Areas Of Disagreement Research Articles

Urban security in southern Europe

This article examines comparative developments in the politics, policies and practices in public safety and crime prevention across Italy, Portugal and Spain. The article begins by plotting the relatively recent history of what may be termed ‘the preventive turn’ in this region of Europe. It is argued that systematic thinking and coordinated policy and practice regarding crime prevention and public safety remain limited and fragile, with notable exceptions in some cities (such as Barcelona) and regions (such as Emilia-Romagna) across the three countries. Overall, the progress of local safety and security programmes in southern Europe is uneven and fragmented when compared with much of northern Europe. In turn, the current pressures on these countries’ governmental capacities and resources in the light of the profound economic crisis they are undergoing are discussed and their implications for progressive as against repressive urban security management assessed. The article then compares the major areas of convergence and divergence across the three countries.

Nigerian Accents of English in the Context of World Englishes

Despite the simmering rage over the reality of any variety of Nigerian English in some circles, the major varieties arebeing presented as the core regional dialects of a World English in this article. This paper is a thesis statement whichis purposed to project a convincing defense of Nigerian English varieties as dialects in their own rights. This paperhas adopted the contributions of Trudgill (1986), Preston (1989), Ferguson and Gumperz (1970) among others informing a framework for the analysis of the phonemes of Standard English as they were rendered by the selectedNigerian subjects for the study. Speeches of one hundred and fifty (150) Nigerians who are of the Northern, Westernand Eastern origin were sorted for perceptual and acoustic analyses. The three ethnic groups had 50 participants each,to ensure a national outlook, excluding the minority groups. The formal and casual styles in relation to variabilitywere considered in this research, taking a cue from Labov (1966).The articulations of the subjects used for theexperiment suggested varying dialectal traces. This formed the basis for the identity markers of fricatives, stops,sonorants, liquids and other obstruents emphasized in the study. The findings in this study further suggest thatdifferent regions in the world may have areas of convergence and divergence of phonemes from the Standard English.These possibilities have informed our conclusion that regions thus have areas of comparative advantage over othersin phoneme articulations.

GIS-based DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and the Susceptibility Index (SI): comparative study for evaluation of pollution potential in the Nabeul-Hammamet shallow aquifer, Tunisia

Three vulnerability index models were applied to assess the pollution potential of Nabeul-Hammamet shallow aquifer, Tunisia: DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and the Susceptibility Index (SI). An output map layer of each one was obtained using a geographic information system (GIS). The SI layer was overlain with DRASTIC and Pesticide DRASTIC and the percentage areas of agreement and divergence in vulnerability categories were extracted. DRASTIC results suggest the aquifer has mostly low vulnerability. Pesticide DRASTIC and SI identify three vulnerability categories (low, moderate, high) in the aquifer. Published data on current chemical groundwater composition indicate that parts of the aquifer are highly contaminated, revealing that DRASTIC underestimates the risk of pollution; Pesticide DRASTIC and SI reflect this risk better. Agreement in vulnerability categories between the two last models is found for 64 % of the aquifer area. To help manage land-use allocation and prevent Nabeul-Hammamet-aquifer contamination, DRASTIC is not recommended. Pesticide DRASTIC and SI are recommended but for slightly different applications. SI helps in the monitoring of current vulnerable areas and, thus, in contamination prevention. Pesticide DRASTIC could better intervene as a criterion in a multi-criteria analysis to select the best sites for specific on-the-ground practice or future land use.

Energy institutional and organisational changes in EU and Russia: Revisiting gas relations

This article tries to shed light on why gas relations between the EU and Russia, which were previously stable, have deteriorated since the introduction of institutional changes in the two regions. After identifying the areas of divergence in the context of European gas market liberalization, we then attempt to examine them in the context of the differing approaches to structuring this sector. The model of vertically unbundled network industries promoted by the EU is no longer the one that Russia intends to implement in its gas sector, despite the big changes taking place in its domestic market. All this is happening in a context where the economic stakes are very high. For the EU and its gas companies, access to Russia’s hydrocarbon resources is a key question. For Gazprom, the question is whether or not it can define strategies that are flexible enough to adapt to the changing conditions in the European gas market.

