Multi-stakeholder initiatives and the divergent construction and implementation of sustainable agriculture in the USA

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (04) ◽  
pp. 293-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Konefal ◽  
Maki Hatanaka ◽  
Douglas H. Constance
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Agricultural Sustainability ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Specialty Crops ◽  
Institutional Approach ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

AbstractMulti-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) have emerged as a leading institutional approach for advancing sustainability globally. This paper examines three prominent MSIs that have developed sustainability metrics and a standard for US agriculture: Field to Market, the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops and the National Sustainable Agricultural Standard Initiative. Using data from interviews and content analysis of initiative reports, two sets of analyses are presented. First, building on Paul Thompson's tri-partite theorization of sustainability, how each initiative is conceptualizing agricultural sustainability is analyzed. We find that two contrasting visions of sustainable agriculture for the USA have emerged from the three MSIs. One vision is a resource sufficiency approach focused on eco-efficiencies and the other vision is a functional integrity approach that emphasizes the maintenance of resilient agricultural and ecological systems. Second, we examine the governance practices of the MSIs to explain why such divergent conceptualizations of sustainability have been mapped out. We find that far from being a neutral forum, the internal dynamics of MSIs often reflect and reproduce existing power relationships among stakeholders. In concluding, we suggest that incremental improvements in sustainability can be achieved using MSIs, but more transformative changes may require other forms of governance.

Association between E-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in non-asthmatic adults in the USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godfred O Antwi ◽  
Darson L Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Background Concern about the health impacts of e-cigarette use is growing; however, limited research exists regarding potential long-term health effects of this behavior. This study explored the relationship between e-cigarette use and COPD in a sample of US adults. Methods A secondary data analysis using data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey in the USA was computed to examine associations between e-cigarette use and COPD controlling for conventional cigarette smoking status, past month leisure physical activity and demographic characteristics including age, sex, education, race, marital status and body mass index. Results Significant associations between e-cigarette use and COPD among former combustible cigarette smokers and those who reported never using combustible cigarettes were found. Compared with never e-cigarette users, the odds of having COPD were significantly greater for daily e-cigarette users (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.11–2.03), occasional users (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.13–1.80) and former users (OR = 1.46 95% CI: 1.28–1.67). Conclusions Findings from this study indicate a potential link between e-cigarette use and COPD. Further research to explore the potential effects of e-cigarette on COPD is recommended.

Are atheist consumers less ethical? Investigating the role of religiosity and atheism on consumer ethics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denni Arli ◽  
Tuyet-Mai Nguyen ◽  
Phong Tuan Nham
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Ethics ◽  
Intrinsic Religiosity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Behaviors ◽  
Segmentation Analysis ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Unethical Behaviors ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Purpose There is a perception that non-religious consumers are less ethical than religious consumers. Studies found prejudices against atheists around the world and assumed that those who committed unethical behavior were more likely to be atheists. Hence, first, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of consumers’ intrinsic religiosity, extrinsic religiosity and atheism on consumers’ ethical beliefs. Second, this study attempts to segment consumers and identify differences between these segments. Design/methodology/approach Using data from 235 study participants in the USA and 531 in Vietnam. Subsequently, a two-step cluster approach was used to identify segments within these samples. Findings The study results show consumers’ intrinsic religiosity negatively influences all consumers’ unethical beliefs. Similarly, atheism also negatively influences all consumers’ unethical beliefs. This study also complements other studies exploring consumer ethics in developing countries. In addition, the segmentation analysis produced unique segments. The results from both samples (USA and Vietnam) indicated that non-religious consumers are less likely to accept various unethical behaviors compared to religious consumers. Religious consumers are not necessarily more ethical and atheism consumers are not necessarily less ethical. In the end, are implications for business ethics, religious and non-religious leaders on how to view the impact of beliefs on consumer ethical behaviors. Originality/value This is one of the first few studies investigating the impact of atheism on consumer ethics. The results of this study further extend the knowledge of study in consumer ethics by comparing consumers’ religiosity and atheism.

