This article draws on a rich empirical literature on comparative corruption and rich theoretical literatures on the related topics ofinstitutions and credible commitment to analyze China’s newestanticorruption campai...This article draws on a rich empirical literature on comparative corruption and rich theoretical literatures on the related topics ofinstitutions and credible commitment to analyze China’s newestanticorruption campaign, ongoing today. It argues that the campaign differs notably from previous efforts. In addition to its mostobvious features of longer duration and higher reach, the campaign has significantly changed the structure of Party and government incentives so as to reduce bureaucratic opportunities forcorruption and structural obstacles to anticorruption enforcement.These features constitute important steps toward anticorruptioninstitutionalisation and credible commitment to good governance.The article concludes by proposing some strategic policy choicesto promote and protect anticorruption gains.展开更多
Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer between females in Saudi Arabia, the eastern area ranked as the first in the incidence rate. As the breast cancer awareness movement has expanded,...Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer between females in Saudi Arabia, the eastern area ranked as the first in the incidence rate. As the breast cancer awareness movement has expanded, majority of the new cases are still diagnosed in a later stage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer awareness campaigns on the knowledge and practice of early breast examination (EBE) which consisted of breast-self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography, among women at King Faisal University. Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out at King Faisal University, Al-Hassa city on a sample of 300 adult females from different urban and rural areas. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the participants. The questionnaire contains questions about: socio-demographic factors, awareness campaigns, practice and knowledge of breast cancer and early screening methods. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 16 to 60 years;53% of the participants have attended campaigns;and 47% have never attended. Regarding the practice of BSE, CBE and mammography, the results were 8.8%, 3.3%, and 4.3%, respectively. The results show a significant relation between attending campaigns and good level of practice and knowledge. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings indicate a great impact of the community-based awareness campaigns on the practice of EBE. The study recommends a multilevel intervention for every age group, specially the age group that at risk.展开更多
Introduction: The DRC had planned 23 mass distribution campaigns distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) for the years 2018-2020, the implementation of which spanned from 2018 to July 2021. This article ...Introduction: The DRC had planned 23 mass distribution campaigns distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) for the years 2018-2020, the implementation of which spanned from 2018 to July 2021. This article reviews the campaign’s planning process, the results, challenges, and lessons learned. Methods: A descriptive method was used to postpone the planning and implementation process according to the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) standards adapted to the COVID-19 context. The changes and adaptations implemented as well as the challenges encountered are described. Results: Between January 2018 to June 2021, 23 LLIN mass distribution campaigns were organized in the DRC with the financial support of The Global Fund to Fight against Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria (GFTAM) and Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) allowing the distribution of 55,273,473 LLINs to 19,048,372 households at risk of malaria transmission with an average of 2.9 LLINs per household. The enumerated population (111,081,191) exceeded 7% of the micro plans projected population (102,790,391) while the number of households enumerated (19,311,629) was 3% lower compared to the micro planning projection households (19,862,417). Compared to a reported household coverage of 96% of households achieved over the expected households, the independent monitoring carried out revealed 91% of households served in the intervention areas. The main reasons for not reaching households mentioned by the respondents were absence at the time of distribution (26%) followed by the loss of vouchers (16%). Several communication channels were used among which, community workers were the most frequently mentioned (63.1%), followed by radios (18.5%) and churches (12.4%). Conclusion: Good planning, effective coordination of stakeholders, and revision of the implementing campaigns methods following the COVID-19 were factors in the success of this campaign. An effort to respect the schedules for renewing LLINs in households, coupled with good continuous distribution展开更多
This article proposes the concept of policy blending to improve our understanding of the densely interactive quality of political initiatives in early 1950s China. Using three cases studies, I argue that policy blendi...This article proposes the concept of policy blending to improve our understanding of the densely interactive quality of political initiatives in early 1950s China. Using three cases studies, I argue that policy blending, defined as the process by which previous political experiences shaped the implementation and interpretation of those subsequent to them （sometimes in ways contrary to the government＇s intentions）, occurred frequently during this period, to the extent that people＇s understanding of the first years of Chinese Communist Party rule cannot be separated from this phenomenon. Using examples from marriage registration, the Marriage Law and the national discussion of the 1954 draft Constitution, I advance the historiographical argument that the early 1950s should not be demarcated by, or taught mainly with reference to, ＂temporally encapsulated＂ policies with clear beginnings and ends （i.e., policy ＂a＂ occurred in year ＂b,＂ followed by policy ＂c＂ in year ＂d＂）. Rather, policies seeped into each other, producing a blurry--but sometimes accurate--＂impression＂ of state power. I further suggest that the concept of policy blending can be helpful in understanding subsequent political initiatives as well.展开更多
