Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In the procedure for merging time series outlined here, I describe a means to create a latent factor measured from different pieces of time series that are observed, even if some of the series have missing data. The Kalman filter and state-space methods provide the structure to model this problem, and the EM algorithm is particularly well-suited to the maximization task, since it is designed to handle missing data.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Internal power politics filter the effects of international power politics. As multiple great power experiences demonstrate, even great powers must respect and compensate for local power dynamics if an intervention is to be successful.

Publication Type: Proceeding

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Transitional moments are extraordinary constitutional moments following the shift from authoritarian to freer regimes. Political and legal confusion are the markers of such shifts as power constellations change and narratives of who “we the people” want to be are rewritten through transitional justice processes. Transitologists commit an important sin in assuming that democracy - both as end and process - is a first best solution within such contexts. Their attitude is, I think, the reason why the complex role of essentially non-democratically structured institutions, such as public education systems and the courts, has been seen with circumspection, the main argument against such institutions being one about their problematic legitimacy. This paper will try to provide an alternative account of judicial legitimacy within contexts of transitional justice. What I hope to advance is a defence of the role that the judiciary can play in excavating, filtering and publicly articulating the latent basic moral capacities of individuals in processes of transitional justice, capacities the actualisation of which is an essential element for the future functioning of a democracy. The performance of this function becomes especially apparent when we examine the judges’ use of arguments from the rule of law and its minimal moral content against revenge-thirsty electoral and legislative majorities within the context of trials of former victimisers and the judicial review of legislation meant to enable such prosecutions. Illustration through a number of case studies will hopefully reveal the potentially corrective contribution that this account of judicial legitimacy can bring to a political theory of transition.

Publication Type: Oral Presentation
Abstract: Agricultural wastewater such as silage effluent, milk house wastewater, and other manure contaminated (barnyard) runoff is an environmental problem on many livestock farms. These wastewaters contain high concentrations of nutrients, and have a high five-day biochemical oxygen demand. The improper treatment and discharge of this wastewater may lead to fish kills and nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) of receiving surface and/or groundwater, and thus, a common approach to managing these livestock production area wastewaters in New York is to collect and distribute it into a vegetated filter area (VFA) where some treatment and volume reduction can occur. However, once installed, little follow-up occurs regarding the expected (or actual) reduction and fate of nutrients and other contaminants. A NRCS-CIG grant was received to evaluate some VFA’s treating these process wastewaters, and this presentation will report on the current monitoring efforts underway and some of the results being obtained. Preliminary soils analysis suggests that VFA’s sited near the barnyard are already enriched with nutrients, so treatment goals, especially for phosphorous removal from milk house wastewater, may be optimistic. The nitrate-nitrogen concentration in shallow groundwater wells, however, appears to be poorly correlated with the loadings of ammonical and organic nitrogen to the VFA. The information presented will address how these research findings may be interpreted to improve VFA designs.