Summary and Risks of ABS Transactions Under EU and US Law

This chapter examines the legal concept of summary in terms of its potential legal liability and other types of risks under EU and US disclosure laws.

The role of networking and social media tools during job search: an information behaviour perspective.

The paper presents a critical analysis of the extant literature pertaining to the networking behaviours of young jobseekers in both offline and online environments. A framework derived from information behaviour theory is proposed as a basis for conducting further research in this area. Method. Relevant material for the review was sourced from key research domains such as library and information science, job search research, and organisational research. Analysis. Three key research themes emerged from the analysis of the literature: (1) social networks, and the use of informal channels of information during job search, (2) the role of networking behaviours in job search, and (3) the adoption of social media tools. Tom Wilson’s general model of information behaviour was also identified as a suitable framework to conduct further research. Results. Social networks have a crucial informational utility during the job search process. However, the processes whereby young jobseekers engage in networking behaviours, both offline and online, remain largely unexplored. Conclusion. Identification and analysis of the key research themes reveal opportunities to acquire further knowledge regarding the networking behaviours of young jobseekers. Wilson’s model can be used as a framework to provide a holistic understanding of the networking process, from an information behaviour perspective.

Evaluating Risks of Dam-Reservoir Systems Using Efficient Importance Sampling

The occurrence frequency of failure events serve as critical indexes representing the safety status of dam-reservoir systems. Although overtopping is the most common failure mode with significant consequences, this type of event, in most cases, has a small probability. Estimation of such rare event risks for dam-reservoir systems with crude Monte Carlo (CMC) simulation techniques requires a prohibitively large number of trials, where significant computational resources are required to reach the satisfied estimation results. Otherwise, estimation of the disturbances would not be accurate enough. In order to reduce the computation expenses and improve the risk estimation efficiency, an importance sampling (IS) based simulation approach is proposed in this dissertation to address the overtopping risks of dam-reservoir systems. Deliverables of this study mainly include the following five aspects: 1) the reservoir inflow hydrograph model; 2) the dam-reservoir system operation model; 3) the CMC simulation framework; 4) the IS-based Monte Carlo (ISMC) simulation framework; and 5) the overtopping risk estimation comparison of both CMC and ISMC simulation. In a broader sense, this study meets the following three expectations: 1) to address the natural stochastic characteristics of the dam-reservoir system, such as the reservoir inflow rate; 2) to build up the fundamental CMC and ISMC simulation frameworks of the dam-reservoir system in order to estimate the overtopping risks; and 3) to compare the simulation results and the computational performance in order to demonstrate the ISMC simulation advantages. The estimation results of overtopping probability could be used to guide the future dam safety investigations and studies, and to supplement the conventional analyses in decision making on the dam-reservoir system improvements. At the same time, the proposed methodology of ISMC simulation is reasonably robust and proved to improve the overtopping risk estimation. The more accurate estimation, the smaller variance, and the reduced CPU time, expand the application of Monte Carlo (MC) technique on evaluating rare event risks for infrastructures.

Reasoning on the Risks of Dynamic Manufacturing Networks through Cognitive Mapping

Part 17: Risk Analysis

Assessment of the Occurrence and Potential Risks of Pharmaceuticals and their Metabolites in Fish and Water Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