"Understanding New Technological Products: Identity, Practice, & Materiality"

In response to Barley’s clarion call (1986) to consider the interrelationships among actors, technologies, practices, and contexts when attempting to understand new technologies, organizational scholars have embarked on two distinct theoretical approaches: “practice” and “identity.” In this symposium, we have two aims: 1) making sense of these approaches, and 2) developing a better understanding of the areas of convergence and divergence between them. To achieve these goals, the symposium will begin with a look at an empirical project. This will provide a jumping-off point for a discussion among the panelists in which they consider the role of identity, practice theory, and materiality in making sense of new technologies. A discussant will then synthesize the dialogue before opening-up the discussion to the audience.

PHP139 Which Criteria are Considered in Health Care Decisions? Insights from an International Survey of Policy and Clinical Decision Makers

Objectives: The aim of this study was to gather qualitative and quantitative data on criteria considered by healthcare decision makers. Methods: Using snowball sampling and an online questionnaire with forty-three criteria organized into ten clusters, decision makers were invited by an international task force to report which criteria they consider when making decisions on healthcare interventions in their context. Respondents reported whether each criterion is “currently considered,” “should be considered,” and its relative weight (scale 0–5). Differences in proportions of respondents were explored with inferential statistics across levels of decision (micro, meso, macro), decision maker perspectives, and world regions. Results: A total of 140 decision makers (1/3 clinical, 2/3 policy) from 23 countries in five continents completed the survey. The most relevant criteria (top ranked for “Currently considered,” “Should be considered,” and weights) were Clinical efficacy/effectiveness, Safety, Quality of evidence, Disease severity, and Impact on healthcare costs. Organizational and skill requirements were frequently considered but had relatively low weights. For almost all criteria, a higher proportion of decision makers reported that they “Should be considered” than that they are “Currently considered” (p < .05). For more than 74 percent of criteria, there were no statistical differences in proportions across levels of decision, perspectives and world regions. Statistically significant differences across several comparisons were found for: Population priorities, Stakeholder pressure/interests, Capacity to stimulate research, Impact on partnership and collaboration, and Environmental impact. Conclusions: Results suggest convergence among decision makers on the relevance of a core set of criteria and on the need to consider a wider range of criteria. Areas of divergence appear to be principally related to contextual factors.

Developing a guideline for clinical trial protocol content: Delphi consensus survey

BackgroundRecent evidence has highlighted deficiencies in clinical trial protocols, having implications for many groups. Existing guidelines for randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol content vary substantially and most do not describe systematic methodology for their development. As one of three prespecified steps for the systematic development of a guideline for trial protocol content, the objective of this study was to conduct a three-round Delphi consensus survey to develop and refine minimum content for RCT protocols.MethodsPanellists were identified using a multistep iterative approach, met prespecified minimum criteria and represented key stakeholders who develop or use clinical trial protocols. They were asked to rate concepts for importance in a minimum set of items for RCT protocols. The main outcome measures were degree of importance (scale of 1 to 10; higher scores indicating higher importance) and level of consensus for items. Results were presented as medians, interquartile ranges, counts and percentages.ResultsNinety-six expert panellists participated in the Delphi consensus survey including trial investigators, methodologists, research ethics board members, funders, industry, regulators and journal editors. Response rates were between 88 and 93% per round. Overall, panellists rated 63 of 88 concepts of high importance (of which 50 had a 25th percentile rating of 8 or greater), 13 of moderate importance (median 6 or 7) and 12 of low importance (median less than or equal to 5) for minimum trial protocol content. General and item-specific comments and subgroup results provided valuable insight for further discussions.ConclusionsThis Delphi process achieved consensus from a large panel of experts from diverse stakeholder groups on essential content for RCT protocols. It also highlights areas of divergence. These results, complemented by other empirical research and consensus meetings, are helping guide the development of a guideline for protocol content.

A grounded investigation of Chinese employees' psychological capital

PurposeThis paper explores the “Western” concept of psychological capital in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and highlights critical areas of divergence and notable dimensions of similarity.Design/methodology/approachThis is an empirical study conducted in a wide range of Chinese organisational forms, employing an inductive approach based on critical incident technique.FindingsThis research showed that the concept of psychological capital appears to have a degree of applicability and salience in China. A series of dimensions common in Western organisations were found in our research, including Optimism, Creativity, Resiliency, Self‐confidence, Forgiveness and Gratitude, Courage and Ambition (Hope). These were found to be common types of psychological capital both in China and in the West. However, the dimensions of Courtesy and Humility (Qian‐gong‐you‐liin Chinese), Self‐possession and Sincerity fell into the “different” category.Originality/valueThis paper is a first attempt to examine psychological capital in a range of organisational forms and industrial sectors in China using a grounded theory approach. It not only reports various dimensions of Chinese psychological capital, some unique to this research, but also compares and contrasts these dimensions between China and the West, highlighting further research opportunities.