This is a study of university students’ awareness of diabetes mellitus, and the extent of their knowledge about it. The research is a quantitative design based on a survey of students (N = 700) at the University of T...This is a study of university students’ awareness of diabetes mellitus, and the extent of their knowledge about it. The research is a quantitative design based on a survey of students (N = 700) at the University of Tabuk in the Saudi province of Tabuk. The findings were that the students’ knowledge of diabetes indicators was encouraging, and that the faculty’s periodic diabetes awareness programs should be continued to ensure that new students can recognise diabetes characteristics. In assessing variables for knowledge of the disease in relation to the demographics of people on the Tabuk University campus, marital status and weight were significant indicators. The conclusion was that awareness programs should be continued to avoid complacency and to combat the disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a major global public health problem.In the Republic of Cyprus,the estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C(CHC)among the general population is 0.6%,while the CHC preva...BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a major global public health problem.In the Republic of Cyprus,the estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C(CHC)among the general population is 0.6%,while the CHC prevalence among people who inject drugs(PWID)is estimated at 46%.Direct-acting antivirals that can eliminate HCV are not yet widely available in the Republic of Cyprus.However,when direct-acting antivirals become available,a long-term strategic plan to guide elimination efforts will be needed to maximize the effect of treatment.AIM To determine the programmatic targets to eliminate HCV in the Republic of Cyprus.METHODS A dynamic,stochastic,individual-based model of HCV transmission,disease progression,and cascade of care was calibrated to data from Cyprus.The model stratifies the population into the infected general population and the PWID population.A variety of test,prevention,and treatment strategies concerning the general population,PWID,or both were examined.The time horizon of the analysis was until 2034.RESULTS Under the status quo scenario,the model predicted that 75(95%confidence interval(CI):60,91)and 575(95%CI:535,615)liver-related deaths and new infections would occur by 2034,respectively.Launching an expanded treatment program,without screening interventions,would cause modest outcomes regarding CHC prevalence(16.6%reduction in 2034 compared to 2020)and liverrelated deaths(10 deaths would be prevented compared to the status quo scenario by 2034).Implementing a test and treat strategy among the general population but without any intervention in the PWID population would suffice to meet the mortality target but not the incidence target.To achieve HCV elimination in Cyprus,3080(95%CI:3000,3200)HCV patients need to be diagnosed and treated by 2034(2680 from the general population and 400 from PWID),and harm reduction coverage among PWID should be increased by 3%per year(from 25%in 2020 to 67%in 2034).CONCLUSION Elimination of HCV is a demanding public health strategy,which requires significant i展开更多
The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected.The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators–and unfortunately,this might be right in many cases.What is however only of limited int...The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected.The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators–and unfortunately,this might be right in many cases.What is however only of limited interest for the private industry is in the center of interest for nation states.Investigating if an attack was carried out in the name of a nation state is a crucial task for secret services.Many methods,tools and processes exist for network-and computer forensics that allow the collection of traces and evidences.They are the basis to associate adversarial actions to threat actors.However,a serious problem which has not got the appropriate attention from research yet,are false flag campaigns,cyber attacks which apply covert tactics to deceive or misguide attribution attempts–either to hide traces or to blame others.In this paper we provide an overview of prominent attack techniques along the cyber kill chain.We investigate traces left by attack techniques and which questions in course of the attribution process are answered by investigating these traces.Eventually,we assess how easily traces can be spoofed and rate their relevancy with respect to identifying false flag campaigns.展开更多
The growing number of people suffering from depression has become a social problem in Japan. The problems associated with depression in Japan have been influenced by the pharmaceuticalization of mental health. Since s...The growing number of people suffering from depression has become a social problem in Japan. The problems associated with depression in Japan have been influenced by the pharmaceuticalization of mental health. Since selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were introduced to Japan＇s pharmaceutical market in 1999, demand for anti-depressant medications has rapidly expanded. It seems likely then that the efforts of pharmaceutical companies, as part of their marketing strategies, to increase people＇s awareness of mental illness have led people who are not actually depressed to have medical consultations and drug treatments for it. This phenomenon is known as ＂disease mongering＂ and has been reported on. Problems exist from the medical perspective also and include the following： expansion of the diagnostic criteria for depression as formulated in the American Psychiatric Association＇s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; treatments that rely heavily on drugs; and biomedicalization. Another reason for the increase in medical consultations is the declining function of communal bodies. This has resulted in individuals struggling psychologically, for example, with anxiety, worry, and depression. In summary, this sociological research analyzed the problems of depression in ｜apan and revealed how the pharmaceuticalization of mental health accelerates the individualization of social problem.展开更多