A comprehensive method for the analysis of 11 target pharmaceuticals representing multiple therapeutic classes was developed for biological tissues (fish) and water. Water samples were extracted using solid phase extraction (SPE), while fish tissue homogenates were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) followed by mixed-mode cation exchange SPE cleanup and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among the 11 target pharmaceuticals analyzed, trimethoprim, caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, diphenhydramine, diltiazem, carbamazepine, erythromycin and fluoxetine were consistently detected in reclaimed water. On the other hand, caffeine, diphenhydramine and carbamazepine were consistently detected in fish and surface water samples. In order to understand the uptake and depuration of pharmaceuticals as well as bioconcentration factors (BCFs) under the worst-case conditions, mosquito fish were exposed to reclaimed water under static-renewal for 7 days, followed by a 14-day depuration phase in clean water. Characterization of the exposure media revealed the presence of 26 pharmaceuticals while 5 pharmaceuticals including caffeine, diphenhydramine, diltiazem, carbamazepine, and ibuprofen were present in the organisms as early as 5 h from the start of the exposure. Liquid chromatography ultra-high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry was explored as a tool to identify and quantify phase II pharmaceutical metabolites in reclaimed water. The resulting data confirmed the presence of acetyl-sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethoxazole glucuronide in reclaimed water. To my knowledge, this is the first known report of sulfamethoxazole glucuronide surviving intact through wastewater treatment plants and occurring in environmental water samples. Finally, five bioaccumulative pharmaceuticals including caffeine, carbamazepine, diltiazem, diphenhydramine and ibuprofen detected in reclaimed water were investigated regarding the acute and chronic risks to aquatic organisms. The results indicated a low potential risk of carbamazepine even under the worst case exposure scenario. Given the dilution factors that affect environmental releases, the risk of exposure to carbamazepine will be even more reduced.

Assessment of the Occurrence and Potential Risks of Antibiotics and their Metabolites in South Florida Waters Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

An automated on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitation of multiple classes of antibiotics in environmental waters. High sensitivity in the low ng/L range was accomplished by using large volume injections with 10-mL of sample. Positive confirmation of analytes was achieved using two selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions per antibiotic and quantitation was performed using an internal standard approach. Samples were extracted using online solid phase extraction, then using column switching technique; extracted samples were immediately passed through liquid chromatography and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. The total run time per each sample was 20 min. The statistically calculated method detection limits for various environmental samples were between 1.2 and 63 ng/L. Furthermore, the method was validated in terms of precision, accuracy and linearity. The developed analytical methodology was used to measure the occurrence of antibiotics in reclaimed waters (n=56), surface waters (n=53), ground waters (n=8) and drinking waters (n=54) collected from different parts of South Florida. In reclaimed waters, the most frequently detected antibiotics were nalidixic acid, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole and ofloxacin (19.3-604.9 ng/L). Detection of antibiotics in reclaimed waters indicates that they can’t be completely removed by conventional wastewater treatment process. Furthermore, the average mass loads of antibiotics released into the local environment through reclaimed water were estimated as 0.248 Kg/day. Among the surface waters samples, Miami River (reaching up to 580 ng/L) and Black Creek canal (up to 124 ng/L) showed highest concentrations of antibiotics. No traces of antibiotics were found in ground waters. On the other hand, erythromycin (monitored as anhydro erythromycin) was detected in 82% of the drinking water samples (n.d-66 ng/L). The developed approach is suitable for both research and monitoring applications. Major metabolites of antibiotics in reclaimed wates were identified and quantified using high resolution benchtop Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer. A phase I metabolite of erythromycin was tentatively identified in full scan based on accurate mass measurement. Using extracted ion chromatogram (XIC), high resolution data-dependent MS/MS spectra and metabolic profiling software the metabolite was identified as desmethyl anhydro erythromycin with molecular formula C36H63NO12 and m/z 702.4423. The molar concentration of the metabolite to erythromycin was in the order of 13 %. To my knowledge, this is the first known report on this metabolite in reclaimed water. Another compound acetyl-sulfamethoxazole, a phase II metabolite of sulfamethoxazole was also identified in reclaimed water and mole fraction of the metabolite represent 36 %, of the cumulative sulfamethoxazole concentration. The results were illustrating the importance to include metabolites also in the routine analysis to obtain a mass balance for better understanding of the occurrence, fate and distribution of antibiotics in the environment. Finally, all the antibiotics detected in reclaimed and surface waters were investigated to assess the potential risk to the aquatic organisms. The surface water antibiotic concentrations that represented the real time exposure conditions revealed that the macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin, clarithromycin and tylosin along with quinolone antibiotic, ciprofloxacin were suspected to induce high toxicity to aquatic biota. Preliminary results showing that, among the antibiotic groups tested, macrolides posed the highest ecological threat, and therefore, they may need to be further evaluated with, long-term exposure studies considering bioaccumulation factors and more number of species selected. Overall, the occurrence of antibiotics in aquatic environment is posing an ecological health concern.

