EBIS Vol. 5, No. 2, October, 1995 EUROPEAN BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SERVICE Code Number: NL95039 Sizes of Files: Text: 43K No associated graphics Editorial: Global Biotechnology Regulation? Other pages I. News from Brussels (Commission, Parliament, Council) I.1. BCC continues its work I.2. Research and Related Demonstration Projects BRIDGE in the Context of European Research The European Protein Engineering Community Animal Cell Technology Explained Biotechnology and Cancer Research BIOREP Intellectual Property Rights and Genome Mapping I.3. Regulatory Framework Transport Directive Covers GMOs II. Member States Ireland - Increasing Strength for BioResearch Ireland Italy - Italian Cancer Research Institute offers Catalogue of Cell Lines Collected from all over Europe The Netherlands - Preparing for the Next Century United Kingdom - British Government Initiative to 'Sell' Biotechnology to UK Industry III. International Developments UN Convention on Biological Diversity US/EC The Biosafety Results of Field Tests, 1994; Monterey OECD Commercialisation of Agricultural Products ESF Resolution for Changing Legal Framework on Genetic Engineering
This paper analyzes the "wedge issue" strategy from both a geopolitical and survey based perspective relying on the GIS mapping of the Statewide Database and a preelection survey that oversampled minorities in different types of neighborhood contexts. We find that although white voters overwhelmingly supported Prop 209, including independent and moderate Democrats, the issue failed to swing their vote from Clinton to Dole because it was less important than other more traditional Presidential issues such as the economy. Nonwhite and the loyal Republicans were more concerned about Prop 209 than others, but their Presidential votes were not in question.
The Agbiotech Bulletin Volume 4 Issue 8; August 1996 Published by AG-WEST BIOTECH INC. Code Number: NL96017 Size of files: Text: 47.6K Graphics: No associated graphics files Strategy for Sustaining Saskatchewan's Agbiotech Industry Outlined Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food has released a report which lays the groundwork for the department's future role in Saskatchewan's agbiotech industry. Research and Development Technology Transfer and Commercialization Infrastructure and Services Human Resources Legislation, Policy, and Finance The Department's Role Finally, a number of specific recommendations are outlined for the province's agriculture department itself. News ABIC '96 Meets Expectations/ ABIC '98 Announced Romanow Anticipates Billion Dollar Future Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow says the province's agbiotech industry is poised for rapid expansion. Flax Research Given Boost Strength, Weakness in Western Agbiotech Industry Studied St. Hyacinthe Agri-Food Science Park Booming Ontario Launches 1-888 Number for Agbiotech Tests For Pork Virus Dutch Research in Agbiotech Complete Genome Of Brewer's Yeast Sequenced Regulatory Commons Committee Reports on Biotech US EPA Approves Field Test for Baculovirus Asgrow's Squash Line Deregulated Japanese to Review Seven Transgenic Crops EU Biocides Legislation Receives First Reading Legal Notes Mycogen's Right To Use Plant Technology Upheld Events The Future of DNA Entomology Society of Canada Extension and Biotech Education American Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science Meetings Trends Faster DNA Sequencing Systems To Be Developed Biotech and Chemical Manufacturing Nutraceuticals: Claims, Exclusivity, and Patents Alliances Minerva Signs Deal With Japan Mycogen, AC Humko To Acquire Specialty Products Business Finance Nuvoventure Fund Announced One Billion In Private Funds For Canadian Biotech Export Opportunities Strong For Canadian Livestock Genetics Private Placement Nets Proceeds for Bioniche Nordic Industrial Fund Issues Transgenic Food Labelling Decision Years Away Test for Survival of Transgenic Microorganisms Studied NABC Committee Proposals on Ethics Resources Saskatchewan AgInfoNet Planned Biotech Guide to Eight States Pig Genome Mapping Japan Web Site Book on Vaccine Design Biotechnology Information Center European Innovation On-Line Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Update People Watch Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC) Mycogen We Welcome Your Input Credits: The Agbiotech Bulletin is published 12 times per year on behalf of Ag-West Biotech Inc. by Westcross House Publications