The role of conferences in doctoral student socialization

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliya Kuzhabekova ◽  
Aizhan Temerbayeva
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Conference Attendance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Student Socialization ◽  
Doctoral Student Socialization

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role scholarly conferences play in professional socialization of doctoral students.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from 20 interviews on conference experiences of student attendees of a North American conference in social sciences, as well as on the conference experiences of students from various disciplines at a private research intensive university in the USA, the authors explored how research identity of doctoral students change over time as result of participation in conferences, how the process of socialization is shaped by advisers and peers and how the experiences vary depending on the characteristics of the participants.FindingsThe authors found that conferences play an important role in socialization, and the effect from conference attendance increases with the number of conferences attended. The study also showed that students undergo several stages in the process of their socialization, throughout which they develop greater agency and independence as scholars, as well as a more positive image of themselves as researchers, and become more strategic in their behavior. The results also point to the key role of adviser and peers in the process of socialization, whereby the former can provide direction and orientation, while the latter may offer support and opportunities for mutual learning or future collaboration. The authors also found a notable difference in the support provided by advisers between teaching and research-oriented universities.Originality/valueThe paper applies doctoral student socialization theory to the analysis of informal doctoral experiences outside the program of study.

IT Governance in Romania: A Case Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1850158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirela Gheorghe ◽  
Pavel Nastase ◽  
Dana Boldeanu ◽  
Aleca Ofelia
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
It Governance ◽  
Status Report ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
Global Status ◽  
Using Data ◽  
And Control

Relatively new in Romania, IT governance is defined as procedures and policies established in order to assure that the IT system of an organization sustains its goals and strategies. This bundle of policies and procedures, following the best practices in the area, intends to guide and control the IT function in order to add value to the organization and to minimize IT risks. The purpose of the research is to identify the measure in which the IT governance practices are implemented to the level of the financial institutions in Romania. The goal of this paper is a comparative analysis for implementing IT governance using data offered by the IT Governance Institute. This institute makes every year a study (IT Governance Global Status Report – 2006) to determine a sense of priorities and to develop actions for implementing IT governance, using data which acknowledges once more the need for all organizations to have tools and services to assure an efficient IT governance. In this way, the research will analyze, in the field of Romanian financial institutions, the most serious IT problems pointed out by the respondents from the last year, the most efficient measures considered by top management for resolving problems pointed out, the best used practices in IT governance and the most used frameworks for implementing IT governance practices.

scholarly journals Assessing the landscape of US postdoctoral salaries

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodoniki Athanasiadou ◽  
Adriana Bankston ◽  
McKenzie Carlisle ◽  
Caroline A. Niziolek ◽  
Gary S. McDowell
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Region ◽  
Freedom Of Information ◽  
Pay Gap ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postdoctoral Position ◽  
Job Titles ◽  
University Systems ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Job Title ◽  
Using Data

Purpose Postdocs make up a significant portion of the biomedical workforce. However, data about the postdoctoral position are generally scarce, and no systematic study of the landscape of individual postdoc salaries in the USA has previously been carried out. The purpose of this study was to assess actual salaries for postdocs using data gathered from US public institutions; determine how these salaries may vary with postdoc title, institutional funding and geographic region; and reflect on which institutional and federal policy measures may have the greatest impact on salaries nationally. Design/methodology/approach Freedom of Information Act Requests were submitted to US public universities or university systems containing campuses with at least 300 science, engineering and health postdocs, according to the 2015 National Science Foundation’s Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering. Salaries and job titles of postdocs as of December 1, 2016, were requested. Findings Salaries and job titles for nearly 14,000 postdocs at 52 US institutions around December 1, 2016, were received. Individual postdoc names were also received for approximately 7,000 postdocs, and departmental affiliations were received for 4,000 postdocs. This exploratory study shows evidence of a postdoc gender pay gap, a significant influence of job title on postdoc salary and a complex relationship between salaries and the level of institutional National Institutes of Health/NSF funding. Originality/value These results provide insights into the ability of institutions to collate and report out annualized salary data on their postdocs, highlighting difficulties faced in tracking and reporting data on this population by institutional administration. Ultimately, these types of efforts, aimed at increasing transparency regarding the postdoctoral position, may lead to improved support for postdocs at all US institutions and allow greater agency for postdocs making decisions based on financial concerns.

scholarly journals Regulations are needed to protect freshwater ecosystems from salinization

2018 ◽  
Vol 374 (1764) ◽  
pp. 20180019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew S. Schuler ◽  
Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles ◽  
William D. Hintz ◽  
Brenda Dyack ◽  
Sebastian Birk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Anthropogenic Source ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Freshwater Salinization

Anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture and industrial wastes have increased the rate of salinization of freshwater ecosystems around the world. Despite the known and probable consequences of freshwater salinization, few consequential regulatory standards and management procedures exist. Current regulations are generally inadequate because they are regionally inconsistent, lack legal consequences and have few ion-specific standards. The lack of ion-specific standards is problematic, because each anthropogenic source of freshwater salinization is associated with a distinct set of ions that can present unique social and economic costs. Additionally, the environmental and toxicological consequences of freshwater salinization are often dependent on the occurrence, concentration and ratios of specific ions. Therefore, to protect fresh waters from continued salinization, discrete, ion-specific management and regulatory strategies should be considered for each source of freshwater salinization, using data from standardized, ion-specific monitoring practices. To develop comprehensive monitoring, regulatory, and management guidelines, we recommend the use of co-adaptive, multi-stakeholder approaches that balance environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits associated with freshwater salinization. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.