YRITYKSEN VERKOSTOITUMISKYKY, Verkostoitumisen hyöty- ja haittatasapainon arviointi

Useilla toimialoilla kuten infra-alalla verkostoituminen on ollut vieras käsite. Hankintamallit, lainsäädäntö ja alalle ominaiset lyhytkestoiset projektit ovat olleet kumppanuuksien esteenä. Uudet hankintamallit ja toimijoille asetetut roolijakovaatimukset antavat infra-toimialan yrityksille mahdollisuuksia kumpanuuksien rakentamiseen. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena on löytää syitä ja motiiveja jotka johtavat verkostoitumiseen infra-alalla. Tutkimuksessa esitellään verkostoitumisen näkökulmasta käsin infra-alan keskeisen rakennuttaja-organisaation hankintastrategiaa, sekä siitä muodostettua alan arvoketjua. Verkostoituminen on prosessi, jonka aikana arvioidaan yrityksen kykyä toimia kumppanina. Vertikaalisen verkostoitumisen haasteena on yritysten välille syntyvä yhteinen näkemys toimintatavoista, joilla kahdenvälinen markkinaehtoinen liikesuhde voidaan muuttaa kumppanuudeksi. Tavoitteena on oikean tasapainon löytäminen hyötyjen ja haittojen välillä. Tutkimuksessa esitellään niitä hyötyjä ja haittoja, jotka liittyvät yritystenväliseen vertikaalisen verkostoitumiseen. Tutkimuksessa esitellään myös kaksi valmista verkostoitumistyökalua, jotka on tarkoitettu yritysten käyttöön verkostoitumisprosessin tueksi. Työkalut on valittu siten, että niiden käyttäminen on mahdollista ja hyödyllistä heti verkostoitumisprosessin alku- eli rakennusvaiheessa.

[lean Production And Psychosocial Risks: The Case Of A Multinational Merger In A Metallurgical Company In Brazil].

This study focused on the method known as lean production as a work-related psychosocial risk factor in a Brazilian multinational auto parts company after its merger with other multinational companies. The authors conducted a qualitative analysis of two time points: the first using on-site observation and key interviews with managers and workers during implementation of lean production in 1996; the second, 16 years later, comparing data from a document search in labor inspection records from the Ministry of Labor and Employment and legal proceedings initiated by the Office of the Public Prosecutor for Labor Affairs. The merger led to layoffs, replacements, and an increase in the workday. A class action suit was filed on grounds of aggravated working conditions. The new production model led to psychosocial risks that increased the need for workers' health precautions when changes in the production process introduced new and increased risks of physical and mental illnesses.

The perceived potential of business social networking sites

Business social networking is a facilitator of several business activities, such as market studies, communication with clients, and identification of business partners. This paper traduces the results of a study undertaken with the purpose of getting to know how the potential of networking is perceived in the promotion of business by participants of the LinkedIn network, and presents two main contributions: (1) to disseminate within the business community which is the relevance given to social networking; and (2) which are the social networks best suitable to the promotion of business, to support the definition of strategies and approaches accordingly. The results confirm that LinkedIn is the most suitable network to answer the needs of those that look for professional contacts and for the promotion of business, while innovation is the most recognized factor in the promotion of business through social networking. This study contributes to a better understanding of the potential of different business social networking sites, to support organizations and professionals to align their strategies with the perceived potential of each network.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and assessment of potential risks in preschool children