Complex Relationships Between Multicultural Education and Special Education

Multicultural education and special education share historical roots, philosophies, theories, and pedagogies that provide unique opportunities to address the many challenges of underserved K-12 students. Without a more refined and critical analysis, however, the shared similarities could possibly mask the tensions and the complexities inherent in a relationship that directly confronts thorny and nuanced intersections of race, social class, gender, disability, and culture. This article focuses on the complexity of the relationship between multicultural education and special education from an African American perspective by exploring areas of divergence and conflict between special and multicultural education, specifically issues of disproportionate representation, cultural misunderstandings, tensions between home and school, and competition for limited resources. Finally, recommendations are offered that can more effectively prepare K-12 special education teachers who serve students who are culturally diverse and disabled.

Information content of MPEF DIVergence product in diagnosing the environment of deep convection

The use of divergence fields retrieved by tracking cloud and humidity features in satellite water vapour imagery to characterise preconvective environments in cases of strong upper-level dynamics is explored. An hourly upper-troposphere DIVergence (DIV) product is inferred from Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMVs) tracked in the 6.2μm channel of the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) onboard Meteosat Second Generation (MSG). This is an advanced satellite product operationally available since 2008.A specific colour palette is introduced to highlight the information content of the DIV product in mid latitudes. To make this product suitable for using in support to deep convection forecasting, an interpretation scheme of DIV product overlaid by the cloud top brightness temperature lower than −40°C as derived from the corresponding 10.8μm infrared (IR) image is proposed.The potential for operational applications is considered, taking into account that the divergent/convergent upper-level flow at the onset of deep moist convection is a sign of the presence of positive/negative factors, respectively, for the further development of the storm. In this study, the deep convective cells considered are limited to those, reaching the middle troposphere or above. For that purpose, 1166 convective cells with cloud top temperature lower than −50°C that developed over Europe and the Mediterranean coast of Africa from 16 June to 22 July 2010 were investigated. The results show that 76% of all studied deep convective cells developed in areas of divergence (as seen by MPEF DIV product). In 92% of the cases of deep convection appearance (at either divergent or convergent upper-level flow) the convective cells further developed in areas of divergence (as derived by the MPEF DIV product).This relation can be useful for the purposes of convection nowcasting by considering three types of observational information derived by MSG satellite data: composite images of the divergence fields, IR channel 10.8μm images and instability indices, as well as NWP parameters of tropospheric instability and upper-level dynamics.

Evaluation of RDA as an Implementation of FRBR and FRAD

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is based on the original entity-relationship statements of the conceptual models Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD). This article reviews the degree of alignment of RDA with FRBR and FRAD, covering user tasks, entities, attributes and relationships. It discusses the divergences that exist, those of both greater and lesser significance, and looks at the ways in which RDA incorporates both models into a single content standard. The ways in which RDA implements FRBR and FRAD, as well as the areas of divergence, may provide valuable insights towards the consolidation of the FRBR family of conceptual models.

Guidelines on Low Back Pain Disability

Individual semistructured qualitative interviews. To evaluate barriers to use of management recommendations, aimed at preventing low back pain (LBP) disability, with general practitioners (GPs), occupational therapists (OTs), and physiotherapists (PTs) working in Quebec (Canada), and identify areas of convergence and divergence between health professions. Studies have demonstrated inadequacies of practices of clinicians with regard to LBP management and prevention of persistent disability. Barriers to use of evidence by clinicians should be evaluated to understand these inadequacies and develop implementation strategies. Sixteen PTs, 8 OTs, and 8 GPs were recruited with different levels of experience and practice location (urban or rural). They were asked to follow management recommendations (Clinic on Low-back Pain in Interdisciplinary Practice [CLIP] guidelines), with a minimum of 2 patients. Individual semistructured interviews were used to identify barriers to use of management recommendations aimed at preventing LBP disability. Barriers between health professions were compared. Barriers to use were lesser for OTs and greater for GPs, with divergences among PTs. OTs agreed with the guidelines, found them compatible with their current practice, and thought that using them would prevent persistent disability. GPs and PTs thought that the guidelines did not provide enough information on the pathophysiological management of LBP. GPs thought that it would be difficult to implement the guidelines in everyday practice. All 3 groups thought that management recommendations could conflict with patient expectations. To address identified barriers, a process of care is proposed by fitting tasks to the most compatible providers. The task of GPs could focus on pain management through medication, red flag screening, encouragement to stay active, and reassurance. The tasks of PTs could center on pain management, general exercise, and encouragement to stay active. The tasks of OTs could focus on disability prognosis, yellow flags management, and return to activity parameters. The efficacy of this process of care to prevent persistent LBP disability should be assessed in a trial.