The Agbiotech Bulletin Volume 5 Issue 1 January 1997 Published by AG-WEST BIOTECH INC. Code Number:NL97003 Sizes of Files: Text: 48.9K Graphics: No associated graphics files Biotech Discovery Will Boost Oilseed Industry Researchers at the National Research Council's Plant Biotechnology Institute (PBI) in Saskatoon have discovered a genetic modification capable of increasing the oil production of rapeseed by up to 25 per cent. Developing High Erucic Rapeseed The discovery resulted from efforts to increase rapeseed's erucic acid content by adding a yeast gene. The erucic acid content was increased, but overall oil content in the seeds also rose by 25 per cent. Industrial Uses of S.H.E.A.R. Erucic acid and its derivatives, now obtained mainly from H.E.A.R. Brassica napus varieties, are widely used in the chemical industry, where they are considered environmentally friendly and a renewable resource. The main use of the oil is in the manufacture of plastic films, where the derivative erucamide is used as an anti-block, slip promoting agent. More recently erucic acid derivatives have been used in the manufacture of low-calorie food additives and coatings. Substantial Economic Implications Worldwide demand for erucic acid is expected to increase from about 40 million pounds in 1990 to 75 million pounds by 2010. Over the same time frame, demand for the derivative behenic acid is expected to triple to about 102 million pounds. News Ag-West President Resigns Dr. Bill Riley has resigned as President of Ag-West Biotech Inc. and as General Manager of ICAST effective January 5, 1997. Feed Centre Cements Chinese Contacts Four University of Saskatchewan researchers visited China recently to strengthen ties between the Saskatchewan and Chinese feed industry. Red Williams, Phil Thacker, Vern Racz, and David Christensen all of the Department of Animal and Poultry Science lectured at the First International Feed Industry Conference held in Beijing and took part in the official opening of the Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre (MAFIC) and its new headquarters building. Foiling Aluminum Intolerance Researchers at Agriculture Canada's Lacombe Research Centre are combing oat genetic resources in search of varieties with tolerance to the aluminum found in acidic soils. Fast method of detecting E. coli A seven-hour method of detecting Eschericha coli in food has been developed by Cornell University researchers. E. coli is a food-borne bacteria that causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, two problems that can be deadly to children and elderly adults. Wild genes boost rice yield Also at Cornell, plant breeders have discovered genes in wild rice species that may help boost production of some of the world's major agricultural crops. Transgenic Cotton Has "Polyester" Fibres Researchers at Agracetus of Middleton, Wisconsin report the development of a transgenic cotton with some of the properties of polyester. .and Colours Meanwhile, a patent for transgenic colour changes in cotton has been issued to Calgene of Davis, California. Retrovirus-like components identified in corn genome Every living organism has a genome the DNA in each cell's nucleus which includes the active genes that determine the organism's characteristics. However, genes make up only a tiny percent of the genetic material in a cell, begging the question, "What are all those other things?" Scientists find way to eliminate junk genes Purdue University scientists Thomas K. Hodges and Leszek Lyznik have found a way to reduce the guesswork and errors in genetic engineering. The technology, which has been licensed for commercial application to Plant Genetic Systems, could speed the delivery of biotech-derived crops, and possibly even benefit human gene therapy. Scientists Narrow Search for Genes that Starve Worms Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service and Mississippi State University are making progress in their efforts to modify corn to express genes that can "starve" leaf-eating fall armyworms. Transgenic Blue Carnations Commercialized Florigene of Melbourne, Australia will be selling its transgenic blue "Moondust" carnations in Europe and Japan later this year. Regulatory Copyright Law Could Affect Research International treaties being proposed by the World Intellectual Property Organization could inhibit common uses of published research. Events Going Public CIBC's Knowledge-Based Business Unit will be jointly sponsoring a seminar on Taking Your Technology Company Public on Thursday, January 23, 