This paper discusses the controversial management decisions made by policy-makers worldwide regarding poisoning campaigns aimed to control small mammal populations, often considered harmful economic pests. Aside from ...This paper discusses the controversial management decisions made by policy-makers worldwide regarding poisoning campaigns aimed to control small mammal populations, often considered harmful economic pests. Aside from considerations re- garding the biological consequences of these campaigns, we argue that when society rejects all values of science and expertise then only badly supported and negligent decisions will be made about conservation and management issues. The extermination of small mammal species, some of which play crucial ecological roles in several regions of the world, is just an example of such discredit and misinformation. Without a strong commitment towards evidence-based policy-making, economic investments in re- search and development could be entirely compromised展开更多
This paper presents a method for assessing the influence of the interaction environment of an organization. The interaction environment of an organization is composed of three elements： （1） the physical structure o...This paper presents a method for assessing the influence of the interaction environment of an organization. The interaction environment of an organization is composed of three elements： （1） the physical structure of the organization, including numbers of buildings, floors, common gathering areas, size, industry, and physical layout; （2） the information structure, consisting of the numbers and types of communication channels in the organization; and （3） the social structure, consisting of both individual-level assessments of the social environment of the organization as well as the organizational attempts to create a more social environment. This assessment tool has been tested in a large-scale study of organ donation campaigns in 46 organizations. Findings from this earlier test of the assessment tool demonstrate that interaction environment influences the way people communicate about, seek information about, and make decisions about health-related topics in organizations. Additionally, the individual elements of the interaction environment work in complex ways and also influence communication patterns and knowledge about health information. This paper details the procedures for using this assessment tool, methods for analyzing the findings, limitations of the tool, and areas in need of refinements and further researches.展开更多
This study examined the impact of Mormonism on the 2008 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney. Romney faced a situation that reminded observers of John F. Kennedy＇s 1960 campaign. In 1960, Kennedy faced doubts about h...This study examined the impact of Mormonism on the 2008 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney. Romney faced a situation that reminded observers of John F. Kennedy＇s 1960 campaign. In 1960, Kennedy faced doubts about his Catholicism while Ronmey faced questions about the Mormon religion. Kennedy faced those doubts directly with a speech in Houston, Texas late in the campaign. Romney tried to do the same thing with a speech on his religious beliefs early in the primary campaigns. Kennedy＇s speech was effective, and he went on to win the presidential election. Romney＇s speech was not effective, and he was out of the race within two months. Kennedy＇s speech directly addressed the public＇s questions about Catholicism, while Romney＇s speech was an appeal for religious tolerance. The speech is examined in terms of the Pharisee Effect, a hypothesis which argues that religious appeals in politics failure if they are over used. Some voters were turned off by the negative image of his religion--a response consistent with the fanaticism backlash of the Pharisee Effect. Others may have reacted negatively to his perceived inauthentic attempts to reach out to evangelicals--a move that is consistent with the intentionality dimension of the Pharisee Effect. The Mormon issue did not become an issue in the 2012 election; Romney avoided it by simply not talking about his religion.展开更多
The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected.The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators–and unfortunately,this might be right in many cases.What is however only of limited int...The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected.The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators–and unfortunately,this might be right in many cases.What is however only of limited interest for the private industry is in the center of interest for nation states.Investigating if an attack was carried out in the name of a nation state is a crucial task for secret services.Many methods,tools and processes exist for network-and computer forensics that allow the collection of traces and evidences.They are the basis to associate adversarial actions to threat actors.However,a serious problem which has not got the appropriate attention from research yet,are false flag campaigns,cyber attacks which apply covert tactics to deceive or misguide attribution attempts–either to hide traces or to blame others.In this paper we provide an overview of prominent attack techniques along the cyber kill chain.We investigate traces left by attack techniques and which questions in course of the attribution process are answered by investigating these traces.Eventually,we assess how easily traces can be spoofed and rate their relevancy with respect to identifying false flag campaigns.展开更多
