The Kaprekar Routine and Other Digit Games for Undergraduate Exploration

The Kaprekar Routine is a famous mathematical procedure involving the digits of a positive integer. This paper offers natural generalizations of the routine, states and proves related results, and presents many open problems that are suitable for mathematical research at the undergraduate level. In the process, we shed light on some interesting facts about digit games

THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF AGRIBUSINESS METHODS OF AGRIBUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP

The prevailing agricultural economics epistemology of positivistic knowledge is argued to be inappropriate for the study of agribusiness. In contrast to the traditional arenas of agricultural economics study, agribusiness research should be designed to be (1) theory-building, rather than theory disconfirming, (2) capable of examining phenomena that are not readily quantifiable nor separable from context, and (3) capable of examining phenomena for which the underlying cause-and-effect structure is unstable or not given to general theory. Methods of phenomenological knowledge are much more appropriate to agribusiness research, and these methods should be adopted by agribusiness scholars and recognized for promotion and tenure purposes.Agribusiness,

An Epistemology for Agribusiness: Peers, Methods and Engagement in the Agri-Food Bio System

The IFAMR is published by the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association www.ifama.orgagribusiness, epistemology, research methods, wicked problems, engaged scholarship, research rigor, grounded theory, Agribusiness, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, Q130,

Improved sampling of compressed gases for condensable hydrocarbon content

Sampling process was developed which uses commercially available high pressure filters and provides measurements in fraction of time required by older methods. Measurements show no significant difference in results between low pressure and high pressure samples. Filter method is slightly more accurate than scrubber technique

Circadian regulation of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism in humans.

The circadian system orchestrates metabolism in daily 24-hour cycles. Such rhythms organize metabolism by temporally separating opposing metabolic processes and by anticipating recurring feeding-fasting cycles to increase metabolic efficiency. Although animal studies demonstrate that the circadian system plays a pervasive role in regulating metabolism, it is unclear how, and to what degree, circadian research in rodents translates into humans. Here, we review evidence that the circadian system regulates glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism in humans. Using a range of experimental protocols, studies in humans report circadian rhythms in glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance, lipid levels, energy expenditure, and appetite. Several of these rhythms peak in the biological morning or around noon, implicating earlier in the daytime is optimal for food intake. Importantly, disruptions in these rhythms impair metabolism and influence the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. We therefore also review evidence that circadian misalignment induced by mistimed light exposure, sleep, or food intake adversely affects metabolic health in humans. These interconnections among the circadian system, metabolism, and behavior underscore the importance of chronobiology for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia

Market Access for Local Food through the Conventional Food Supply Chain

The paper examines relationships and linkages between the conventional supply chain actors (wholesalers and retailers) and local food producers based on a study conducted in Southeast Michigan. A case study approach was employed to examine chain actors’ operations and to explore their roles, experiences and perceptions about local foods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the owners and managers of eleven retailers and six wholesalers. The study found differences in local food perceptions, buying experiences and perceived benefits and risks associated with local food sourcing activities. The study also identified some competition between local independent food retailers and alternative market outlets. The major implication of the findings is that producers need to provide additional market services and develop trust-based relationships with their buyers to create better market access for local foods.local food, supply chain, buying local, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Financial Economics,

Matrix Representation of Octonions and Generalizations

We define a special matrix multiplication among a special subset of 2N\x 2N matrices, and study the resulting (non-associative) algebras and their subalgebras. We derive the conditions under which these algebras become alternative non-associative and when they become associative. In particular, these algebras yield special matrix representations of octonions and complex numbers; they naturally lead to the Cayley-Dickson doubling process. Our matrix representation of octonions also yields elegant insights into Dirac's equation for a free particle. A few other results and remarks arise as byproducts.Comment: 18 printed page

Global Cyber Intermediary Liability: A Legal & Cultural Strategy

This Article fills the gap in the debate on fighting cybercrime. It considers the role of intermediaries and the legal and cultural strategies that countries may adopt. Part II.A of this Article examines the critical role of intermediaries in cybercrime. It shows that the intermediaries’ active participation by facilitating the transmission of cybercrime traffic removes a significant barrier for individual perpetrators. Part II.B offers a brief overview of legal efforts to combat cybercrime, and examines the legal liability of intermediaries in both the civil and criminal context and in varying legal regimes with an emphasis on ISPs. Aside from some level of injunctive relief, intermediaries operate in a largely unregulated environment. Part III looks at what we can learn from other countries. The cleanest intermediary country, Finland, and the worst country, Lithuania, were selected in order to explore the causes for the differences between country performances. The section examines the remarkable distinctions between national cultures to explain differences in national cybercrime rates. Part III.A of this Article argues that the criminal code laws do not account for the difference in host and ISP performances between Finland and Lithuania. There are few differences in the codified laws pertaining to cybercrime between these countries. Instead, it is Finland’s cultural and business environments that appear to drive its cybercrime ranking. Part IV suggests reforms to shift a country’s culture to make it less prone to corruption. However, changing a culture takes time so Part IV also proposes a private law scheme in which intermediaries are unable to wave the “flag of immunity,” as they do now. The guiding philosophy for this proposal is that harmed parties should be permitted to recover damages directly from “bad” intermediaries

Multi-Stakeholder Sustainability Alliances: A Signaling Theory Approach

Environmental Economics and Policy,

Multi-Stakeholder Sustainability Alliances in Agri-Food Chains: A Framework for Multi-Disciplinary Research

The IFAMR is published by (IFAMA)the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association. www.ifama.orgstakeholder, sustainability, alliances, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), partnerships., Agribusiness, International Relations/Trade, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, Q130,