1997. Biopesticides and Transgenic Plants A conference on Biopesticides and Transgenic Plants: New Technologies to Improve Efficiency, Safety and Profitability will be held January 27-28, 1997 in Washington, DC. Direct Seeding Direct Seeding: The Economic Advantage is the theme of The 9th Annual Meeting, Conference, and Trade Show of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association. It will be held February 12-13 at the Saskatoon Prairieland Exhibition, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Farm Animal Genetics Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources at the Crossroads: Crisis or Opportunity? is the topic of an International Speakers Forum planned for February 27-28, 1997 at Le Chateau Cartier in Aylmer, Quebec. Animal Biotech Beijing The Beijing International Conference on Animal Biotechnology will be held June 11-14, 1997 at the China Agricultural University in Beijing, China. Brassica '97 The International Society for Horticulture Symposium on Brassicas and the Tenth Crucifer Genetics Workshop will occur in Rennes, France from September 23-27, 1997. BIOTECH '97 The National Biotechnology Network will be holding BIOTECH '97 in Toronto from March 11-13, 1997 at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel. ABIC '98 Planning is underway for the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference 1998 (ABIC '98) which will be held June 9-12, 1998 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Trends Depressing News Proponents of something called Kondratieff Wave cycles have come out with some depressing future trend forecasts. US Tops Canada in Biotech Support US authorities provide more support for biotech than their Canadian counterparts, laments an article appearing in the Ontario Farmer. Tide Turning For Biotech in Germany According to an item in the journal Science, surveys indicate that 60 per cent of Germans want their country to play a leading role in the development of the European biotech industry. Alliances Ontario Farmers Form Alliance for Biotech R&D A farmer initiated alliance to develop agricultural biotechnology has been formed in Ontario. Ontario Agri-Food Technologies brings together players ranging from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, growers associations, and the Ontario Cattlemen's Association; to the universities of Toronto, Queen's, Waterloo, and Guelph; to major agricultural companies such as Monsanto, DuPont, Ciba, and Cyanamid. Tech Transfer Beef Development Centre To Facilitate Tech Transfer Years of discussion and planning among Saskatchewan's beef industry, government, and beef researchers has resulted in an innovative concept becoming a reality. Finance AgriBioTech Is Roundup Ready AgriBioTech has licensed Roundup Ready soybean technology from Monsanto, enabling it to market soybeans under its own AgriBioTech label. PGS/AgrEvo Deal Sign of the Times An article in Nature Biotechnology points to the acquisition of the biotech company Plant Genetic Systems by the agri- chemical giant AgrEvo as a key example of the growing value of innovative, patented plant biotechnologies. DE Gains Control of Mycogen DowElanco has bought a controlling share in Mycogen Corp. According to the Wall Street Journal, the purchase is a move to block Monsanto's bid for the agbiotech company. Monsanto To Spin Off Chemicals The directors of Monsanto Co. has approved a plan to spin off its chemical business to existing shareholders, leaving behind the company's more profitable agbiotech, pharmaceutical, and food ingredient business. Issues Biotech Controversy Boon to US Company The European controversy over transgenic crops has been a boon for Genetic ID, a US company that markets a test able to detect genetic alterations in corn and soybeans. European Food Labelling Dismissed as Ineffective Greenpeace has dismissed the European Parliament's move to label transgenic foods as ineffective. Greenpeace believes the move does not go far enough because some biotech-derived foods are exempted. South Africa Considers Biotech Regulation The South African Department of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has released a Green Paper on Biodiversity which also considers the potential environmental impacts of biotechnology in that country. Attitudes Biotechnology, Agriculture and Our Future: A Student's View (The following essay is by Kathryn Gustafson of Macoun, Saskatchewan. Gustafson, who attends Estevan Comprehensive School) Resources Feednews Feednews is the quarterly newsletter of