The machine-building industry involves a great variety of trades, providing service and technological equipment for a great number of sectors of a nation’s economy. The level of its development usually reflects the e...The machine-building industry involves a great variety of trades, providing service and technological equipment for a great number of sectors of a nation’s economy. The level of its development usually reflects the extent and level of the national industrialization. To enumerate the major ones, about 13 trades in China’s machine-building industry are under the direct administration of the Ministry of the Machine-building Industry, such as automobiles and motorcycles, electrical engineering and devices, heavy mining machines, petrochemical general machines,machine tools,machinery basic parts,instrumentation and meters,展开更多
The article surveys the development of the environmental movement in Israel from the establishment of the state through the present day. Based on trends and transformations in the institutional planning system, it app...The article surveys the development of the environmental movement in Israel from the establishment of the state through the present day. Based on trends and transformations in the institutional planning system, it appears that activism by environmental movement organizations in Israel can be divided into three sub-periods： the establishment period, marked by the Sharon Plan, the founding of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and MALRAZ--Council for the Prevention of Noise and Air Pollution in Israel, and the enactment of the Kanovitch Law and the National Parks and Nature Reserves Law （1963）. The next phase of institutionalization is characterized by the establishment of designated institutional bodies--the Nature Reserves Authority, the National Parks Authority and the Environmental Protection Service, and their integration into the national planning system. The institutionalization period concludes with the establishment of the Ministry of the Environment （1989） and the transition to the third period, sustainability. Prominent during this period is a trend toward multidimensional proactive environmental planning and policymaking, reaching across many areas and including extensive regulation As far as environmental organizations are concerned, these three periods comprised a framework of cultural action in which they developed, acted and shaped environmental discourse and practice in Israel. Based on other studies, the article offers a model that illustrates the development of the environmental movement while emphasizing the interaction between individual actors, local organizing and national organizations. Finally, some characteristics and insights regarding activism by environmental organizations in Israel are suggested.展开更多
American campaigning has become increasingly complex as it adjusts to our ever-changing cultural landscape. The use of electronic media in the presidential campaigns of 1960 and 2008 is illustrative of this shift. A c...American campaigning has become increasingly complex as it adjusts to our ever-changing cultural landscape. The use of electronic media in the presidential campaigns of 1960 and 2008 is illustrative of this shift. A content analysis of these two campaigns demonstrates how each applied the newest technologies available at the time to define the candidate＇s image and export the messages to the electorate. Whether it be Kennedy＇s use of television or Obama＇s usage of social media, the role that new media of the day played in both campaigns clearly set the tone for future political campaigns. This examination of the role of media in both elections serves to form a primer for how the successful applications of new media lead to campaign victory. Then and now, the growing influence of new technologies on campaigning makes it necessary to compare and contrast the successful usages and strategies employed. The need for continuing analysis will grow in the coming years.展开更多
文摘This article draws on a rich empirical literature on comparative corruption and rich theoretical literatures on the related topics ofinstitutions and credible commitment to analyze China’s newestanticorruption campaign, ongoing today. It argues that the campaign differs notably from previous efforts. In addition to its mostobvious features of longer duration and higher reach, the campaign has significantly changed the structure of Party and government incentives so as to reduce bureaucratic opportunities forcorruption and structural obstacles to anticorruption enforcement.These features constitute important steps toward anticorruptioninstitutionalisation and credible commitment to good governance.The article concludes by proposing some strategic policy choicesto promote and protect anticorruption gains.
文摘Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer between females in Saudi Arabia, the eastern area ranked as the first in the incidence rate. As the breast cancer awareness movement has expanded, majority of the new cases are still diagnosed in a later stage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer awareness campaigns on the knowledge and practice of early breast examination (EBE) which consisted of breast-self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography, among women at King Faisal University. Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out at King Faisal University, Al-Hassa city on a sample of 300 adult females from different urban and rural areas. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the participants. The questionnaire contains questions about: socio-demographic factors, awareness campaigns, practice and knowledge of breast cancer and early screening methods. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 16 to 60 years;53% of the participants have attended campaigns;and 47% have never attended. Regarding the practice of BSE, CBE and mammography, the results were 8.8%, 3.3%, and 4.3%, respectively. The results show a significant relation between attending campaigns and good level of practice and knowledge. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings indicate a great impact of the community-based awareness campaigns on the practice of EBE. The study recommends a multilevel intervention for every age group, specially the age group that at risk.
