Sustainable Palm Oil Supply Chains : Complexity, Custody and Contention

Paper delivered at the 21st Logistics Research Network annual conference 2016, 7th-9th September 2016, Hull. Abstract Purpose: The sustainability of oil palm cultivation is highly contentious. Demand for the product is strong, albeit with the market being largely divided between the bulk sale of oil to Asian markets and premium certified sustainable palm products to Europe. These disparate end-user markets place different production demands on upstream suppliers. This paper will explore the complex and contentious nature of sustainability in the context of the palm oil supply chain. Specifically, this study considers the economic, ethical and environmental aspects emerging from efforts to create sustainable palm oil supply chains with a view to developing supply chain ‘regulation without government’ as a possible solution. Research Approach: Case-based research involved empirical observation of upstream actors, document analysis and consequent theory testing through semi-structured interviews with growers, mills, refiners, certifiers of sustainable palm oil, NGOs, retailers and leading European manufacturers of palm oil containing products. Findings and Originality: Different interpretations of sustainability have created conflict at the point of production with what are perceived to be Western values regularly conflicting with the perceived needs of palm oil producing countries. Traceable supply chain custodies created by large downstream manufacturers may isolate smallholders and reduce their ability to be incorporated into some certification schemes. Though downstream actors can pay a significant value-chain premium for certified products, due to a wider lack of global demand for certified palm oil, sustainable products are ending up in other supply chains with no premium being paid to growers. Research Impact: The presented study is relatively unique in palm oil research for its empirical grounding, bringing together the first-hand insight, thoughts and perceptions of stakeholders throughout the supply chain. Additionally, this paper contributes to the reactive-proactive continuum theory for sustainable supply chain practices by discussing how key stakeholders influence behaviour. Practical Impact: Insights from this research will help raise awareness of the supply chain dynamics of the palm oil industry, the challenges faced by upstream buyers and how well-meaning efforts to support socio-economic development, from various stakeholders, potentially harms efforts to drive sustainable production of oil palm. Alternative routes for developing sustainable supply chains should be initiated from within the supply chains rather than solely through external activism. The implications of this are far-reaching as the consumer base for palm oil continues to grow globally

Masculinity Matters: Perceptions of One’s Own Gender Status and the Effects on Psychosocial Well Being Among Gay Men

Gay men have a unique relationship with masculinity. The manner in which gay men view their gender in a heterosexist context (i.e., Perceptions of One’s Own Gender Status, “POOGS”) may explain individual differences found in psychological health among both feminine and masculine gay men. In this study, four factors that make up POOGS are 1) connection to the gay community, 2) perceived negative attitudes toward effeminacy, 3) exposure to heterosexist discrimination, and 4) one’s own masculinity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the hypotheses that 1) POOGS will predict symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and satisfaction with life, and 2) that these relationships will be moderated by internalized heterosexism. Participants were non-heterosexual men (N=179), who were recruited from national LGBTQ organizations, a local festival, and using snowball sampling, followed a link to an anonymous online survey. Four hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to test hypotheses. Exposure to heterosexist microaggressions was associated with elevated stress and anxiety. For masculine gay men, involvement with the gay community was related to increased stress and anxiety, while for less masculine gay men, involvement with the gay community decreased stress and anxiety. Internalized heterosexism was related to decreased satisfaction with life, and increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Though many gay men are able to successfully manage the stigma that accompanies their sexual and gender role orientations, others are occluded by harmful beliefs and messages, which are often imparted by individuals who are respected and loved. These individuals need help in deciphering ways to neutralize these powerful messages

Factors influencing the accumulation of fallout cesium-137 in mule deer

May 1965.Includes bibliographical references (pages 131-142).Author's name on piece is Floyd Ward Whicker.Covers not scanned.Print version deaccessioned 2021.This investigation was concerned with factors influencing the accumulation of fallout cesium-137 in a wild population of mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, in the Cache la Poudre drainage of north-central Colorado. Air, precipitation, soils, twelve deer forage species, and deer were sampled periodically from various elevations within the study area over a three year period. Experimental sampling designs were primarily factorial with sufficient replication to allow statistical treatment of data. Materials were assayed for Cs-137 using the technique of gamma-ray spectrometry. Air concentrations of Cs-137 were maximal in 1963. Concentrations were significantly higher during spring and early summer months of each year. Maximum deposition of Cs-137 by precipitation in 1964 occurred during April, May, and June. Measurable quantities of fallout were transported by dust, pollens, and other air-borne debris during dry, windy periods. The majority of Cs-137 in soils was located in the 0-1 inch layer. Soil radio activity generally increased with elevation and associated higher average precipitation rates. Maximum vegetational levels of Cs-137 were observed in 1963. Species collected during the summer and fall above 8,500 feet were generally higher in cesium than species collected during the winter and spring from lower elevations. Significant differences between species growing on the same plots were found. Significant differences in Cs-137 concentrations of given species between locations were also encountered. The location effect was attributed mostly to phenomena associated with elevation. Leaves were generally higher in Cs-137 than stems. Maximum levels of Cs-137 in deer were observed in 1963. Maximum levels within years occurred during the summer months in animals collected above 8,500 feet elevation. Regression analyses of muscle Cs-137 versus elevation indicated significant correlations. Evidence indicated a high degree of correlation between Cs-137 levels in vegetation and deer. It was concluded that the degree of foliage contamination and food habits were the most important factors contributing to Cs-137 burdens in deer. A Cs-137/K discrimination factor between the diet and muscle of 0.9 was estimated from the rumen samples. Neither sex nor age produced statistically significant variations in muscles Cs-137. Inhalation, the drinking of surface waters, and the ingestion of snow were minor sources of Cs-137 intake by deer in comparison to the ingestions of forage