the Feed Resource Centre located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It carries news and information about international feedstuff markets, opportunities for value-added processing of Saskatchewan feed crops, and developments in animal nutrition. ULearn Centre Offers Ag Resources The ULearn Centre of the Extension Division of the University of Saskatchewan offers a wide range of print material and software to support on-going agricultural education and research. Progrid-TA^R Technology Assessment Progrid is a proprietary methodology for measuring the technical and commercial readiness of technology ventures and products. It is based on the experience of major Canadian technology-intensive corporations, supplemented with the track record of small and medium-size enterprises in bringing new products and services to the market place. Genome Workshop Report The report of the 1996 ISAG Comparative Genome Workshop in Tours, France is now available on the Web. Just click on "Comparative Mapping" and choose whatever format you prefer. People Watch Brandon Research Centre Dr. Karl Volkmar and Dr. Al Moulin have recently transferred to the Brandon Research Centre of Agriculture Canada. IBAC The Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada recently elected its Board of Directors for 1997. We Welcome Your Input The AgBiotech Bulletin welcomes submissions of news, ideas and articles from subscribers. Information about new developments at your company or institution, notices about new products or resources, or observations about events and opportunities affecting the agbiotech industry will be considered for publication. Credits: The Agbiotech Bulletin is published 12 times per year on behalf of Ag-West Biotech Inc. by Westcross House Publications, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7K OR1.
"There is no information more personal and private than one's genetic information" – one's DNA. Under the Human Genome Project, mapping of the human genetic code is under way. From this mapping of genetic code, information such as the likelihood of developing cancer, diabetes, etc. would certainly become available. Although this information may be helpful to one's health providers, companies and governments may begin to use this information to discriminate individuals based on their genetic predispositions. This article focuses on the current federal legislation while proposing a new federal legislation in light of this great genetic endeavor. Legislation "has always lagged behind the pace" at which technology, especially in genetics, is advancing. However, it is time for the legislature to catch up with the technological advancements that have lead to the mapping of the human genome, and take action to protect an individual's privacy rights and prevent genetic discrimination. DNA and our genetic information are what defines each of us and makes us unique. The privacy concerns at issue today are manageable, if we identify and reconcile the competing public policy issues raised by the new technological developments and advancements posed by the map of the human genome with the privacy rights that are protected in the U.S. today.
"There is no information more personal and private than one's genetic information" – one's DNA. Under the Human Genome Project, mapping of the human genetic code is under way. From this mapping of genetic code, information such as the likelihood of developing cancer, diabetes, etc. would certainly become available. Although this information may be helpful to one's health providers, companies and governments may begin to use this information to discriminate individuals based on their genetic predispositions. This article focuses on the current federal legislation while proposing a new federal legislation in light of this great genetic endeavor. Legislation "has always lagged behind the pace" at which technology, especially in genetics, is advancing. However, it is time for the legislature to catch up with the technological advancements that have lead to the mapping of the human genome, and take action to protect an individual's privacy rights and prevent genetic discrimination. DNA and our genetic information are what defines each of us and makes us unique. The privacy concerns at issue today are manageable, if we identify and reconcile the competing public policy issues raised by the new technological developments and advancements posed by the map of the human genome with the privacy rights that are protected in the U.S. today.