文摘Introduction: The DRC had planned 23 mass distribution campaigns distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) for the years 2018-2020, the implementation of which spanned from 2018 to July 2021. This article reviews the campaign’s planning process, the results, challenges, and lessons learned. Methods: A descriptive method was used to postpone the planning and implementation process according to the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) standards adapted to the COVID-19 context. The changes and adaptations implemented as well as the challenges encountered are described. Results: Between January 2018 to June 2021, 23 LLIN mass distribution campaigns were organized in the DRC with the financial support of The Global Fund to Fight against Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria (GFTAM) and Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) allowing the distribution of 55,273,473 LLINs to 19,048,372 households at risk of malaria transmission with an average of 2.9 LLINs per household. The enumerated population (111,081,191) exceeded 7% of the micro plans projected population (102,790,391) while the number of households enumerated (19,311,629) was 3% lower compared to the micro planning projection households (19,862,417). Compared to a reported household coverage of 96% of households achieved over the expected households, the independent monitoring carried out revealed 91% of households served in the intervention areas. The main reasons for not reaching households mentioned by the respondents were absence at the time of distribution (26%) followed by the loss of vouchers (16%). Several communication channels were used among which, community workers were the most frequently mentioned (63.1%), followed by radios (18.5%) and churches (12.4%). Conclusion: Good planning, effective coordination of stakeholders, and revision of the implementing campaigns methods following the COVID-19 were factors in the success of this campaign. An effort to respect the schedules for renewing LLINs in households, coupled with good continuous distribution
文摘This article proposes the concept of policy blending to improve our understanding of the densely interactive quality of political initiatives in early 1950s China. Using three cases studies, I argue that policy blending, defined as the process by which previous political experiences shaped the implementation and interpretation of those subsequent to them （sometimes in ways contrary to the government＇s intentions）, occurred frequently during this period, to the extent that people＇s understanding of the first years of Chinese Communist Party rule cannot be separated from this phenomenon. Using examples from marriage registration, the Marriage Law and the national discussion of the 1954 draft Constitution, I advance the historiographical argument that the early 1950s should not be demarcated by, or taught mainly with reference to, ＂temporally encapsulated＂ policies with clear beginnings and ends （i.e., policy ＂a＂ occurred in year ＂b,＂ followed by policy ＂c＂ in year ＂d＂）. Rather, policies seeped into each other, producing a blurry--but sometimes accurate--＂impression＂ of state power. I further suggest that the concept of policy blending can be helpful in understanding subsequent political initiatives as well.
文摘This is a study of university students’ awareness of diabetes mellitus, and the extent of their knowledge about it. The research is a quantitative design based on a survey of students (N = 700) at the University of Tabuk in the Saudi province of Tabuk. The findings were that the students’ knowledge of diabetes indicators was encouraging, and that the faculty’s periodic diabetes awareness programs should be continued to ensure that new students can recognise diabetes characteristics. In assessing variables for knowledge of the disease in relation to the demographics of people on the Tabuk University campus, marital status and weight were significant indicators. The conclusion was that awareness programs should be continued to avoid complacency and to combat the disease.
基金the Onisilos Funding Scheme of the University of Cyprus.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a major global public health problem.In the Republic of Cyprus,the estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C(CHC)among the general population is 0.6%,while the CHC prevalence among people who inject drugs(PWID)is estimated at 46%.Direct-acting antivirals that can eliminate HCV are not yet widely available in the Republic of Cyprus.However,when direct-acting antivirals become available,a long-term strategic plan to guide elimination efforts will be needed to maximize the effect of treatment.AIM To determine the programmatic targets to eliminate HCV in the Republic of Cyprus.METHODS A dynamic,stochastic,individual-based model of HCV transmission,disease progression,and cascade of care was calibrated to data from Cyprus.The model stratifies the population into the infected general population and the PWID population.A variety of test,prevention,and treatment strategies concerning the general population,PWID,or both were examined.The time horizon of the analysis was until 2034.RESULTS Under the status quo scenario,the model predicted that 75(95%confidence interval(CI):60,91)and 575(95%CI:535,615)liver-related deaths and new infections would occur by 2034,respectively.Launching an expanded treatment program,without screening interventions,would cause modest outcomes regarding CHC prevalence(16.6%reduction in 2034 compared to 2020)and liverrelated deaths(10 deaths would be prevented compared to the status quo scenario by 2034).Implementing a test and treat strategy among the general population but without any intervention in the PWID population would suffice to meet the mortality target but not the incidence target.To achieve HCV elimination in Cyprus,3080(95%CI:3000,3200)HCV patients need to be diagnosed and treated by 2034(2680 from the general population and 400 from PWID),and harm reduction coverage among PWID should be increased by 3%per year(from 25%in 2020 to 67%in 2034).CONCLUSION Elimination of HCV is a demanding public health strategy,which requires significant i
基金partly funded by the Austrian security-research programme FORTE and by the Austrian Ministry for Transport,Innovation and Technology(BMvit)through the FFG project CADSP(873425).