As children represent one of the most vulnerable groups in society, more information concerning their exposure to health hazardous air pollutants in school environments is necessary. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified as priority air pollutants due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties that strongly affect human health. Thus, this work aims to characterize levels of 18 selected PAHs in preschool environment, and to estimate exposure and assess the respective risks for 3–5-year-old children (in comparison with adults). Gaseous PAHs (mean of 44.5 ± 12.3 ng m−3) accounted for 87 % of the total concentration (ΣPAHs) with 3–ringed compounds being the most abundant (66 % of gaseous ΣPAHs). PAHs with 5 rings were the most abundant ones in the particulate phase (PM; mean of 6.89 ± 2.85 ng m−3) being predominantly found in PM1 (78 % particulate ΣPAHs). Overall child exposures to PAHs were not significantly different between older children (4–5 years old) and younger ones (3 years old). Total carcinogenic risks due to particulate-bound PAHs indoors were higher than outdoor ones. The estimated cancer risks of both preschool children and the staff were lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) threshold of 10−6 but slightly higher than WHO-based guideline.

Risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy in older men

The use of testosterone in older men, known as male hormonal replacement therapy or androgen replacement therapy, has become of increasing interest to both the medical and lay communities over the past decade. Even though the knowledge of the potential benefits and risks of male Androgen Replacement Therapy has increased dramatically, there is still much that needs to be determined. Although there are a number of potential benefits of male Androgen Replacement Therapy and data concerning clinical effects of such replacement have accumulated, as yet there have not been any large multicenter randomized controlled trials of this therapy. It is the purpose of this article to review what is currently known about the possible risks and benefits of male Androgen Replacement Therapy by discussing the clinical trials to date.

Information sharing in R&D collaboration - Context-dependency and means of governance

