Abstract
This paper examines the concept of abstract authentication in federated database systems and the difficulties presented because the autonomously operated components may not know the identity of federation users. It looks at how one proposed solution is subject switching, where the federation translates the federated users identity to that of an agreed upon component subject and how this translation may be problematic due to not having component subjects with the same accesses requested by federation users. It proposes using proximity measures between requested and provided access and presents two policy neutral algorithms to find proximity minimizing matches between a federation subject and a collection of component subjects. It also explores the concepts relating to federated databases, authorization and access, and proposes some algorithms that will facilitate the subject switching method of reconciling access requirements.

Outline
Section 1
Abstract
Background
Introduction
Characteristics of Federated Databases
Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Databases
Agents
Agents and Meaning
Perspective
Types of Meaning
Semantics Versus Pragmatics
Context
Coverage of Communicative Acts
Mental Versus Social Agency
Section 2
Federated Database Systems and Autonomy
Design Autonomy
Communication Autonomy
Execution Autonomy
Association Autonomy
Authorization Autonomy
Distribution Transparency (i.e., Schema Integration)
Tightly Coupled
Limited Tight Coupling
Loosely Coupled
Federated Database Security
Authorization
Standards for Authentication
Decentralized vs. Centralized Authorization
Access Controls
User Based Access Control (UBAC)
Policy Based Access Control
Content Dependent Access Control (CDAC)
Context Based Access Control (CBAC)
View Based Access Control (VBAC)
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
Section 3
Subject Switching
Subject Mapping Algorithms
Mapping Process
Federation Mapping Process
Federation Identity
Component Mapping Process
Minimum Disparity Measure
Mapping Algorithm
Create Object Sets
Identify Component Subjects
Evaluate Matching Subjects
Access Disparity Measures
Numerical Disparity Measure
Comparing Disparity Measures to Approximate Measures
Approximate Disparity Measure Comparison
Motivating Example
Access Compatibility Measures and Algorithms
Compatibility of Permissions and their Disparity Measures
Cardinality
Express Specification
Section 4
Metrics
Algorithm 1 (Least Under Permitting Algorithm)
Algorithm 2 (Least Over Permitting Algorithm)
Approximations: Metrics And Mappings
Approximate Mapping Algorithms
Algorithm 3 (Approximate Under Permitting Algorithm)
Algorithm 4 (Approximate Over Permitting Algorithm)
Properties of Algorithms 3 and Algorithm 4
Multilevel Federations
Non-Protected Database
Axioms
Deductive Channels Control Theorems
Signalling Channels Control Theorems
Cover Story
Multi-view Databases
Languages
Section 5
Conclusions and Ongoing Work
References

From the Paper
"Heimbingner and McLeod coined the phrase Federated Database System in 1985, and Seth and Larson later confirmed the formal definition. While the term has been loosely used to refer to several different but related database systems, they more precisely and unanimously define it as a collection of cooperating but autonomous component database systems. [SL90] (According to Oszu 1999, semi-autonomous systems are termed federative DBMS). A federated database system represents a compromise between no integration, wherein users must explicitly interface with multiple autonomous databases, and total integration, where the autonomy of each distinct database is sacrificed in order to allow users access through a single global interface."

Tags:abstract, authentication, authorization, autonomy

Abstract
This paper reviews the term "transition economies" which defines those socialist command economies that, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, attempted a transition from a state controlled, centralized planning economic model to a decentralized capitalist economic model. The paper lists these transition economies as being Russia, Poland, China and Vietnam. Transition economies are generally classified under one of two categories: the shock model and the gradualism model. The paper further discusses how these categories refer to the rate of economic and political change in these societies during their transitional periods. States that applied the gradualism model include Poland and China, while the shock model is commonly applied to cases such as that of Russia.

