphological changes

The Longitudinal Impact of Intimate Partner Aggression and Relationship Status on Women’s Physical Health and Depression Symptoms

Intimate partner aggression (IPA) has many detrimental effects, particularly among young women. The present study examined the longitudinal effects of IPA victimization and relationship status on physical health and depression symptoms in a sample of 375 community women between the ages of 18 and 25 years. All variables were assessed at 4 occasions over a 12-month period (i.e., 1 assess-ment every 4 months). Multilevel modeling revealed that IPA victimization had both between- and within-person effects on women’s health outcomes, and relationship status had within-person effects when women did not report current IPA. Although IPA was generally related to greater physical health problems and depression symptoms, these findings varied depending on both the type of aggression experienced (i.e., psychological vs. physical) and relationship status (i.e., whether partic-ipants were in the same relationship or a new relationship). Findings suggest that IPA can be harmful to both physical and mental health, particularly among young women who stay in abusive relation-ships. Results highlight the importance of developing effective IPA intervention programs and providing help and resources to women who are experiencing physical or psychological IPA in their relationships

Nondestructive scat sampling in assessment of mink (Mustela vison) exposed to polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)

The mink (Mustela vison) is often utilized as a sentinel species for ecological assessments at sites where contaminants of concern include dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Utilizing mink scat as a nondestructive tool to determine internal exposure to dioxin-like compounds may allow for rapid, accurate estimates of exposure without the need to capture mink or their prey. To determine the relationships between concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in tissues (liver and adipose) and those in scat, mink were fed PCDFs in scat during a controlled laboratory study for 180 days. Mink were fed a control diet, diets with three doses of 2,3,4,7,8- pentachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF) or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF), and a diet with an environmentally relevant mixture of the two congeners. Concentrations of PCDFs in liver and adipose were measured after 0, 90, and 180 days of exposure. Concentrations of the two PCDF congeners in mink scat were determined after 2, 23, 45, 90, and 180 days of exposure. Concentrations of both PCDF congeners in scat were significantly correlated with those in liver and adipose tissue (r = 0.94-0.97, p < 0.01). This indicates that measurements of concentrations of both PCDFs in scat can be used to predict concentrations of PCDFs in liver and adipose. Assimilation and elimination characteristics of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF or 2,3,7,8,-TCDF and a mixture of the two congeners by mink could be predicted from concentrations of these congeners in scat. Overall, concentrations of PCDFs in mink scat can be used as a rapid and inexpensive nondestructive method to predict concentrations of PCDFs in mink when certain assumptions are met

Toxicokinetics Of 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF in mink (Mustela vison) at ecologically relevant exposures

Wild mink (Mustela vison) living along the Tittabawassee River in central Michigan exhibit elevated hepatic and dietary polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) concentrations exceeding mink-specific, literature-reported toxicity reference values (TRVs) on a toxicity equivalents basis. However, no apparent effects on individuals or population are evident, suggesting that available TRVs may overpredict risk for the site-specific mix of congeners. To investigate this discrepancy, a 180-day spiked feed study was conducted to assess: (1) the dosages of key congeners necessary to achieve liver concentrations bracketing those observed in wild mink, (2) time to achieve steady-state concentrations, and (3) effect of coadministration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (4-PeCDF) on the toxicokinetics and distribution of each congener. Adipose and hepatic PCDF concentrations were measured at 0, 90, and 180 days. PCDF concentrations in mink scat were determined at several time points and indicated nearly complete absorption of both TCDF and 4-PeCDF from the diet. Elimination half-times of TCDF were < 15 h and were inversely proportional to dose, while those for 4-PeCDF were approximately 7-9 days with no clear dose dependency in the tested dose range. Coadministration of 4-PeCDF and TCDF accelerated clearance of TCDF compared to administration of TCDF alone. Clearance of 4-PeCDF was not affected by TCDF coadministration. Distribution of 4-PeCDF, but not TCDF, demonstrated increased hepatic sequestration with increasing dose. 4-PeCDF toxicokinetics were described using a previously published two-compartment model. Overall, the toxicokinetic information gathered here illustrates the impact of CYP1A1 induction on bioaccumulation and toxicity potential of TCDF and 4-PeCDF. This information may provide insight into why the current TRVs do not appear to correctly characterize the risk for these two congeners when they are the primary components of an environmental mixture