文摘The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected.The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators–and unfortunately,this might be right in many cases.What is however only of limited interest for the private industry is in the center of interest for nation states.Investigating if an attack was carried out in the name of a nation state is a crucial task for secret services.Many methods,tools and processes exist for network-and computer forensics that allow the collection of traces and evidences.They are the basis to associate adversarial actions to threat actors.However,a serious problem which has not got the appropriate attention from research yet,are false flag campaigns,cyber attacks which apply covert tactics to deceive or misguide attribution attempts–either to hide traces or to blame others.In this paper we provide an overview of prominent attack techniques along the cyber kill chain.We investigate traces left by attack techniques and which questions in course of the attribution process are answered by investigating these traces.Eventually,we assess how easily traces can be spoofed and rate their relevancy with respect to identifying false flag campaigns.
文摘The growing number of people suffering from depression has become a social problem in Japan. The problems associated with depression in Japan have been influenced by the pharmaceuticalization of mental health. Since selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were introduced to Japan＇s pharmaceutical market in 1999, demand for anti-depressant medications has rapidly expanded. It seems likely then that the efforts of pharmaceutical companies, as part of their marketing strategies, to increase people＇s awareness of mental illness have led people who are not actually depressed to have medical consultations and drug treatments for it. This phenomenon is known as ＂disease mongering＂ and has been reported on. Problems exist from the medical perspective also and include the following： expansion of the diagnostic criteria for depression as formulated in the American Psychiatric Association＇s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; treatments that rely heavily on drugs; and biomedicalization. Another reason for the increase in medical consultations is the declining function of communal bodies. This has resulted in individuals struggling psychologically, for example, with anxiety, worry, and depression. In summary, this sociological research analyzed the problems of depression in ｜apan and revealed how the pharmaceuticalization of mental health accelerates the individualization of social problem.
文摘This paper discusses the controversial management decisions made by policy-makers worldwide regarding poisoning campaigns aimed to control small mammal populations, often considered harmful economic pests. Aside from considerations re- garding the biological consequences of these campaigns, we argue that when society rejects all values of science and expertise then only badly supported and negligent decisions will be made about conservation and management issues. The extermination of small mammal species, some of which play crucial ecological roles in several regions of the world, is just an example of such discredit and misinformation. Without a strong commitment towards evidence-based policy-making, economic investments in re- search and development could be entirely compromised
文摘This paper presents a method for assessing the influence of the interaction environment of an organization. The interaction environment of an organization is composed of three elements： （1） the physical structure of the organization, including numbers of buildings, floors, common gathering areas, size, industry, and physical layout; （2） the information structure, consisting of the numbers and types of communication channels in the organization; and （3） the social structure, consisting of both individual-level assessments of the social environment of the organization as well as the organizational attempts to create a more social environment. This assessment tool has been tested in a large-scale study of organ donation campaigns in 46 organizations. Findings from this earlier test of the assessment tool demonstrate that interaction environment influences the way people communicate about, seek information about, and make decisions about health-related topics in organizations. Additionally, the individual elements of the interaction environment work in complex ways and also influence communication patterns and knowledge about health information. This paper details the procedures for using this assessment tool, methods for analyzing the findings, limitations of the tool, and areas in need of refinements and further researches.