Sustainability Discourse Within a Supply Chain Relationship: Mapping Convergence and Divergence

Large organizations involved in supply chain relationships increasingly are creating joint sustainability initiatives. The authors investigated sustainability-related discourse directed to and created by employees representing two organizations engaged in a supply chain relationship. CRAWDAD was used to map the concepts appearing in (a) each company’s sustainability-related training material, and (b) sustainability-focused interviews conducted with employees. Shared terms in the training documents included the following: corporate mission, corporate performance, corporate responsibility, product (healthy, sustainable, design), price, packaging, reduced waste, energy (reduction, use), and carbon emission. Overlaps between training texts and interview comments revolved around key corporate business goals as well as sustainability as the right thing to do. In the interviews, value statements (e.g., sustainability as the right thing to do or a “good way to do business”) were especially strong. Within both text and talk, the buyer-supplier relationship was emphasized. Areas of divergence between talk and text and between organizations were identified.

China in Ethiopia: Diplomacy and Economics of Sino-optimism

Abstract:This article examines the motive behind China's increased activities in Ethiopia in recent years and concludes that it lies in Ethiopia's perceived diplomatic usefulness. If China's relations with many African countries could be described as one of “infrastructure for natural resources,” the Sino-Ethiopian relationship can be described “infrastructure for diplomatic support.” After exploring the nature and scope of Ethiopia's relations with China and highlighting areas of divergence of interest, the article seeks to demonstrate how the convergence of interests between the two countries has ushered in a period of Sino-optimism among Ethiopia's elite and rising expectations among ordinary Ethiopians.

40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s ethernet short-reach optical and copper host board channel design

Since its inception in the early '70s, Ethernet has gradually displaced other popular standards, such as token-ring, while becoming the de facto standard for local area networks in the enterprise office and data center environments. During Ethernet's lifetime, data rates have increased from the original 10 Mb/s to 10 Gb/s. Now, 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s standards have been defined, ushering in the next generation of equipment and components. This article presents the challenges of designing 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s Ethernet host board channels that are targeted for data center applications. The data center infrastructure comprises: a short-reach optical multimode fiber of length 100 m or less; and/or a copper twinax shielded cable of length 7 m or less, to interconnect collocated communication equipment racks. The recently published 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s Ethernet standard specifies the copper interfaces (CR4/CR10) and the short-reach optical nonretimed optical interfaces (SR4/SR10). This article reviews the Ethernet copper and fiber short-reach application compliance test techniques, and identifies common specifications and areas of divergence for both applications. Cable specifications and its insertion loss budget are also reviewed, providing conclusions that will aid the communications equipment and components manufacturer with a clear reference to address the design and implementation of a standards-compliant product.

Bridging Troubled Waters: Applying Consensus-Building Techniques to Water Planning

This research investigates a practical way to address clashes in stakeholder values and enhance outcomes in water allocation planning, in a case study of the water-stressed Lockyer catchment in Australia. A conflict assessment using photovoice interviews early in the process was used to identify divergent interests and values about sustainability, private and public benefit, and equity. A photovoice workshop as well as separate and joint meetings of government and irrigator groups using various consensus-building techniques fostered mutual respect, identified common ground, and contributed toward a negotiated package. This case study shows that techniques that clarify parties' values can reduce areas of divergence and refocus parties on topics for further negotiation in water planning. A consensus-building process need not be formalized in legislation; techniques can be tailored for the purpose and needs of the situation, and together with institutional change will contribute to more collaborative and deliberative planning processes.

