Union-Endicott Central School District and Union-Endicott Maintenance Workers Associaton

In the Matter of: PERB Case # M2007-103 Union-Endicott Central School District and Union-Endicott Maintenance Workers Association. Before: John Callahan, Fact Finder

The Enduring Challenge: Self Determination and Ethnic Conflict in the 21st Century

Explores the ways in which ethnic conflicts have had a major impact on international security and U.S. foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, and looks at the role of international organizations and NGOs in addressing self-determination challenges

Mobile Image Ratiometry: A New Method for Instantaneous Analysis of Rapid Test Strips

Here we describe Mobile Image Ratiometry (MIR), a new method for the automated quantification of standardized rapid immunoassay strips using consumer-based mobile smartphone and tablet cameras. To demonstrate MIR we developed a standardized method using rapid immunotest strips directed against cocaine (COC) and its major metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE). We performed image analysis of three brands of commercially available dye-conjugated anti-COC/BE antibody test strips in response to three different series of cocaine concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 300 ng/ml and BE concentrations ranging from 0.003 to 0.1 ng/ml. These data were then used to create standard curves to allow quantification of COC/BE in biological samples. MIR quantification of COC and BE proved to be a sensitive, economical, and faster alternative to more costly methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, or high pressure liquid chromatography. MIR is a valuable tool that provides instant data acquisition, tracking and analysis for the emerging field of mobile platform informatics (MPI)

Caultron of Unwisdom: The Legislative Offensive on Insidious Foreign Influence in the Third Term of President Vladimir V. Putin, and ICCPR Recourse for Affect Civil Advocates

Part I discusses Russian and international statutory law. It briefly outlines the structure of the government of the Russian Federation and discusses relevant articles of its Constitution. It then illustrates the legislative trend in question by discussing select legislation passed and proposed during President Putin’s third term that seeks to restrict non-Russian influence in Russian society. Part I closes with a discussion of Russia’s international human rights obligations, and the international redress available to Russian nationals affected by the laws in question. Part II considers the practical application of the laws discussed in Part I. This includes an examination of potential procedural issues relating to the complaint process a Russian national would have to navigate at one of the international human rights tribunals or treaty bodies founded under the conventions. Additionally, Part II briefly outlines international jurisprudence relevant to the prospect of Russian nationals’ success before the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Based on the interplay between the federal statutes in question and Russia’s international human rights obligations, this Note asserts in Part III that Russian nationals should file complaints to the UN Human Rights Committee. The Note also advocates for a progressive change to Russia’s domestic civil-political environment. But in the absence of such a change, individuals affected by the legislation in question can seek recourse through the Committee’s individual complaint mechanism. Those petitioning would ideally include the heads of targeted civil society and human rights monitoring and advocacy groups