Tags:transition, economies, globalization

Abstract
This paper outlines a project designed to improve efficiency and to reduce waste at the Detroit axle plant of the DaimlerChrysler company. While the plant is, in many ways, a well-run one, it could be improved in the areas both of savings of scrap and of improving the product. The recommendation to improve the plant along both of these vectors is to shift to a more decentralized system of control in which workers are given greater autonomy for decision making, especially in terms of materials usage.

From the Paper
"The major problems that this plant faces, as noted above, are too much waste in terms of raw materials as well as finished products that are not sufficiently high quality (or rather, finished products some of which are sufficiently high in quality but many others which are not. Both of these problems, but particularly the wastes that occur in the use of raw materials, are related to the fact that the authority in the plant is so centralized and the technology so routinized: Such a system of overall organization fails to allow line workers sufficient autonomy to allow for the most efficient use of raw materials."

Tags:scrap, manufacturing, assembly-line, lean, just-in-time, inventory, waste, raw, materials

From the Paper
"All companies begin as centralized organizations. This is a function of size. Small companies may never leave the centralized structure, while larger companies eventually find that they are too unwieldy to function effectively in a centralized manner, and so they move to a decentralized structure. Historically, these movements have followed an evolution in the company itself, with the first moves toward decentralization happening as companies established facilities in more than one location. Sometimes, even the existence of just an off-site warehouse could lead to decentralization. Today, companies are taking a strategic look at whether they are centralized or decentralized, and what system is best for them. Instead of relying on the natural course of business to make the decision for them, companies are building the centralization ... "

Abstract
The paper relates that Kimpton Hotel Chain became a national success based on its decentralized control and local autonomy. The paper then describes how when the company attempted a national environmental program called EarthCare, it ran into problems on the local level in many places. The paper shows how the need for centralization vs. local autonomy emerged in this environmental issue, and the role of the bottom line, corporate social responsibility and the environment are involved.

From the Paper
"At first I chose the case of Kimpton Hotels' EarthCare Program because it focused on an important environmental issue - recycling. Like most people I thought the issue of whether or not to "go green" was pretty cut and dry. How can anyone argue against having a cleaner environment? But, I soon realized that the issue wasn't that easy. In fact, as I re-read the case and started to identify the opposing points of view I realized that recycling and a cleaner environment are not really the central issue in..."

Tags:environment, bottom, line, decentralize

Abstract
The paper summarizes Part III, "A Land of Contrasts: The Boisterous Sea of Liberty" and explores concepts represented in the literature. One concept the paper explores is that, although America's diversity is often conceptualized as a recent development, the relatively decentralized control of the Americas early in colonial history made the land, in its own way, perhaps even more pluralistic than our own extant union. Another notion represented in the paper is that, based on the literature, settlements emerged in different areas, all of which possessed very different demographics and manifested various different ways of life. There was no centralized government or national authority paving the way for the creation of a loose confederation of states of America rather than a single union; furthermore, at its conception, America was marked by regional, ethnic, religious and national diversity.

From the Paper
"America, as soon as European colonists began to penetrate its borders, became a mosaic. Almost all of the nations of Europe wished to enrich themselves with the New World's abundant natural resources and by trading with its native inhabitants. All of Europe was well aware of the great power that would be gained by the nation that eventually dominated the colonies. Colonists also sought to settle in the region for a variety of reasons, some seeking freedom from the state religion in the case of the Puritans and Quakers, or freedom from the European class system and economic limits on wealth and property in the case of the early settlers in Jamestown, Virginia. The Native American population itself was just as diverse, and included both warlike and pacific tribes, hunter-gatherers and farmers and fishers."

Tags:colonists, freedom, religion, dominated, power

Abstract
This paper explains that, with the advent of its reformist policies in the late 1970s, China opened what is potentially one of the world's large markets to foreign direct investment (FDI). The author points out that, initially, the government tried to draw that investment into areas that were familiar to emigres resulting in a spectacular influx of FDI. The paper reports that, in subsequent years, the government has attempted to redirect FDI to other areas, with much less success. The author points out that FDI is allocated through the decentralized, largely market-oriented mechanism, which supports the view that the Chinese central government has only a limited capacity to compel private groups and local governments to adhere to policies it believes are in the national interest The paper concludes that China has received a huge amount of FDI, which will have profound impacts on that country in the coming decades.