文摘This study examined the impact of Mormonism on the 2008 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney. Romney faced a situation that reminded observers of John F. Kennedy＇s 1960 campaign. In 1960, Kennedy faced doubts about his Catholicism while Ronmey faced questions about the Mormon religion. Kennedy faced those doubts directly with a speech in Houston, Texas late in the campaign. Romney tried to do the same thing with a speech on his religious beliefs early in the primary campaigns. Kennedy＇s speech was effective, and he went on to win the presidential election. Romney＇s speech was not effective, and he was out of the race within two months. Kennedy＇s speech directly addressed the public＇s questions about Catholicism, while Romney＇s speech was an appeal for religious tolerance. The speech is examined in terms of the Pharisee Effect, a hypothesis which argues that religious appeals in politics failure if they are over used. Some voters were turned off by the negative image of his religion--a response consistent with the fanaticism backlash of the Pharisee Effect. Others may have reacted negatively to his perceived inauthentic attempts to reach out to evangelicals--a move that is consistent with the intentionality dimension of the Pharisee Effect. The Mormon issue did not become an issue in the 2012 election; Romney avoided it by simply not talking about his religion.
基金This work was partly funded by the Austrian security-research programme FORTE and by the Austrian Ministry for Transport,Innovation and Technology(BMvit)through the FFG project CADSP(873425).
文摘The attribution of cyber attacks is often neglected.The consensus still is that little can be done to prosecute the perpetrators–and unfortunately,this might be right in many cases.What is however only of limited interest for the private industry is in the center of interest for nation states.Investigating if an attack was carried out in the name of a nation state is a crucial task for secret services.Many methods,tools and processes exist for network-and computer forensics that allow the collection of traces and evidences.They are the basis to associate adversarial actions to threat actors.However,a serious problem which has not got the appropriate attention from research yet,are false flag campaigns,cyber attacks which apply covert tactics to deceive or misguide attribution attempts–either to hide traces or to blame others.In this paper we provide an overview of prominent attack techniques along the cyber kill chain.We investigate traces left by attack techniques and which questions in course of the attribution process are answered by investigating these traces.Eventually,we assess how easily traces can be spoofed and rate their relevancy with respect to identifying false flag campaigns.
文摘The machine-building industry involves a great variety of trades, providing service and technological equipment for a great number of sectors of a nation’s economy. The level of its development usually reflects the extent and level of the national industrialization. To enumerate the major ones, about 13 trades in China’s machine-building industry are under the direct administration of the Ministry of the Machine-building Industry, such as automobiles and motorcycles, electrical engineering and devices, heavy mining machines, petrochemical general machines,machine tools,machinery basic parts,instrumentation and meters,
文摘The article surveys the development of the environmental movement in Israel from the establishment of the state through the present day. Based on trends and transformations in the institutional planning system, it appears that activism by environmental movement organizations in Israel can be divided into three sub-periods： the establishment period, marked by the Sharon Plan, the founding of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and MALRAZ--Council for the Prevention of Noise and Air Pollution in Israel, and the enactment of the Kanovitch Law and the National Parks and Nature Reserves Law （1963）. The next phase of institutionalization is characterized by the establishment of designated institutional bodies--the Nature Reserves Authority, the National Parks Authority and the Environmental Protection Service, and their integration into the national planning system. The institutionalization period concludes with the establishment of the Ministry of the Environment （1989） and the transition to the third period, sustainability. Prominent during this period is a trend toward multidimensional proactive environmental planning and policymaking, reaching across many areas and including extensive regulation As far as environmental organizations are concerned, these three periods comprised a framework of cultural action in which they developed, acted and shaped environmental discourse and practice in Israel. Based on other studies, the article offers a model that illustrates the development of the environmental movement while emphasizing the interaction between individual actors, local organizing and national organizations. Finally, some characteristics and insights regarding activism by environmental organizations in Israel are suggested.
文摘American campaigning has become increasingly complex as it adjusts to our ever-changing cultural landscape. The use of electronic media in the presidential campaigns of 1960 and 2008 is illustrative of this shift. A content analysis of these two campaigns demonstrates how each applied the newest technologies available at the time to define the candidate＇s image and export the messages to the electorate. Whether it be Kennedy＇s use of television or Obama＇s usage of social media, the role that new media of the day played in both campaigns clearly set the tone for future political campaigns. This examination of the role of media in both elections serves to form a primer for how the successful applications of new media lead to campaign victory. Then and now, the growing influence of new technologies on campaigning makes it necessary to compare and contrast the successful usages and strategies employed. The need for continuing analysis will grow in the coming years.