As the human race learns to critically evaluate its actions within the earth's environment more closely, the public demands more knowledge about their personal living environments. Maps provide a clear means of showing the spatial relationships between people and the environment and making this information available in the form of maps through the Internet allows large numbers of people to make decisions about what is around them and how it might affect them. In this study, governmental rules are examined that concern mapping hazardous chemical materials and making those maps accessible to the public. The social issue to consider is what specific information to present and what interaction and analysis tools a cartographer provides to the public. As with all types of maps, the purpose of the map must be addressed. For an Internet map, any sinister intent of the user must also be considered. Issues of public safety must be evaluated when dealing with sensitive information. Public safety officials view knowledge about the location of hazardous chemical materials as both a public benefit and risk. This study will show how current governmental rules can dictate the development of an Internet map regarding hazardous chemicals and that Internet mapping methods can be used that lead to public awareness without increasing the risk to the public of possible terrorist attacks.
http://www.cybergeo.eu/index3772.html ; National audience ; The state or Rondônia, in the brazilian Amazon, is a region where conflicts between the old politics of agrarian land colonization and the new obligations of environment preservation can be witnessed. Indeed, this region, which has seen a wide effort from the Brazilian state to implant small scale farming in the middle of the rainforest, is today within a huge internationally funded zoning program, officially aiming at a better environment preservation. This paper describes relations and conflicts between the actors involved in land occupation. We take a closer look at this issue by analyzing the Ariquémes/Buritis region case, which allows us to encompass in one glance previously and newly occupied zones. Using a GIS, we can point out discrepancies between the political discourse about the region and the reality, as shown by satellite images. We thus produce cartographic synthesis, highlighting the dynamics at stake in this region. ; L'Etat du Rondônia, en Amazonie brésilienne, est représentatif des nouveaux conflits que l'inclusion de la dimension de protection de l'environnement dans les politiques publiques fait surgir au sujet de l'usage des terres. En effet, cette région est à la fois le théâtre d'un vaste effort de colonisation publique, encore d'actualité, et celui de la mise en place de politiques volontaristes de protection de l'environnement, prenant ici forme d'un zonage du territoire financé par les bailleurs de fonds internationaux. Nous cherchons dans ce travail à montrer la nature des liens qui unissent ou opposent les différents acteurs de l'occupation de l'espace, en prenant comme exemple la région d'Ariquémes/Buritis, qui permet à la fois d'observer le devenir des régions anciennement occupées et celui d'espaces nouvellement conquis. L'utilisation d'un SIG, qui permet de confronter la vision politique ou technocratique de l'espace avec la réalité, telle que la révèle la télédétection satellitale, rend possible la production de cartes de synthèse qui éclairent les dynamiques à l'œuvre dans la région.
http://www.cybergeo.eu/index3772.html ; National audience ; The state or Rondônia, in the brazilian Amazon, is a region where conflicts between the old politics of agrarian land colonization and the new obligations of environment preservation can be witnessed. Indeed, this region, which has seen a wide effort from the Brazilian state to implant small scale farming in the middle of the rainforest, is today within a huge internationally funded zoning program, officially aiming at a better environment preservation. This paper describes relations and conflicts between the actors involved in land occupation. We take a closer look at this issue by analyzing the Ariquémes/Buritis region case, which allows us to encompass in one glance previously and newly occupied zones. Using a GIS, we can point out discrepancies between the political discourse about the region and the reality, as shown by satellite images. We thus produce cartographic synthesis, highlighting the dynamics at stake in this region. ; L'Etat du Rondônia, en Amazonie brésilienne, est représentatif des nouveaux conflits que l'inclusion de la dimension de protection de l'environnement dans les politiques publiques fait surgir au sujet de l'usage des terres. En effet, cette région est à la fois le théâtre d'un vaste effort de colonisation publique, encore d'actualité, et celui de la mise en place de politiques volontaristes de protection de l'environnement, prenant ici forme d'un zonage du territoire financé par les bailleurs de fonds internationaux. Nous cherchons dans ce travail à montrer la nature des liens qui unissent ou opposent les différents acteurs de l'occupation de l'espace, en prenant comme exemple la région d'Ariquémes/Buritis, qui permet à la fois d'observer le devenir des régions anciennement occupées et celui d'espaces nouvellement conquis. L'utilisation d'un SIG, qui permet de confronter la vision politique ou technocratique de l'espace avec la réalité, telle que la révèle la télédétection satellitale, rend possible la production de cartes ...
