Local Determinants of Crime: Do Military Bases Matter?

Using a unique panel dataset, we estimate the impact of the military base realignments and closures (BRACs) in Germany on the intensity of criminal activity surrounding the base. We use a fixed-effect model to account for time-invariant unobservables in our panel of 298 military bases for the period 2003–2007. We also take advantage of geographic information system software to mitigate estimation issues arising from the spatial nature of the dataset. Estimation results are presented for total crime and four other subcategories: breaking and entering, automobile-related crime, violent crime, and drug-related crime. The estimates indicate that there is no effect of BRACs on criminal activity surrounding the base. We also confirm existing findings in the literature on the determinants of crime.Armed forces; BRAC; deviant behavior; geographic information system

A Corn Stover Supply Logistics System

Published in Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 26(3): 455‐461, 2010. American Society of Agricultural and Biological EngineersCorn stover, Economics, GHG emission, Logistics, Roll press compaction, Tub grinding, Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries,

The Regional Economic Effects of Military Base Realignments and Closures in Germany

Within the context of the current political discussion over base realignments and closures (BRACs) in Germany, this study provides policy guidance by examining the economic consequences to the surrounding community. We identify the causal effect of a reduction in military personnel on a number of socioeconomic indicators within the peripheries of military bases. The BRACs within the German armed forces is used an exogenous source of variation that allows for the estimation of the causal effect of a particular demand shock on household income, output, unemployment, and tax revenue within a specified buff er zone around each base. The analysis covers 298 communities for the period 2003–2007. Consistent with evidence found elsewhere, we find that these base adjustments have only a marginal impact on the local community in which the bases are located.Geographic information system; armed forces; regional adjustment

Generation Z: Perceptions from Today’s Collegiate Athlete on the Coach-Athlete Relationship and Its Impact on Success in Athletics

Members of Generation Z now fill not only the dorms of higher education institutions, but also the rosters of each collegiate athletic team. Dubbed by many as the tech generation, they are the digital natives that have—in many respects—grown up more connected than their predecessors, and yet self admittedly lack the relational connectedness that they desire. Coaches and athletic policymakers must recognize the defining relational characteristics and needs of this generation of athletes if they hope to maximize athletic success. Using a qualitative design, this study explored the coach-athlete dyadic relational needs of collegiate Generation Z athletes from various institutions across the Pacific Northwest. Through synchronous semistructured interviews, the relational best practices of coaches who were working with athletes, who had experienced athletic success in their team sport were identified. These relational best practices were preferred by Generation Z athletes and represent the coaching qualities that they believe most impacted their athletic success. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants for this study, and 12 open-response questions provided the data that through thematic analysis, produced six themes that embody the desired relational coaching qualities of collegiate Generation Z athletes. This study offers relational recommendations for collegiate coaches and athletic policymakers who desire to maximize the athletic potential of their Generation Z athletes