Correlation of Molecular Expression with Diel Rhythm of Oviposition in Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Implications for Forensic Entomology

This study explored the molecular mechanisms potentially underlying blow fly nocturnal oviposition. A behavioral study revealed that Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) possesses a diel rhythm of oviposition in light under 12:12 light/dark conditions. Reversal to 12:12 dark/light resulted in oviposition behavior changing to align with the adjusted regime in most females, but four of 59 experimental females lacked a diel rhythm of oviposition (were arrhythmic). Real-time PCR was used to monitor the molecular expression levels of known circadian genes per and tim in C. vicina to determine whether gene expression and behavior correlated. As with behavior, reversing light/dark conditions changed rhythmic gene expression to align with an adjusted light regime. This suggests that although it is unlikely that C. vicina will colonize dead bodies at night, arrhythmic females and oviposition in the dark was demonstrated.     

College Students’ Punishment Perceptions of Online Solicitation of Children for Sex

The present study addresses the perceptions of university students regarding punishments for individuals whom engage in the online solicitation of children for sex. Differences in biological sex and age of victim and sex of offender may influence university students’ views of punishment for this behavior. Using self-reports from a 2?×?2?×?2 factorial survey, the results indicate that respondent sex, political ideology, and offender sex are important factors in explaining punitiveness for engaging in the online solicitation of a child for sex. Interestingly, victim age was shown to not influence punitive perceptions of online solicitation of children for sex. These results are discussed in the context of policy implications.     

‘Netting nano’: Regulatory challenges of the Internet and nanotechnologies

The rapid progression of the Internet has impacted dramatically on contemporary society, transforming communications, business and trade. The global nature of the Internet has challenged traditional models of regulation. What has emerged is a new international framework, governed by an increasing number of actors and regulatory processes. By drawing upon the regulatory experience of the Internet, including an examination of the forces and dynamics that have shaped the regulatory framework, this paper considers the regulatory developments of another emerging and ubiquitous technology, nanotechnologies. It examines the rapid advancement and promise of nanotechnology-based products and processes, and the policy and regulatory challenges facing government, regulators, and industry alike. The paper argues that while the regulatory future for nanotechnologies appears to be uncertain, and highly contested, regulatory regimes will most likely reflect the commodities and services that the technology helps to produce. Anything other than this is unlikely because the ‘nanotechnology genie’ is already out of the bottle, and regulatory issues will evolve as the nature of the technology itself evolves.     

Adjusting Fiscal Decentralization Programs to Improve Service Results in Bulgaria and Romania

Fiscal decentralization programs are works in progress, and expenditure roles often need to be adjusted to improve service delivery. The Balkan countries of Romania and Bulgaria, both needed for accession to the European Union in 2007, must demonstrate positive results from their fiscal decentralization programs in the social services area. Focusing on social service delivery, this paper explores how the design of fiscal decentralization programs, in the form of assigning intergovernmental expenditure roles and responsibilities, affects service performance. The authors conclude that fiscal decentralization requires the proper assignment of authority to match expenditure responsibilities and the policy and administrative capacity to carry them out.     

The Role of Self-Control in College Student’s Perceived Risk and Fear of Online Victimization

College student use of the internet for online social networking purposes is increasing in popularity. Facebook is a social networking website used by college students, with estimates of over 7.5 million users spanning over 2,000 colleges and universities. Unfortunately, Facebook users can encounter some detrimental consequences, including fear of victimization. The purpose of the present study is to examine the correlates and structure of potential fear from using Facebook. Using self-report data from 224 college students at a southeastern university during the spring 2007 semester, we examine the link that low self-control has with perceived risk and with fear of online victimization among Facebook users. The results of the present study are discussed in the context of policy implications.