Tiedon jakaminen ja kommunikointi ovat tärkeitä toimintoja verkostoituneiden yritysten välillä ja ne käsitetäänkin yhteistyösuhteen yhtenä menestystekijänä ja kulmakivenä. Tiedon jakamiseen liittyviä haasteita ovat mm. yrityksen liiketoiminnalle kriittisen tiedon vuotaminen ja liiketoiminnan vaatima tiedon reaaliaikaisuus ja riittävä määrä. Tuotekehitysyhteistyössä haasteellista on tiedon jäsentymättömyys ja sitä kautta lisääntyvä tiedon jakamisen tarve, minkä lisäksi jaettava tieto on usein monimutkaista ja yksityiskohtaista. Lisäksi tuotteiden elinkaaret lyhenevät, ja ulkoistaminen ja yhteistyö ovat yhä kasvavia trendejä liiketoiminnassa. Yhdessä nämä tekijät johtavat siihen, että tiedon jakaminen on haastavaa eritoten verkostoituneiden yritysten välillä. Tässä tutkimuksessa tiedon jakamisen haasteisiin pyrittiin vastaamaan ottamalla lähtökohdaksi tiedon jakamisen tilanneriippuvuuden ymmärtäminen. Työssä vastattiin kahteen pääkysymykseen: Mikä on tiedon jakamisen tilanneriippuvuus ja miten sitä voidaan hallita? Tilanneriippuvuudella tarkoitetaan työssä niitä tekijöitä, jotka vaikuttavat siihen, miten yritys jakaa tietoa tuotekehityskumppaneidensa kanssa. Tiedon jakamisella puolestaan tarkoitetaan yrityksestä toiselle siirrettävää tietoa, jota tarvitaan tuotekehitysprojektin aikana. Työn empiirinen aineisto on kerätty laadullisella tutkimusotteella case- eli tapaustutkimuksena yhdessä telekommunikaatioalan yrityksessä jasen eri liiketoimintayksiköissä. Tutkimusjoukko käsitti 19 tuotekehitys- ja toimittajanhallintatehtävissä toimivaa johtajaa tai päällikköä. Työ nojaa pääasiassa hankintojen johtamisen tutkimuskenttään ja tilanneriippuvuuden selvittämiseksi paneuduttiin erityisesti verkostojen tutkimukseen. Työssä kuvattiin tiedon jakaminen yhtenä verkoston toimintona ja yhteistyöhön liittyvättiedon jakamisen hyödyt, haasteet ja riskit identifioitiin. Tämän lisäksi työssä kehitettiin verkoston tutkimismalleja ja yhdistettiin eri tasoilla tapahtuvaa verkoston tutkimusta. Työssä esitettiin malli verkoston toimintojen tutkimiseksija todettiin, että verkostotutkimusta pitäisi tehdä verkosto, ketju, yrityssuhde- ja yritystasolla. Malliin on myös hyvä yhdistää tuote- ja tehtäväkohtaiset ominaispiirteet. Kirjallisuuskatsauksen perusteella huomattiin, että tiedon jakamista on aiemmin tarkasteltu lähinnä tuote- ja yrityssuhteiden tasolla. Väitöskirjassa esitettiin lisää merkittäviä tekijöitä, jotka vaikuttavat tiedon jakamiseen. Näitä olivat mm. tuotekehitystehtävän luonne, teknologia-alueen kypsyys ja toimittajan kyvykkyys. Tiedon jakamisen luonnetta tarkasteltaessa erotettiin operatiivinen, projektin hallintaan ja tuotekehitykseen liittyvä tieto sekä yleinen, toimittajan hallintaan liittyvä strateginen tieto. Tulosten mukaan erityisesti tuotekehityksen määrittelyvaihe ja tapaamiset kasvotusten korostuivat yhteistyössä. Empirian avulla tutkittiin myös niitä tekijöitä, joilla tiedon jakamista voidaan hallita tilanneriippuvuuteen perustuen, koska aiemmin tiedon jakamisen hallintakeinoja tai menestystekijöitä ei ole liitetty suoranaisesti eri olosuhteisiin. Nämä hallintakeinot jaettiin yhteistyötason- ja tuotekehitysprojektitason tekijöihin. Yksi työn keskeisistä tuloksista on se, että huolimatta tiedon jakamisen haasteista, monet niistä voidaan eliminoida tunnistamalla vallitsevat olosuhteet ja panostamalla tiedon jakamisen hallintakeinoihin. Työn manageriaalinen hyöty koskee erityisesti yrityksiä, jotka suunnittelevat ja tekevät tuotekehitysyhteistyötä yrityskumppaniensa kanssa. Työssä esitellään keinoja tämän haasteellisen tehtäväkentän hallintaan ja todetaan, että yritysten pitäisikin kiinnittää entistä enemmän huomiota tiedon jakamisen ja kommunikaation hallintaan jo tuotekehitysyhteistyötä suunniteltaessa.

Offshore Sourcing in Software Development: Case Studies of Finnish-Russian Cooperation

