Toward a Descriptive Model of Humanitarian Assistance Coordination

This paper argues that the operating environment of humanitarian assistance is best conceived as an interorganizational social network or regime and that the problem of power and authority in such situations must be re-founded or reconceived accordingly. This contention is developed to contribute to an important ongoing dialogue among analysts concerning how humanitarian aid may most effectively be delivered in the context of a realistic appraisal of the structural and operating conditions in which it is offered. The paper first outlines the primary elements of the organizational environment in which humanitarian efforts must proceed, next suggests a way of thinking about how one might conceive of those conditions that builds on recent work, and then sketches the elements of a strategic contingency approach to the humanitarian assistance coordination dilemma. This analytical frame leads one to rethink assumptions concerning how best to conceptualize both the environment and the behavior of humanitarian organizations engaged in providing assistance in emergency situations and to suggest that theory building for this domain of study should now turn to a network-based and strategically contingent perspective for its foundation.

Human Error in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Deployment: A System Dynamics Approach

The use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for various applications have grown with maturing technology and improved accessibility. The deployment of AUVs for under-ice marine science research in the Antarctic is one such example. However, a higher risk of AUV loss is present during such endeavors due to the extremities in the Antarctic. A thorough analysis of risks is therefore crucial for formulating effective risk control policies and achieving a lower risk of loss. Existing risk analysis approaches focused predominantly on the technical aspects, as well as identifying static cause and effect relationships in the chain of events leading to AUV loss. Comparatively, the complex interrelationships between risk variables and other aspects of risk such as human errors have received much lesser attention. In this article, a systems-based risk analysis framework facilitated by system dynamics methodology is proposed to overcome existing shortfalls. To demonstrate usefulness of the framework, it is applied on an actual AUV program to examine the occurrence of human error during Antarctic deployment. Simulation of the resultant risk model showed an overall decline in human error incident rate with the increase in experience of the AUV team. Scenario analysis based on the example provided policy recommendations in areas of training, practice runs, recruitment policy, and setting of risk tolerance level. The proposed risk analysis framework is pragmatically useful for risk analysis of future AUV programs to ensure the sustainability of operations, facilitating both better control and monitoring of risk.     

A Framework to Understand Extreme Space Weather Event Probability

An extreme space weather event has the potential to disrupt or damage infrastructure systems and technologies that many societies rely on for economic and social well‐being. Space weather events occur regularly, but extreme events are less frequent, with a small number of historical examples over the last 160 years. During the past decade, published works have (1) examined the physical characteristics of the extreme historical events and (2) discussed the probability or return rate of select extreme geomagnetic disturbances, including the 1859 Carrington event. Here we present initial findings on a unified framework approach to visualize space weather event probability, using a Bayesian model average, in the context of historical extreme events. We present disturbance storm time (Dst ) probability (a proxy for geomagnetic disturbance intensity) across multiple return periods and discuss parameters of interest to policymakers and planners in the context of past extreme space weather events. We discuss the current state of these analyses, their utility to policymakers and planners, the current limitations when compared to other hazards, and several gaps that need to be filled to enhance space weather risk assessments.     

Wider Perspectives in Family Mediation: An Ecosystemic Approach

All mediation processes are constrained by their theoretical frameworks. A wider ecosystemic framework extends perspectives and can open new windows on family systems, interdisciplinary connections, and links between past, present, and future that shape decisions. While showing some similarities to family therapy, ecosystemic family mediation is a discrete process with clearly defined principles and boundaries. In practice, it needs to be tailored to the needs of the particular family, with special attention to the importance of listening and talking with children who are experiencing parental separation and major changes in their lives. Family mediators help family members to manage change. Mediators need to look for change within themselves too, remaining open to new ideas and the development of their thinking and practice.     

工程训练课程体系的研究与实践

在分析国内外工程实践教学特点和中国工程实践教学现状的基础上,结合中国工程实践教育的特点,提出了工程训练的培养方针、教学定位、教学理念和改革与建设的基本原则.构建并实践了工程训练的新课程体系:一种分层次、分阶段、递进式的教学体系,在每一个阶段覆盖机、电、控技术内容,具有综合性的特点;层次化的、不间断的实践过程又体现了工程实践教学实践性的特点.通过开放性实践教学平台的建设,在教学方法上实现了开放性和个性化的教学思想.在多年的实践教学中,取得了满意的效果.     

“场域-惯习”视角下的水电移民长期补偿安置方式

借鉴布迪厄的场域-惯习理论,从移民安置的场域、资本、惯习及其相互之间的作用出发,构建水电移民安置方式分析框架。应用该分析框架对水电移民长期补偿安置方式实施的原因、存在的风险和可能的变化进行社会学解读。     

跨界融合,全面提升中国传媒的国际传播力

中国传媒在国际传播格局中处于弱势,为了全面提升中国传媒的国际传播力,要制定国家文化发展战略,树立文化传播的主体意识;争夺有效话语权;提升对外翻译的影响力;借鉴国外媒体的经验、现成的国际传播渠道,提高与境外媒体打交道的能力;构建合理的现代传播体系,打造国际一流媒体。     

纳西族东巴文献整理范式检析

“以文学为取向”与“以历史主义为取向”构成了东巴文献整理的主要范式,二者彼此消长,又相互交叉。前者把东巴文献视为与作家文学相对的“民间文学”或“口头文学”,通过去宗教化、去仪式化改造以后成了可以为新时代服务的“大众文学”;“以历史主义为取向”则着重于文献产生、发展演变、衰落消亡等一些历史主义倾向的假设命题,在搜集、翻译、整理过程中以意识形态的观点来代替科学研究。     

The influence of tax authorities on the employment of tax practitioners: Empirical evidence from a survey and interview study

Tax practitioners play a crucial role in the degree of taxpayers’ compliance – a role that has increased as tax systems worldwide have become more complex. However, little is known about tax authorities’ impact on taxpayers’ decisions to employ tax practitioners. Based on earlier research on motivations to employ a tax practitioner and the extended slippery slope framework of tax compliance, we conducted two studies which provide some answers. A survey study – comprising a representative sample of 500 Austrian self-employed taxpayers – revealed that financial gain is not the most important reason to employ a tax practitioner but instead the motivation to avoid problems with the tax authorities. Related to that, we also find that taxpayers’ perception of tax authorities wielding coercive power motivates them to employ tax practitioners. In the interview study with 33 self-employed taxpayers and 30 tax auditors, taxpayers indicated that they sought to avoid contact with tax officers by employing tax practitioners. This finding was supported by tax officers who reported preferring interaction with tax practitioners over direct contact with taxpayers. The two studies point to the complex relationship between taxpayers, tax authorities and tax practitioners, and allow the drawing of theoretical and practical implications.     

描写充分与解释充分之张力：原则与参数框架的理论动因

通过总结Chomsky的＂句法理论中的原则与参数＂一文,回顾原则与参数框架产生的历史背景及其理论动因,梳理原则与参数框架的主要思想及内容,分析原则与参数框架提出的意义、它所面临的挑战及其发展前景。描写充分性与解释充分性之间的张力是原则与参数框架形成的理论动因。在生成语法追求＂超越解释的充分性＂这一更高目标的过程中,我们看到的是继续前进中的原则与参数。