Thematic No "Rediscover Brazil" How to justify the organisation of a CAL issue on the occasion of the 5th centenary commemorations of Brazil's discovery? The mapping of commemorative activities provides an impressive list, without a unifying approach. The Brazilian government, 'civil society', but also foreign governments (such as those of Portugal and France) do not use their commemorative actions to help build the same memory or project. So why do we add a new voice to this already very discordant concert? Let us say immediately: it was initially a question of seizing the opportunity of such a date to revisit certain themes, to shed light on others on long-term issues, and to stress the importance of the Brazilian field in the constitution of a whole range of French social sciences. However, such an ambition, which is timely, does not mean disinterest in the current challenges of commemoration. On the contrary, in many respects, this dossier sheds light on some of the most recent debates in Brazil. ; International audience ; Thematic No "Rediscover Brazil" How to justify the organisation of a CAL issue on the occasion of the 5th centenary commemorations of Brazil's discovery? The mapping of commemorative activities provides an impressive list, without a unifying approach. The Brazilian government, 'civil society', but also foreign governments (such as those of Portugal and France) do not use their commemorative actions to help build the same memory or project. So why do we add a new voice to this already very discordant concert? Let us say immediately: it was initially a question of seizing the opportunity of such a date to revisit certain themes, to shed light on others on long-term issues, and to stress the importance of the Brazilian field in the constitution of a whole range of French social sciences. However, such an ambition, which is timely, does not mean disinterest in the current challenges of commemoration. On the contrary, in many respects, this dossier sheds light on some of the most recent debates ...
Australian landscapes are facing an increasing salinisation threat. It is estimated that 2.5 million hectares are affected by land salinisation, and this area is expected to triple by 2050. Federal and State governments have jointly developed a policy framework to address this issue, with each state refining their own salinity management strategies within this framework. Scientific assessment and modelling underpin these salinity management strategies, though socio-economic considerations are also important. Landscape salinity assessment techniques used in the Australian context are outlined, and examples of salinity hazard and recharge mapping at the landscape scale described. Current developments in both recharge assessment, and groundwater flow modelling in Australia are described, and the use of these models in underpinning state salinity strategic planning discussed. The salinity management 'toolkit' is discussed. The progression from initially applying engineering solutions to deal with the symptoms of salinisation; to dealing with the causes of salinisation; to developing an integrated catchment management approach; to including a stronger emphasis on market-based economic measures; and the importance of over-arching Catchment Blueprints, is described in detail.The application of knowledge and experience gained through the management of Australian land salinisation to other countries is discussed in the context of the salinity problem in the Sultanate of Oman.
One of the primary purposes of The John Marshall Journal of Computer Information Law is to focus on recent developments, on an international basis, in computer and information technology law. The themes that are developed in each issue of Volume Sixteen, present problems in computer and information technology law, and hopefully help answer questions in this dynamic field of law. The first issue of Volume Sixteen is a perspective issue on cyberspace governance, standards, and control. The lead articles of this issue discusses the challenge to develop international trademark law with regard to the Internet, Internet regulatory zoning of obscene content, Internet service providers' obligations under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, electronic commerce in Taiwan, and a commentary on NBA v. Motorola and STATS, Inc. The second issue of Volume Sixteen is a symposium issue on The Uniform Commercial Code ("U.C.C.") Proposed Article 2B. U.C.C. Proposed Article 2B is a legal framework for the licensing and transfer of rights in the intellectual property of computer technology. This issue is a detailed discussion of the problems facing the computer industry and the Proposed Article 2B drafting committee. The lead articles of this issue discusses generally, the law of the information age and the path of commercial law to cyberspace. Specifically, this issue discusses the treatment of consumers, express warranties and published information content, implied warranty of merchantability, and development contacts under the Proposed Article 2B. The third issue of Volume Sixteen is a perspective issue on privacy, information technology, and the Internet. The lead articles of this issue discusses issues of encryption and liberty on an