The study examines international cooperation in product development in software development organisations. The software industry is known for its global nature and knowledge-intensity, which makes it an interesting setting to examine international cooperation in. Software development processes are increasingly distributed worldwide, but for small or even medium-sized enterprises, typical for the software industry, such distribution of operations is often possible only in association with crossing the company’s boundaries. The strategic decision-making of companies is likely to be affected by the characteristics of the industry, and this includes decisions about cooperation or sourcing. The objective of this thesis is to provide a holistic view on factors affecting decisions about offshore sourcing in software development. Offshore sourcing refers to a cooperative mode of offshoring, where a firm does not establish its own presence in a foreign country, but utilises a local supplier. The study examines product development activities that are distributed across organisational and geographical boundaries. The objective can be divided into two subtopics: general reasons for international cooperation in product development and particular reasons for cooperation between Finnish and Russian companies. The focus is on the strategic rationale at the company level, in particular in small and medium-sized enterprises. The theoretical discourse of the study builds upon the literature on international cooperation and networking, with particular focus on cooperation with foreign suppliers and within product development activities. The resource-based view is also discussed, as heterogeneity and interdependency of the resources possessed by different firms are seen as factors motivating international cooperation. Strategically, sourcing can be used to access resources possessed by an industrial network, to enhance the product development of a firm, or to optimise its cost structure. In order to investigate the issues raised by the theoretical review, two empirical studies on international cooperation in software product development have been conducted. The emphasis of the empirical part of the study is on cooperation between Finnish and Russian companies. The data has been gathered through four case studies on Finnish software development organisations and four case studies on Russian offshore suppliers. Based on the material from the case studies, a framework clarifying and grouping the factors that influence offshore sourcing decisions has been built. The findings indicate that decisions regarding offshore sourcing in software development are far more complex than generally assumed. The framework provides a holistic view on factors affecting decisions about offshore sourcing in software development, capturing the multidimensionality of motives for entering offshore cooperation. Four groups of factors emerged from the data: A) strategy-related aspects, B) aspects related to resources and capabilities, C) organisation-related aspects, and D) aspects related to the entrepreneur or management. By developing a holistic framework of decision factors, the research offers in-depth theoreticalunderstanding of offshore sourcing rationale in product development. From the managerial point of view, the proposed framework sums up the issues that a firm should pay attention to when contemplating product development cooperation with foreign suppliers. Understanding different components of sourcing decisions can lead to improved preconditions for strategising and engaging in offshore cooperation. A thorough decisionmaking process should consider all the possible benefits and risks of product development cooperation carefully.

Differences in perceived risks and benefits of herbal, over-the-counter conventional, and prescribed conventional, medicines, and the implications of this for the safe and effective use of herbal products

Objectives: To investigate people's views about the efficacy and specific risks of herbal, over-the-counter (OTC) conventional, and prescribed conventional medicines, and their likelihood of taking a second (herbal or OTC conventional) product in addition to a prescribed medicine. Methods: Experiment 1 (1 factor within-participant design); Experiment 2 (1 factor between-participant design). Convenience samples of general population were given a hypothetical scenario and required to make a number of judgements. Results: People believed herbal remedies to be less effective, but less risky than OTC and prescribed conventional medicines. Herbal medicines were not seen as being safer simply because of their easier availability. Participants indicated that they would be more likely to take a herbal medicine than a conventional OTC medicine in addition to a prescribed medicine, and less likely to consult their doctor in advance. Conclusion: People believe that herbal medicines are natural and relatively safe and can be used with less caution. People need to be given clear information about the risks and benefits of herbal medicines if they are to use such products safety and effectively. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A study on applicability of biotechnology to development in the Caribbean opportunities and risks

The present study analyzes the potential opportunities and risks involved in employing biotechnologies in the Caribbean region. This information would support developmental policies in the areas of food security, climate change and poverty reduction. The report provides a brief overview of biotechnology development, covering industrial and other microbial biotechnologies, tissue culture and molecular biology. Details of opportunities and risks of biotechnology development are provided for agricultural, industrial, environmental, industrial and medical biotechnology, with information on the global agreements for regulation of genetically modified organisms. The rest of the report analyzes the Caribbean situation. Biotechnology applications, opportunities and risks in the Caribbean are described in detail, with focus on industrial and agricultural biotechnology, and including climate change and constraints to biotechnology development. The report closes with a discussion of the applicability of biotechnology to the region in terms of agricultural, industrial, environmental, medical and marine biotechnology. Conclusions and recommendations are provided. The main conclusion of the study is that there is an urgent need for development and use of biotechnology in the Caribbean, especially in nonagro- biotech sectors, to address food security, climate change, poverty, environmental degradation, among other issues. In so doing, countries must take advantage of the opportunities presented by biotechnology to gain competitive advantage and benefits, while at the same time put measures in place to reduce or remove associated risks. This must be done taking into consideration economic as well as social and cultural issues.