Deterring the development and use of nuclear weapons: a multi-level modeling approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-493
Author(s):  
Kathleen M Carley ◽  
Geoffrey P Morgan ◽  
Michael J Lanham
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Weapons ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Pacific Rim ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Dynamic Network Model ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Stakeholder Model ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
The Impact

We describe a multi-country, multi-stakeholder model for the accrual and use of nuclear weapons and illustrate the model’s value for addressing nuclear weapon proliferation issues using a historic Pacific Rim scenario. We instantiate the agent-based dynamic network model for information and belief diffusion using data from subject matter experts and data mined from open source news documents. We present the techniques that supported model instantiation. A key feature of this model and these techniques is enabling rapid model re-use through the ability to instantiate at two levels: generically and for specific cases. We demonstrate these generic and specific cases using a scenario regarding North Korea’s interest in nuclear weapons and the resulting impact on the Pacific Rim circa 2014, that is, prior to the fourth and fifth nuclear weapons tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. A key feature of this model is that it uses two levels of network interaction, the country level and the stakeholder level, thus supporting the inclusion of non-state actors and the assessment of complex scenarios. Using this model, we conducted virtual experiments in which we assessed the impact of alternative courses of action on the overall force posture and desire to develop and use nuclear weapons.

scholarly journals THE ECONOMIC PAMPHLETEER: Realities of regenerative agriculture

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
John Ikerd
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Agricultural Sustainability ◽  
Industrial Agriculture ◽  
Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is the latest phrase in the sustainable agriculture movement (Mer­field, 2019). Many early advocates have become disenchanted with the concept of sustainable agri­culture. Some claim it has been co-opted, misused, and essentially made useless by the defenders of industrial agriculture. However, regenerative agri­culture faces the same risks if it is not defined in terms that ensure agricultural sustainability.

scholarly journals Editorial: Practical implications of governance and regulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2, special issue) ◽  
pp. 192-194
Author(s):  
Branka Mraović
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
The Balkans ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
Written Word ◽  
Practical Implications

The authors of papers in this special issue of the Journal of Governance and Regulation come from different parts of the world such as West and South Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, Western Europe, and the USA, and offer interesting, vivid and educational experiences how countries with different economic, political, cultural and regulatory frameworks deal with global challenges, testifying that the universalism of science and good governance practices transcend geopolitical conflicts and divisions. Each of these papers sheds light on some aspect of governance and provides financiers, investors, regulators, scientists, managers, professionals, students, and other interested readers with useful insights into the market opportunities and challenges of developing countries. The practical implications of these academically written papers are supported by a solid research methodology that ensures the credibility of the written word and calls for new empirical verifications.

scholarly journals The practice of everyday oystering: aquaculture as resistance

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriane K. Michaelis ◽  
Donald Webster ◽  
L. Jen Shaffer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Dynamic Power ◽  
Social Ecological Systems ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Oyster Aquaculture ◽  
System Changes ◽  
History Of

As members of complex social-ecological systems (SES),fishermen navigate and respond to system changes to maintain their livelihoods. These changes often involve dynamic power relationships. In Maryland (United States), commercial fishermen or watermen demonstrate a history of responding to SES changes, including power relationships in which they often feel restricted. We describe how watermen have historically employed tactics, as conceived by de Certeau (1984), to resist and succeed within a constraining system. We considerinvolvement in oyster aquaculture as a recent tactic, and compare data from interviews with watermen and non-watermen involved in aquaculture to understand power relationships and adaptations within this SES. Interviews suggest that, while both watermen and non-watermen aquaculturists perceive similar power relations within the system, only watermen begin work in oyster aquaculture as a tactic in response to these relations (P<0.001). Results illustrate diverse perceptions of power as well as ongoing changes within the SES. More broadly, we introduce the idea of SES adaptations as tactics of resistance and emphasize the need for a more integrative understanding of SES and power.

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