international basis, legislation and decisions as to the control of the use of social security numbers as personal identifiers, and the mapping of legal metaphors in cyberspace. Additionally, this issue featured the bench memorandum, petitioner brief, and respondent brief on First Amendment and Freedom of Information Act issues associated with Internet blocking software in a public forum from the 1997 John Marshall National Moot Court Competition in Information Technology and Privacy Law. This issue, the fourth issue of Volume Sixteen, is a general issue that presents an array of topics. First, G. Peter Albert, Jr., an intellectual property practitioner and author of a treatise on intellectual property and information technology discusses the domain name registration system. Mr. Albert examines the dispute resolution policies of the leading proposals for the registration of domain names and proposes an alternative solution to "cybersquatting" and other trademark-related domain name issues. Keith Kupferschmid, an instrumental practitioner in Washington D.C. on intellectual property issues and the Internet discusses the fist-sale exception in view of copyrighted works on the Internet. Mr. Kupferschmid argues that the first-sale exception is not applicable to network transmissions and recommends that Congress take steps to limit the applicability of the first-sale exception, and that in order to receive the correct balance between the public's fair use of the work and a copyright owner's right to exploit is the grant of a rental right to the copyright owner is in order. Rinaldo Del Gallo, III, an intellectual property practitioner, discusses the dynamics associated with web site designers and the ownership of a web site under the guise of the work for hire doctrine and joint authorship doctrine. Caroline Uyttendaele, an associate research fellow at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven reviews and analyzes from a European point of view, the need for new free speech legislation regarding the Internet. Ms. Uyttendaele addresses the need for additional legislation protecting free speech and the relevance of the present restrictions on free speech. The student Comments in this issue discuss various important topics with regard to intellectual property and information technology issues. First, Laura McFarland-Taylor proposes adopting an internationally recognized standard of due diligence in reporting lost or stolen artworks utilizing the Internet. Second, Timothy Hofmeyer analyzes and examines the legal issues surrounding the patentability of cloned organisms, yet remains silent regarding the moral issues involved with the "hot topic" of cloning. Last, Steven Hanley on an international topic of Internet regulation, proposes that every country utilizing the Internet has a right when regulating the Internet to uphold its national values, and Internet Service Providers' shall work with each country's government to provide an Internet service that is in conjunction with each country's personal values and ideals. The Global Information Infrastructure is a dynamic medium that requires legal guidance and assistance in all stages of development. As information technology advances, the law must change with these advances. It is the hope of The John Marshall Journal of Computer & Information Law that the legal insights provided by our authors in this issue and all past and future issues help to mold the legal doctrine of computer and information technology law affecting the dynamics of the Global Information Infrastructure.
One of the primary purposes of The John Marshall Journal of Computer Information Law is to focus on recent developments, on an international basis, in computer and information technology law. The themes that are developed in each issue of Volume Sixteen, present problems in computer and information technology law, and hopefully help answer questions in this dynamic field of law. The first issue of Volume Sixteen is a perspective issue on cyberspace governance, standards, and control. The lead articles of this issue discusses the challenge to develop international trademark law with regard to the Internet, Internet regulatory zoning of obscene content, Internet service providers' obligations under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, electronic commerce in Taiwan, and a commentary on NBA v. Motorola and STATS, Inc. The second issue of Volume Sixteen is a symposium issue on The Uniform Commercial Code ("U.C.C.") Proposed Article 2B. U.C.C. Proposed Article 2B is a legal framework for the licensing and transfer of rights in the intellectual property of computer technology. This issue is a detailed discussion of the problems facing the computer industry and the Proposed Article 2B drafting committee. The lead articles of this issue discusses generally, the law of the information age and the path of commercial law to cyberspace. Specifically, this issue discusses the treatment of consumers, express warranties and published information content, implied warranty of merchantability, and development contacts under the Proposed Article 2B. The third issue of Volume Sixteen is a perspective issue on privacy, information technology, and the Internet. The lead articles of this issue