Table of Contents:
The Reform Period and Foreign Direct Investment
The Goals of Reform
China and FDI: The Initial Success
The Inability to Control Special Interests
The Lack of Social Embeddedness
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Indeed, the change was sufficiently sudden that in several instances, the ideological rationale for the change was not formulated until after markets were opened to foreign investment. The rationale for the new policy was reflected in several areas. In terms of economic development, the Chinese conceded that despite major gains, their economic condition was not improving at a rate comparable to that of other comparably situated countries. The new policies were advanced as allowing China to secure needed new sources of capital, advanced technology, advanced management skills."

Tags:reformist, decentralized, market-oriented, self-reliance, socialism

Abstract
The paper shows the difficulty the public administrator is faced with when deciding what is the "public interest" or "public best interest" and that sometimes the administrator has to make decisions based on the community "best" interests or the "objective control of administration". Sections of the paper include: Pluralists and the Public Administrator, The Public as Consumers, The Public as Represented, The Public as Client and the Public as Citizen.

From the Paper
"Other examples can be commercials. If a child sees cereal with a toy in it, he/she will beg and cry until the mother buys the cereal. The mother may know this is not the "best interest" of the child because it lacks important vitamins or may be full of sugar. The commercial has placed value on knowing children will see the commercial and will talk their parents into buying it. The interest of the children is met, but not the "best" interest of the children."

Tags:Pluralism, decentralization, legislation, Citizenship

Abstract
The constitutional responsibility of the provinces for education has long been delegated to local school boards. Unfortunately, there is a perception among many observers that these school boards, certainly in Manitoba, have wasted money, have been bureaucratic nightmares, and have been generally dilatory in seeing to it that the needs of Manitoba's young people are looked after. In November of 2001, under a previous government, this province amalgamated many of the provincial school boards in an effort to save money and to streamline the educational process. It is the contention of this paper that Manitoba needs to move away from the amalgamation of school boards towards a more decentralized policy that places control over curricular matters in the hands of the local citizenry - albeit with the Ministry of Education providing direct oversight so that public dollars are not misused.

From the Paper
Department of Education, Training and Citizenship Cabinet Submission Subject (future of Manitoba school boards) The constitutional responsibility of the provinces for education has long been delegated to local school boards. Unfortunately, there is a perception among many observers that these school boards, certainly in Manitoba, have wasted money, have been bureaucratic nightmares, and have been generally dilatory in seeing to it that the needs of Manitoba's young people are looked after. In November of 2001, under a previous government, this province amalgamated many of the provincial school boards in an

Tags:department, education, citizenship

Abstract
This paper focuses on energy deregulation, particularly in the electric industry. The paper explains that deregulation has been both praised and vilified, and that examination of the issue from the perspective of both proponents and critics reveals that the matter is certainly not simple. The ideals of neoliberalism are laudable, and the possibility of democratically controlled, decentralized power generation is appealing. However, the paper notes, the realities of politics and economics in the United States must give us pause and question whether or not these ideals will be appropriated by corporate interests at the expense of the public good.

From the Paper
"Energy deregulation, particularly in the electric industry, has been both praised and vilified. On the one hand, proponents of deregulation argue that increasing market competition will improve efficiency, lower costs, and spur innovation. Critics point out that deregulation is generally spearheaded by corporations with little interest in serving the public good, and that the benefits proclaimed by neoliberalists are far more ephemeral than they'd like to admit (Beder 3). So who is right? What, if either, is the ethical choice? Can energy deregulation be an ethical course of action, using the electricity sector as a case example?"

Tags:utilities, government, agency, standard