Fragile Merchandise: A Comparative Analysis of the Privacy Rights for Public Figures

Over a century after Warren and Brandeis first presented the right to U.S. jurists for their consideration, privacy has become a central player in U.S. law. But nations around the world, in particular the common and civil law nations of Europe that share similar legal cultures with the United States, are grappling with how best to strike a balance between the competing rights of privacy and freedom of expression—both of which are critical to the functioning of democratic society. Existing literature has not fully drawn from this reservoir of international experience to inform the debate about U.S. privacy rights. This Article addresses this omission by using comparative case studies from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to analyze areas of convergence and divergence in privacy rights. The focus of each case study is the right of privacy afforded to public figures, particularly those at the cusp of the classic definition, i.e., involuntary or temporary public figures. Though some semblance of a bright-line rule has evolved for voluntary public figures, involuntary public figures in the United States are accorded spotty protection varying by jurisdiction. Lacking guiding Supreme Court precedent, this has led to divergent practice especially regarding the definition of “public interest,” which is fundamental to defining the limits of freedom of expression. Thus, this Article draws from the comparative analysis to build a proposal for a clarifying definition of the public interest that helps delineate privacy rights, as well as arguing for the adoption of a graduated structure of privacy protections for public figures along the lines of the German and European Court of Human Rights models.

Genomic impacts of chromosomal inversions in parapatricDrosophilaspecies

Chromosomal inversions impact genetic variation and facilitate speciation in part by reducing recombination in heterokaryotypes. We generated multiple whole-genome shotgun sequences of the parapatric species pair Drosophila pseudoobscura and Drosophila persimilis and their sympatric outgroup (Drosophila miranda) and compared the average pairwise differences for neutral sites within, just outside and far outside of the three large inversions. Divergence between D. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis is high inside the inversions and in the suppressed recombination regions extending 2.5 Mb outside of inversions, but significantly lower in collinear regions further from the inversions. We observe little evidence of decreased divergence predicted to exist in the centre of inversions, suggesting that gene flow through double crossovers or gene conversion is limited within the inversion, or selection is acting within the inversion to maintain divergence in the face of gene flow. In combination with past studies, we provide evidence that inversions in this system maintain areas of high divergence in the face of hybridization, and have done so for a substantial period of time. The left arm of the X chromosome and chromosome 2 inversions appear to have arisen in the lineage leading to D. persimilis approximately 2 Ma, near the time of the split of D. persimilis-D. pseudoobscura-D. miranda, but likely fixed within D. persimilis much more recently, as diversity within D. persimilis is substantially reduced inside and near these two inversions. We also hypothesize that the inversions in D. persimilis may provide an empirical example of the 'mixed geographical mode' theory of inversion origin and fixation, whereby allopatry and secondary contact both play a role.

Revisiting the outsourcing debate: two sides of the same story

Although outsourcing of organisational functions has become a popular practice amongst organisations, the literature provides a myopic and simplistic view of the phenomenon by focusing on either single functions or taking monadic views of a single party. The design of our study overcomes these weaknesses by including the following features: a range of organisational functions were included; the unit of analysis was the outsourcing contract; the level of analysis was at the dyadic level where both service providers and receivers presented their views and the approach was a qualitative one. In practice, this involved interviews with managers in service receiving and providing organisations that were in charge of 10 separate outsourcing arrangements. Using agency theory as a theoretical anchor, we contribute to the outsourcing debate by highlighting its complexity and areas of convergence and divergence between service receivers and providers, thereby suggesting a contingent approach towards implementation of outsourcing arrangements.

Does the process of change in Venezuela resemble a “Permanent Revolution”?

The ongoing radicalization over an extended period under the presidency of Hugo Chavez contrasts with revolutions elsewhere. The Chavez government has passed through increasingly radical stages beginning with moderate policies in 1999–2000, and leading to widespread expropriations after 2007. Political victories initiated each new stage. The escalations from one stage to the next helped identify “enemies” of the process of change. Government victories and radicalization infused rank-and-file Chavistas with a sense of optimism. The Venezuelan process recalls the concept of permanent revolution espoused by Leon Trotsky, but there are areas of divergence: First, in contrast to the Venezuelan case, Trotsky insisted that the working class and its vanguard party play the lead role untied to their class enemies. Second, Chavez throughout his 12 years of rule has occasionally accepted compromise arrangements with the adversaries of change.