discusses issues of encryption and liberty on an international basis, legislation and decisions as to the control of the use of social security numbers as personal identifiers, and the mapping of legal metaphors in cyberspace. Additionally, this issue featured the bench memorandum, petitioner brief, and respondent brief on First Amendment and Freedom of Information Act issues associated with Internet blocking software in a public forum from the 1997 John Marshall National Moot Court Competition in Information Technology and Privacy Law. This issue, the fourth issue of Volume Sixteen, is a general issue that presents an array of topics. First, G. Peter Albert, Jr., an intellectual property practitioner and author of a treatise on intellectual property and information technology discusses the domain name registration system. Mr. Albert examines the dispute resolution policies of the leading proposals for the registration of domain names and proposes an alternative solution to "cybersquatting" and other trademark-related domain name issues. Keith Kupferschmid, an instrumental practitioner in Washington D.C. on intellectual property issues and the Internet discusses the fist-sale exception in view of copyrighted works on the Internet. Mr. Kupferschmid argues that the first-sale exception is not applicable to network transmissions and recommends that Congress take steps to limit the applicability of the first-sale exception, and that in order to receive the correct balance between the public's fair use of the work and a copyright owner's right to exploit is the grant of a rental right to the copyright owner is in order. Rinaldo Del Gallo, III, an intellectual property practitioner, discusses the dynamics associated with web site designers and the ownership of a web site under the guise of the work for hire doctrine and joint authorship doctrine. Caroline Uyttendaele, an associate research fellow at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven reviews and analyzes from a European point of view, the need for new free speech legislation regarding the Internet. Ms. Uyttendaele addresses the need for additional legislation protecting free speech and the relevance of the present restrictions on free speech. The student Comments in this issue discuss various important topics with regard to intellectual property and information technology issues. First, Laura McFarland-Taylor proposes adopting an internationally recognized standard of due diligence in reporting lost or stolen artworks utilizing the Internet. Second, Timothy Hofmeyer analyzes and examines the legal issues surrounding the patentability of cloned organisms, yet remains silent regarding the moral issues involved with the "hot topic" of cloning. Last, Steven Hanley on an international topic of Internet regulation, proposes that every country utilizing the Internet has a right when regulating the Internet to uphold its national values, and Internet Service Providers' shall work with each country's government to provide an Internet service that is in conjunction with each country's personal values and ideals. The Global Information Infrastructure is a dynamic medium that requires legal guidance and assistance in all stages of development. As information technology advances, the law must change with these advances. It is the hope of The John Marshall Journal of Computer & Information Law that the legal insights provided by our authors in this issue and all past and future issues help to mold the legal doctrine of computer and information technology law affecting the dynamics of the Global Information Infrastructure.
Crucial to the success of the proposed Framework Convention on Tobacco Control will be an understanding of the political and economic context for tobacco control policies, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Policy studies in Thailand and Zimbabwe employed the analytical perspective of political economy and a research strategy that used political mapping, a technique for characterizing and evaluating the political environment surrounding a policy issue, and stakeholder analysis, which seeks to identify key actors and to determine their capacity to shape policy outcomes. These policy studies clearly revealed how tobacco control in low-income and middle-income countries is also being shaped by developments in the global and regional political economy. Hence efforts to strengthen national control policies need to be set within the context of globalization and the international context. Besides the transnational tobacco companies, international tobacco groups and foreign governments, international agencies and nongovernmental organizations are also playing influential roles. It cannot be assumed, therefore, that the tobacco control strategies being implemented in industrialized countries will be just as effective and appropriate when implemented in developing countries. There is an urgent need to expand the number of such tobacco policy studies, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Comprehensive guidelines for tobacco policy analysis and research are required to support this process, as is a broader international strategy to coordinate further tobacco policy research studies at country, regional and global levels.