Anti-Corruption NGOs as Think Tanks

While anti-corruption scholars have analyzed and explained theoretically citizen-based anti- corruption approaches, studies on one of the most important aspects of a leading anti-corruption non-governmental organization (NGO) has been limited: the role of Transparency International (TI), in particular national branches of TI, as a think tank. Drawing on data from an interview with a former head of TI in the UK (TI-UK), this study will conduct a preliminary review and analysis of the effects of TI-UK in anti-corruption policymaking. The analysis shows that TI-UK was not only involved in the drafting of legislation but also had an impact on the outcomes during the legislation and initial implementation processes. This study is expected to contribute to understandings of anti-corruption policymaking processes and development of theories and practices of anti-corruption reforms

Observation of elastic anomalies driven by coexisting dynamical spin Jahn-Teller effect and dynamical molecular spin state in paramagnetic phase of the frustrated MgCr2_2O4_4$

Ultrasound velocity measurements of magnesium chromite spinel MgCr$_2$O$_4$ reveal elastic anomalies in the paramagnetic phase that are characterized as due to geometrical frustration. The temperature dependence of the tetragonal shear modulus $(C_{11}-C_{12})/2$ exhibits huge Curie-type softening, which should be the precursor to spin Jahn-Teller distortion in the antiferromagnetic phase. The trigonal shear modulus $C_{44}$ exhibits nonmonotonic temperature dependence with a characteristic minimum at $\sim$50 K, indicating a coupling of the lattice to dynamical molecular spin state. These results strongly suggest the coexistence of dynamical spin Jahn-Teller effect and dynamical molecular spin state in the paramagnetic phase, which is compatible with the coexistence of magnetostructural order and dynamical molecular spin state in the antiferromagnetic phase.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Seafloor crustal deformation data along the subduction zones around Japan obtained by GNSS-A observations

Crustal deformation data obtained by geodetic observation networks are foundations in the fields of geodesy and seismology. These data are essential for understanding plate motion and earthquake sources and for simulating earthquake and tsunami disasters. Although relatively scarce, seafloor geodetic data are particularly important for monitoring the behaviour of undersea interplate boundary regions. Since the mid-1990s, we have been developing the combined Global Navigation Satellite System-Acoustic ranging (GNSS-A) technique for realizing seafloor geodesy. This technique allows us to collect time series of seafloor crustal deformation. Our published data can be used to investigate several seismological phenomena along the subduction zones around Japan, namely the Nankai Trough, Sagami Trough and Japan Trench. These regions are globally important places in geodesy and seismology and are also suitable for comparison with other geophysical datasets. Our intention is for these data to promote further understanding of megathrust zones.Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures, 4 table

Evaluation for interventions against influenza of H5N1 in Sapporo-city by using an Individual Based Model

The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) among domestic poultry and wild birds has caused global concern over the outbreak of an influenza pandemic of H5N1. The "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Action Plan" determines the strategy against an influenza pandemic in Japan. Simulations were carried out using an individual based model (IBM). The IBM targeted a virtual area with a population of 100,000 using the demographic data of Sapporo-city, Hokkaido. The effectiveness of targeted antiviral prophylaxis (TAP), geographical targeted antiviral prophylaxis (GTAP), school closure, and pre-pandemic vaccination were explored. Moreover, this study focused on infections among children, who have a high attack rate, and analyzed the effectiveness of interventions for school-age targeted antiviral prophylaxis (STAP). Consequently, TAP, which is recommended by the "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Action Plan", was found to have high effectiveness in the suppression of the outbreak. Moreover, this study showed the importance of intervention among children, such as STAP and school closure, to prevent the spread of H5N1 influenza